Raymond Briggs, creator of The Snowman (nominated for an Oscar and winner of many awards including the Prix Jeunesse) and The Bear, has done it again with his latest effort.
Ivor The Invisible is another contemporary collectable from the team behind Channel 4's most loved, recognisable and valued animated films
This animated adventure stars 11-year-old John, a young boy who wakes one Saturday morning to discover that like it or not, he has a new friend. Ivor is unlike anyone else John has known. Not only does he seem to be incredibly huge, he is also invisible. At turns delighted by Ivor's behaviour, and equally horrified βit doesn't take John long to realise that while life with Ivor might not be easy, it certainly isn't dull.
John's promise to Ivor that his existence will remain a secret seems simple enough at the time, but that's before Ivor decides to amuse himself by tormenting John's parents. After all, it's not that easy to explain why the washing line, garden hose and even sausages and mash suddenly have a life of their own. Upset and slightly guilty about the effect all this nonsense is having on his family, John warns Ivor to behave.
Typically, it's a different story when Ivor turns his attentions to the bad-tempered park-keeper, and when John's friends are enthralled by the fact that with Ivor's help he can float in mid-air: it seems that maybe having an invisible friend isn't so bad after all. John only breaks his promise to keep Ivor a secret once β he tells his best friend Leila and together, they make a discovery about Ivor that they never dreamed of...
A talented percussionist, Ivor is able to create rhythm and music from the most unimaginable of instruments. Unable to stop himself, he eventually goes too far when he steals the Crossing beacons from a nearby street and brings them to John's house. Clearly, an invisible friend ceases being invisible when carrying the best part of a pedestrian crossing.
A large crowd follows him including the park keeper, traffic warden, policeman and motorists β understandably perplexed and more than a little angry. Tempers don't improve when he deposits them all on the roof of the house opposite and John decides that perhaps Ivor should find himself a new chum.
Warm and funny, this touching tale contains all the crucial ingredients for an enduring family favourite β beautiful visuals, excellent voice-overs and a generous helping of specially composed music.