Perhaps one of the most unique and fascinating books I’ve ever read. You have to read it for yourself to understand.
Inside the Villains
Explore the insides of villains—a book for kids that allow you to pull their innards and look behind their ears; see their strengths and weaknesses, their libraries and stories.
Written by Clotilde Perrin
Translated by Daniel Hahn
See the video here
Best 50 Kids Books 2018, The Listener
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Description
Lift the flaps to see the devilish tricks inside each villain’s head, what’s beneath their disguise, who was the victim of their last meal (now comfortably settled inside their stomach!).
Read all about each villain on their personality card, which shows strengths and weaknesses, favourite pastimes, physical characteristics, their best meal and—of course—their favourite books.
This exquisitely produced book is like no other: a celebration of story that’s full of humour and detail, to mesmerise readers of all ages.
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Book Details
Country of Origin France Reader Age 2-5 year, 5-7 year, 6-8 year Book Size ISBN
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Reviews
Available worldwide from your local bookstore or online.
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Books for Topics (verified owner) –
the potential to entertain readers for hours.
She Knows (verified owner) –
This captivating and interactive book is multi-layered — featuring flaps, pull-outs, and other surprises (over 30 interactive elements in all!)
Wow Lit “Books that Invite Smiles” –
The detailed interactive nature of each figure was fun and the first-person personality description is smile-worthy—a very different approach in format.
Christmas shopping guide: the 20 best kids books of 2018 –
An extraordinary pop-up book that reveals the secrets of the most famous fairy-tale villains – the giant, the wolf and the witch – with interactive flaps, a twist on well-known tales, and personality cards for each villain.
2018 Best Picture Books, New Zealand Herald –
A super size and simply super picture book.
Best 50 Kids Books 2018 , The Listener (NZ) –
Supreme in this supersized compendium, in which the Wolf, the Giant and the Witch introduce themselves, are the interactive bits:
Booksellers (NZ) –
Children will be enchanted (and just a little horrified) by the three stories told in this book but the real magic and pleasure will come from lifting the flaps to reveal the villains’ darkest secrets. A perfect gift for for any child who loves fairytales!
Book Trailers 4 Kids and YA (NZ) –
This book is special in so many ways. It is wickedly funny, exquisitely produced and a real treasure. It is an over-sized portrait shaped book that is not just for children. I showed many adults this book and they all took their own delight in lifting the flaps, pulling the strings and reading all about the three villains.
Boswell Book Company’s Top Titles To Gift In 2018 (US) –
This is only three spreads [with] three of the most iconic villains you would ever meet: the wolf, the giant and the witch,” says Goldin. “Super large, bigger than most pop-ups and you can basically open everything and see what makes these creatures of evil tick … It’s super fun [and inexpensive].
Bob’s Book Blog (NZ) –
Superb for juniors to play with and get to know the beauty of a book, believe me they need to know.
The Little Bookroom (AUS) –
An amazing book of lift the flap and pull the tab fun perfect for fairy tale adventurers aged 5 and over. Learn all you need to know about the inner workings of the Wolf, the Witch and the Giant as you lift flaps and pull strings and levers to find out who or what they’ve eaten, how they think, and what dastardly plans they have in store.
Louise Ward for Radio New Zealand –
It’s fabulous and beautifully designed.
Otago Daily Times (NZ) –
This is a fun, subversive and highly original offering bound to delight adults and children alike.
charlie_moons_bookclub –
Ohhhh this book is wow, just absolutely wow. Only 3 pages long but so much is crammed in, it’s so intricate. There are so many moving parts and layers, such a special book. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it!
Page of Joy Bookshop –
This is a stunning work of art. Each villain is beautifully illustrated by Clotilde Perrin and the lift flaps and pop out sections are delicately created.
Inspiring Young Minds (UK) –
I’ve never seen anything EVER like it before!! When I first discovered ‘Inside The Villains’ it was only published in French but that didn’t stop me, it was to be love at first sight! It has this mystical presence that I can’t quite describe and it’s beautiful illustrations with interactive art are out of this world!
Lancashire Evening Post –
Open up the giant’s jacket to find a pocketful of knives and a sack full of his treasure, open up the wolf’s tummy to find poor grandma and find the kitten hidden in the witch’s little handbag. And if the wolf bites your fingers while you are reading, you can always pull his tail! Tug on the strings and levers, lift the flaps, and take a close look at some of the removable items hidden inside the characters’ clothing as you get to know the villains better than you had ever imagined possible. Funny, inventive and truly original, this is a thrilling journey of discovery for readers of all ages…
Terry Toner, Radio Southland (NZ) –
Something very special. I’m just blown away by this book and not quite sure where to start.
Alice McLauren (twitter) –
My youngest’s new favourite bedtime book, Inside the Villans from geckopress. Gorgeous and gruesome in equal measure.
Avid Bookshop –
You really must open up INSIDE THE VILLAINS by Clotilde Perrin.
Shelf Awareness –
Inside the Villains by Clotilde Perrin is a handsome literary and visual package that invites exploration with the fingers, the eyes and the imagination
London Review Bookshop –
Have you had a look inside INSIDE THE VILLAINS yet?
It’s a tell-all account of three of literature’s greatest baddies (the Wolf, the Giant and the Witch), with more flaps to lift than you can shake a stick at.
The perfect gift for fans of The Jolly Postman series.
Book of the Week, Volume Bookstore (NZ) –
This large-format, gorgeous, beautifully produced interactive picture book features the best villains of fairy tales – the giant, the witch and the wolf – each with both a story and exceptional lift-the-flaps revealing the inner workings and hidden goings-on of these most compelling characters.
Drop Bear Book Review –
Consider us mind blown by this incredibly intricate, endlessly fascinating insight into three infamous storybook villains.
Publishers Weekly (US) –
In delicate interactive paper flaps within a wonderfully oversize book, Perrin explores the true characters of three archetypal villains: a wolf, a giant, and a witch.
Travis Jonker, The Most Astonishingly Unconventional Children’s Books of 2018 –
Why It’s Unconventional: Just when you think the iconic fairytale villains have been dissected in every sort of retelling, Inside the Villains literally dissects them. Featuring flaps and foldouts that allow readers to explore their guts, and ultimately, their souls.
Kirkus Starred Review (US) –
Readers tantalized by the wolf’s list of strengths and flaws and a full version of “The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats” beneath the gatefold opposite can peel aside his pelt. readers tantalized by the wolf’s list of strengths and flaws and a full version of “The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats” beneath the gatefold opposite can peel aside his pelt. Splendid introductions, chock-full of villainous revelations and insights both figurative and literal
Dylan Tuet (Twitter) –
Perhaps one of the most unique and fascinating books I’ve ever read. You have to read it for yourself to understand.