Norbert Nipkin and the Magic Riddle Stone

Joan Weller is Head Librarian at the West Branch of the Ottawa Public
Library.

This is the second book written in verse by McConnell and illustrated by
Pilcher; the first was Norbert Nipkin.

Norbert is a young, Tom Thumb-like creature that looks like a cross
between an elf and a toad. He befriends Grog, a giant member of the
hated family that inhabits the local bogs. Running away from home
because their parents do not believe their tale of friendship, the
unlikely pair set out on a quest to the Magic Riddle Stone to prove
their worth.

The tale and its illustrations reveal the influence of traditional folk
tales about the quest for a talisman that will bring recognition and
good fortune. The illustrator also appears to have been influenced by
recent fantasy films for children. However, any resemblance to appealing
folk-tale style is lost in the contrived verses. All 224 are dull, with
predictable rhyme and rhythm. Readers may object to some of the jarring
dialogue: “‘What was that I heard you say?’ / His father fumed in
rage, / ‘That’s the kind of lie I’d expect / From a boy about your
age’.” Pilcher’s accompanying illustrations appear lifeless in
their presentation of characters that are often very ugly.

This book, with its unidentifiable readership, ugly illustrations, and
poor-quality text, fails to reach the required standard for good
children’s literature.