Fungus the Bogeyman is a darkly humorous illustrated book that follows a
day in the life of Fungus, a slimy, green creature who lives in the damp,
grimy world of Bogeydom. His job is to venture “Up Top” into the human
world to frighten people—though he questions the purpose of his work. With
detailed, grotesque illustrations and dry wit, the book explores themes of
monotony, existential boredom, and class, all wrapped in bogeys, slime,
and muck. Fungus's internal musings contrast with his grimy tasks,
offering both children and adults a strange, satirical glimpse into the
life of a bogeyman.
Fungus the Bogeyman is an absolute classic, part surreal and funny field
guide, part existential crisis. I loved it when I read it as a child and
when I realised my husband had never read it, I bought him this copy to
fill the yawning gap in his education.
I know this is a classic, but time does nothing to devalue this. I am in
my thirties but still don't feel that poring over the pictures in this
book is a waste of my time. Beautiful illustrations and although the
plot line is thin it is a moving take on our modern way of life. It is
thought provoking. Well worth your time and money.
Some kids' books make parents laugh as they read them to their kids.
This is one for sure. Raymond Briggs will make you laugh and also will
make your kids pretty hip, even after many decades since it was
published. Fungus complains to his wife that the bed is too dry, not
slimy enough for snails. You see where we are going? Funny, but humor
that is simply good, and hip, not leading to bad behavior. Briggs is the
tops in the kids department. The illustrations are terrific.
This book was a lifetime favourite of my son, but his copy finally died
from overuse. So we were delighted to see it in stock on Amazon so that
we can share the joy with my granddaughters. Beautifully written, and
wonderfully illustrated, it's a great book.
