OK… so… it’s not the one you were hoping for – Hey! Stop cursing me!!! – But, Patrick Rothfuss will be releasing a new book this year, The Adventures of the Princess and Mr Wiffle: The Dark of Deep Below.
For those who haven’t read the first book, The Thing Beneath the Bed, it is a picture book that is NOT FOR CHILDREN. It is done in a style that makes it look like it should be for children, the characters are a pretty little girl and a cute teddybear, but, again, it is NOT for children.
The humour is very dark, but there is no denying that as long as you are not easily offended, this book will make you laugh and, as a fantasy fan, you’re very likely to enjoy Patrick Rothfuss’s sense of humour and playing around with fairy-tale tropes. The San Francisco Review wrote of it: “In what is by far the funniest and most original book of the year (so far), Rothfuss shows off his ability to think and create outside of the expected. The story is pure comic genius that will be fun and funny for parents and children. The illustrations, not to be outdone, offer subtle little quirks that, after reading the book multiple times, shine through and give it lasting re-read incentive.”
Not sure what they were thinking about in terms of ‘for parents and children’ … the sticker on the cover kinda suggests not:
But, if you’ve read it I’m sure you concur with The San Francisco Review’s words there. The only frustrating thing is that these books are produced in really, really low quantities and so if you want one you need to get on it quick So, for those who have read the original and enjoyed it, read the description of the sequel to see what’s in-store for you, then head over to the publisher’s site to pre-order one before they’re all gone:
“We’re pleased to announce the second volume in The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle. This time around, Patrick Rothfuss and Nate Taylor have dreamed up an adventure that’s nearly twice as long as the original.
In in first volume of The Adventures of The Princess and Mr. Whiffle, we learned what lurks beneath our beds. What’s more, we learned that little girls are not helpless, and that princess are not always what they seem.
In this second installment of the Princess’s adventures, we learn a little more about the Princess’s family. We learn how dark it is in the Deep Below…
And we learn what happens when the Princess gets a little brother.
The Adventures of The Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Dark of Deep Below is a dark twist on the classic children’s picture book.
Perfect for geek children and adults who love dark faerie tales, international bestselling author Patrick Rothfuss has described the Princess’s adventures as, “Calvin and Hobbes meets Coraline, with a healthy dose of Edward Gorey mixed in.”
Jennie Ivins