Sir Reginald's Logbook

Title: Sir Reginald's Logbook
Author: Matt Hammill
Ages: 5-8

Plot: Sir Reginald is on an adventure to retrieve a lost treasure; the Lost Tablet of Illusion. He must be brave and clever because there are many dangers to face in the jungle.

Assessment: The illustrations of the jungle scenes are bright with colour and have elaborate detail, while the events that occur outside his imagination are simpler and are in black and white.
Children will be entertained at the folly of Sir Reginald, especially as they are able to recognize how the scenes of the jungle translate into a landscape they are likely more familiar with.

I liked the way the illustrations seemed to come alive right of the pages of Sir Reginald's logbook; with the illustrations appearing to be painted over top of a lined notebook. The pencil drawings look like Sir Reginald himself could have drawn them. The text is also intriguing as it is written in the diary form that an explorer might actually record his experiences. The writing is clever and shows how a shift in perspective can change how situations or objects can appear quite different.

Note: Some parents may feel that the book makes light of the degradation of the mind of the elderly, while others may simply see a gentleman with an active imagination.

Hammill, M. (2008). Sir Reginald's logbook. Toronto, On: Kids Can Press.