The Imaginary

Perfect for Neil Gaiman and Roald Dahl fans, this fully illustrated journey into the secret world of imaginary friends is quirky, dark, and utterly irresistible.

Rudger is Amanda Shuffleup's imaginary friend. Nobody else can see Rudger--until the evil Mr. Bunting arrives at Amanda's door. Mr. Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumor has it that he even eats them. And now he's found Rudger.

Soon Rudger is alone, and running for his imaginary life. He needs to find Amanda before Mr. Bunting catches him--and before Amanda forgets him and he fades away to nothing. But how can an unreal boy stand alone in the real world?

In the vein of Coraline, this gripping take on imaginary friends comes to life in a lush package: beautiful illustrations (10 in full color) by acclaimed artist Emily Gravett, a foiled and debossed case cover, printed endpapers, and deckled page edges.

Winner of the UKLA Book Award (7-11 category) (2016)
British Book Design and Production Award (children's category and overall winner) (2015)

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books
Published: 03/03/2015
ISBN: 9780802738110
Pages: 240
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 8.10h x 6.30w x 0.60d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2015
Publishers Weekly 01/19/2015
School Library Journal 02/01/2015 pg. 86
Booklist 02/01/2015 pg. 51
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2015 pg. 96
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2015
Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books 11/15/2015 pg. 76

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 173363 / Imaginary
Reading Level: 4.7 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 6