ENGLISH
“One of the funniest picture books I’ve ever read”
- Jacqui Sydney, PictureBookFriday.
- Jacqui Sydney, PictureBookFriday.
“Every so often, a book comes along that takes me completely by surprise.“
- World’s Smallest Library (full review)
“Young children will love Fred’s outrageous behaviour”
-Daily Mail (full review)
Review on Streamline, Kenya:
“The landscape of contemporary children's literature is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, delivering narratives that refuse to underestimate the emotional intelligence and imaginative capacity of young readers. This month's standout publications span the entire spectrum of youth fiction, moving from subversive, laugh-out-loud picture books to deeply affecting explorations of grief and identity.
Publishers are increasingly abandoning sanitized, overly simplistic storytelling in favor of complex, emotionally resonant narratives that challenge the reader. The current selection of critically acclaimed releases demonstrates a profound respect for the youth demographic, offering a masterful blend of wild escapism and grounded, gritty realism. Here is the definitive breakdown of the three most essential reads dominating the literary conversation this season.
1. Fred the (Very Demanding) Deer by Pépé Smit
Published by Scallywag Press, this subversive picture book is a masterclass in breaking the fourth wall. The narrative follows Fred, a deer who vehemently rejects his idyllic forest existence. In a brilliant meta-fictional twist, Fred refuses to accept the plot he has been given and begins issuing direct, increasingly absurd demands to his actual illustrator, Pépé Smit. He demands to visit the town. He demands shoes. He demands chips—which inevitably leads to the logistical nightmare of demanding human hands to eat them with.
Aimed at readers aged three and above, the book operates as a dynamic, hilarious battle of wills between the creator and the creation. It brilliantly captures the stubborn, demanding nature of toddlerhood while introducing young minds to the concept of narrative structure. Smit's minimalist yet highly expressive illustrations carry the immense comedic weight of the story, making it an instant classic in the realm of interactive, funny children's fiction.
The Global Impact of Superior Storytelling
The brilliance of these titles lies in their universal emotional resonance. Whether it is a child in London laughing at a demanding deer, or a teenager in Nairobi finding solace in Alfie's struggle with grief, superior literature transcends geographical boundaries. These books do not merely entertain; they equip young minds with the emotional vocabulary necessary to interpret a complex, often terrifying world. In an era dominated by fleeting digital consumption, these three novels prove that the transformative power of a physical book remains absolutely unmatched.”
- World’s Smallest Library (full review)
“Young children will love Fred’s outrageous behaviour”
-Daily Mail (full review)
Review on Streamline, Kenya:
“The landscape of contemporary children's literature is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, delivering narratives that refuse to underestimate the emotional intelligence and imaginative capacity of young readers. This month's standout publications span the entire spectrum of youth fiction, moving from subversive, laugh-out-loud picture books to deeply affecting explorations of grief and identity.
Publishers are increasingly abandoning sanitized, overly simplistic storytelling in favor of complex, emotionally resonant narratives that challenge the reader. The current selection of critically acclaimed releases demonstrates a profound respect for the youth demographic, offering a masterful blend of wild escapism and grounded, gritty realism. Here is the definitive breakdown of the three most essential reads dominating the literary conversation this season.
1. Fred the (Very Demanding) Deer by Pépé Smit
Published by Scallywag Press, this subversive picture book is a masterclass in breaking the fourth wall. The narrative follows Fred, a deer who vehemently rejects his idyllic forest existence. In a brilliant meta-fictional twist, Fred refuses to accept the plot he has been given and begins issuing direct, increasingly absurd demands to his actual illustrator, Pépé Smit. He demands to visit the town. He demands shoes. He demands chips—which inevitably leads to the logistical nightmare of demanding human hands to eat them with.
Aimed at readers aged three and above, the book operates as a dynamic, hilarious battle of wills between the creator and the creation. It brilliantly captures the stubborn, demanding nature of toddlerhood while introducing young minds to the concept of narrative structure. Smit's minimalist yet highly expressive illustrations carry the immense comedic weight of the story, making it an instant classic in the realm of interactive, funny children's fiction.
The Global Impact of Superior Storytelling
The brilliance of these titles lies in their universal emotional resonance. Whether it is a child in London laughing at a demanding deer, or a teenager in Nairobi finding solace in Alfie's struggle with grief, superior literature transcends geographical boundaries. These books do not merely entertain; they equip young minds with the emotional vocabulary necessary to interpret a complex, often terrifying world. In an era dominated by fleeting digital consumption, these three novels prove that the transformative power of a physical book remains absolutely unmatched.”
Pictures of the book launch at Gosh! Comics in London:
This is how Pépé introduced Fred in London:
BIOGRAPHY
Pépé Smit was trained as a visual artist at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy and the Sandberg Institute. Her illustrations have appeared in several leading magazines and newspapers, but she has increasingly focused on creating picture books that make young children both laugh and think. Her first, Fred the (very demanding) Deer, has become a much-reprinted title and marked the beginning of a successful series.
Check the Scallywag Press website for more information and teaching ideas.
GAME OF FRED
A game with only winners, because EITHER you win OR you come away with good sportsmanship!
Download the PDF, print it on two A4 sheets, and tape them together.
Download board game here
Download game rules here
MAKE-BELIEVE COLORING PAGE