The Strange and Unlikely Tale of Montgomery, the Mysterious Bird of Mystery
(A true story … according to Gramps)
Age 8+
General Fiction
From the animator of The Corpse Bride, Coraline and Isle of Dogs, comes a hilarious, illustrated tale about Gramps's life as a magician.
Gramps had what they call a ‘Chequered Career’ which he insists on regaling to his sceptical grandson. He’s been a stuntman and a deep-sea diver, but his most exciting, and discombobulating, career was when he was a magician. Known as The Astounding Alfredo, and he became famous throughout the world, especially for the disappearing trick with his dove – Montgomery, The Mysterious Bird of Mystery.
Unfortunately, Montgomery is not just mysterious, but malevolent, envious and ambitious.
And Gramps and Montgomery discover that fame has a way of changing people – and places.
Expect the unexpected and believe the unbelievable in this hilarious debut novel from acclaimed animator Antony Elworthy.
Creators
Antony Elworthy is an illustrator, animator and children’s book author who has worked on critically acclaimed television and Oscar-winning feature film productions around the world.
His most recent film credit was Lead Stop Motion Animator on Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. He was also Lead Animator for Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs and Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie as well as Animator on Coraline and Corpse Bride.
Antony lives in Christchurch, NZ, where he is Animation Director on the hit preschool TV show Kiri and Lou (starring Jemaine Clement). He is currently Director of Animation on Sauvages, a new film by Claude Barras.
Reviews
This brilliant chapter book, written and illustrated by Antony Elworthy, contains so many creative, unbelievable tales, you simply can’t put it down until the end…A wonderful read in perfect prose, it demonstrates the importance of storytelling and the role it plays in people’s lives, especially when words are shared between a loving older and younger person… This type of sharing is perhaps the most memorable and priceless experience for both…Thoroughly entertaining, this book should not be missed. Ideal for as young as junior readers, and adults that love children’s books.
Kids Book Review
From the very start, this book promises a wild ride through the eccentric life of Gramps, a man whose past is filled with fantastical exploits. As he regales his skeptical grandson with tales of being a stuntman, a deep-sea diver, and ultimately, a magician, readers are swept into a world where reality blurs with whimsy. Elworthy’s playful storytelling ensures that every page turn reveals something unexpected and entertaining, making it a perfect read for those who love a good adventure.
Better Reading
…a delightfully funny story that highlights the close relationship between grandfather and grandson. In the (at times sceptical) eyes of his grandson… Children will laugh out loud at Montgomery’s antics and be hooked by the tension as The Astounding Alfredo tries to find his way back to being human.A great read-aloud for children aged 5+, the book is also accessible for confident younger readers aged 8+ who have moved on to chapter books.
Books + Publishing
The tale is brimming with the razzle-dazzle of the magic biz and at the novel’s conclusion, readers will be left wanting to hear more of Gramps’ eccentric life. This story delivers exactly what the title promises – a strange, yet unlikely tale of a bird whose mysterious ways cause a whole world of commotion.
Hannah Coombe, English Teacher, St Mary's College, Auckland
