Paperspine Blog

Un Lun Dun was a fantastic read. It read like a classic young adult’s novel, which it might well be within just a few years. This book won the 2008 New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age as well as the 2008 ALA Best Book for Young Adults award. However, be sure to read this book even if you’re not a “young adult” – this will make you feel young at heart.

Un Lun Dun is the story of what happens when Zanna and her friend Deeba find their way out of London and into unLondon. It seems that it was prophesied long ago – and written in a book that can speak – that someone looking like Zanna would come. According to the Book, Zanna (whom they call the Schwazzy) will defeat the evil Smog, which was banished from London in the 1960s. They ask if she’s brought the Klinneract but Zanna has no idea what that is. And she obviously hasn’t brought it with her.

It says in the Book that the Schwazzy will triumph in their first battle. But not only does Zanna not triumph, things begin to go horribly wrong. I can’t say any more – it would ruin the book.

But I will say this: the characters in the book are wonderful and the illustrations, done by the author, help to make them even more magical. There’s the evil carnivorous giraffes, the binjas (metal garbage cans with arms and legs), and words like “Diss” and “Bling” that become animals. My favorite character has to be Curdle, the milk carton that follows Deeba around and becomes fiercely protective of her – much like a puppy. The whole thing is… precious, but not in an obnoxious way.

Be sure to check out the book’s website to find more illustrations and an author interview.