When the Wind Blows by Raymond Briggs

When the Window Blows  by Raymond Briggs is a very dark book really aimed for children over maybe eleven and it could really be appreciate and more fully unpacked by adults. According to Briggs in an interview, he never intended it to be a political comment. I've also watched the movie which is just as disturbing and sad, a complete turn around from the light-hearted Snowman, and Father Christmas books which won him so much fame. I've  also seen the movie and that doesn't change just how horribly sad the book is with its many moments of black humour. The bleak adult subject matter serves to underline the absurdity of the situation lived through by elderly James and Hilda Bloggs as they somewhat cheerily set about preparing their house for the nuclear strike using the ludicrous "The Householder's Guide to Survival" and continue with their banter and attempt at normality even after the devastation of the "fall out." The last two pages left me feeling sick to the stomach. 

The Tin-Pot Foreign General and the Old Iron Woman by Raymond Briggs

This book tells the story of the Falklands War  in the format of a picture book which I would use with middle or upper primary students. The style is simplistic with the text being accompanied by bold, and vivid illustrations. Whilst neither The Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas), or the waring countries of  Britain or Argentina are mentioned in the text, their leaders, Margaret Thatcher and Argentine dictator, General Leopoldo Galtieri are presented as a pair of metal giants who send troops to fight over the "sad little island" which is inhabited by shepherds who eat nothing but mutton. In the text the old woman who is "not real" but made of iron, alludes to Maggie Thatcher's nickname as "the Iron Lady" which derives from Thatcher's nickname "The Iron Lady", while the General who is also "not real and made of tin pots"alludes to the term "tin-pot general" (another word for an autocrat.) The book shows how soldiers from both sides were killed or maimed. These are the "real men"  The pictures portraying these men are drawn in monochrome pencil sketches as opposed to the full-colour "loud" caricatures of the wearing leaders which dominate the other pages. After the victory by the soldiers of the Old Iron Woman, there are numerous celebrations, to which the maimed are not invited because the reality and disturbing nature of their injuries "would spoil the rejoicing. The stubborn  refusal of both sides to accept responsibility for the civilian casualties is mocked with  statement that three of the islanders were killed, but that "nobody was to blame". I am proud to add this great book to my Raymond Briggs collection. The follow clip of this guy reading the book  is worth a watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rq2tkepYHM

Ethel & Ernest A True Story by Raymond Briggs

This is definitely a book I would recommend to all upper primary and lower secondary students. It is a graphic novel by English author and illustrator, Ronald Briggs which tells the story of his parents from their initial meeting in 1928 until their deaths in 1971. It is an engrossing and thoroughly enjoyable history capsule making reference to many significant events in British society during these years. The plot is a heartwarming progression through the lives of Ethel and Ernest with it's ups and downs, and  their joys and sorrows. When Ernest meets Ethel, she is a lady's maid with a middle class mentality and firm ideas of what is respectable. She marries Ernest, a milkman with socialist ideas and a passion for progress. Eventually they are blessed with a son, Raymond,  and live in a London suburb experiencing the Great Depression, World War II and the bombing of London, as well as the postwar advances such as the advent of television and automated household appliances. The book richly depicts London working class life and makes references to the major political developments of the 20th century. This books succeeds in making the social history personal. The illustrations can only be described as small masterpieces, which coupled with a witty and thought-provoking dialogue between two people from totally different classes makes for page turning reading. It is a tribute to ordinary folk living through quite extraordinary times.

The Complete Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs

The Complete Father Christmas by Raymond Biggs would have to be one of my all time favourites. If this book doesn't bring a smile to your face, well ,you would have to be a real sour puss. The book contains two stories, told in cartoon strip format, the first called Father Christmas, and the second, Father Christmas goes on Holiday. It's a very grumpy Father Christmas, not really looking forward to his hectic job on Christmas Eve. "Blooming Christmas here again.:"   Later on, it's "Blooming snow," as he looks out his bedroom window in despair. He hates "the blooming cold," the "blooming chimneys, " the "blooming soot," the "blooming aerials," and the "blooming cookers."  Then, after finally delivering all the presents he can relax and check out his presents. What's he received? He unwraps a "blooming awful tie from Auntie Elsie, horrible socks from Cousin Violet.," but... thankfully, good old Fred has come through with a bottle of Cognac. Click on the video below to watch an adaption of the book. 

The second story tells of his holiday in France, and sends up the French culture. As soon as people discover his identity it is time for him to move on to Scotland. After experiencing the oddities of this culture and after being recognised yet again he moves on to glitzy Las Vegas. Will he make his fortune here?  Both stories are very funny and provide real chuckles.