Book Review: The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsay
The Magic Pudding is an Australians children’s book written and Illustrated by Norman Lindsay. Lindsay, who lived from 1879 to 1969 was an Australian artist, etcher, sculptor, writer and editorial cartoonist. He is known as one of Australia’s greatest artist as he produced work in multiple medias including pen drawings, sculptures and watercolor. His writing career included eleven novels and two children’s books. Lindsay was a provocative artist, who created a lot of controversy with his art, and even had some of his books banned for periods of times (Norman Lindsay Gallery).
The Magic Pudding is a comedic fantasy that was first published in 1918. In Australia this book is considered a children’s classic and has even been described as “the funniest children’s book ever”. Several adaptations of The Magic pudding including a puppet show, a theater play and an opera. The popularity of the book even led to a full feature-length film in 2000. In order to commemorate The Magic Pudding, the Australian post issued a postage stamp depicting an illustration from the book in 1985. In 2018 a centenary edition was released alongside an exhibition of Lindsay’s original Drawings at the State Library of New South Wales (Sparrow).
In an argument with his friend who claimed kids loved fairy tales, Norman Lindsay asserted that children would rather read about food and fighting. In response Lindsay wrote The Magic Pudding. In this story, a koala named Bunyip Bluegum sets out to see the world. On his travels he meets Bill Barnacle, a sailor, and Sam Sawnoff, a penguin. Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff are eating a pudding. This pudding is magic, so no matter how much one eats, the pudding always returns to its original size. Not only is the pudding magic, but it has arms, legs, and a big personality. The magic pudding is named Albert and his greatest joy is being eaten.
After gaining their trust Bunyip Bluegum joins Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff in the Noble Society of Pudding Owners. Shortly after the Albert, the magic pudding, is stolen by a group of thieves. In a series of adventures the Nobble Society of Pudding Owners retrieve the pudding and then lose him again over and over. Eventually the Magic Pudding’s personality gets him in trouble and leads to his arrest. The Magic Pudding’s court case goes wrong, leading to fighting and chaos. Through some trickery Bunyip Bluegum is able to take advantage of the situation and leave with the Magic Pudding and the rest of the Magic Pudding owners. After their chaotic adventures, The Magic Pudding and the Magic Pudding Owners decide to settle down and build a house in Benjamin’s garden, where they live out an easy life.
In accordance with many other’s reviews, The Magic Pudding truly is a funny book. From the goofy illustrations, to outrageous plot and funnier names, The Magic Pudding constantly keeps the reader on their toes and entertained. Norman Lindsay plays on the food and fighting theme throughout his book. Rather than chapters, the book is divided into slice, much like a pudding pie. Bill Barnacle, the rough and tough sailor, has a Popeye like image in the illustrations. Throughout the book he is not afraid to use his bulging muscles to fight and intimidate others.
Much of the humor in The Magic Pudding comes from the anthropomorphic nature of the story. Anthropomorphism is one of the early topics in Ohio State’s Introduction to Children’s Literature course. The attribution of human traits to non-human things is very common in children’s literature and The Magic Pudding is no exception. Most notable is Albert the Magic Pudding. A human like, living, breathing pudding dessert makes for some funny situations. When his temperament leads to him pinching the mayor, and subsequently being arrested, you can only laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
Another aspect that made The Magic Pudding an enjoyable read was comedic songs that broke out as if the characters were in a musical. Not only did these songs help break up the larger sections of verse, but they gave a rhythm and jubilance to the whole book. The songs had funny names as well, such as “The Puddin-Owners Anthem” or the “Breakfast Ballad”. The musical aspect of the story is why the book was so successful in other media forms like movies, musicals and operas.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Magic Pudding to any child and even adults. The outrageous illustrations, characters and plot keep it a light and easy read. While there may not be as many lessons or metaphors within the text as other highly regarded children’s book, The Magic Pudding will keep readers of all ages entertained and eager to read more. I think The Magic Pudding would make a great addition to Ohio State’s Children Literature course. Being an Australian book it fits in with the diversity of the class and it also touches on many of the children’s literature literary devices we have talked about this semester.
Works Cited
Lindsay, Norman. The Magic Pudding. Kessinger Publishing, 2012.
“Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum.” Home | Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum – Facsimile Etchings, Oil Paintings, Magic Pudding, www.normanlindsay.com.au/.
Sparrow, Jeff. “The Magic Pudding Can Still Make Us Laugh Even after 100 Years.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 25 Oct. 2018, www.theguardian.com/books/2018/oct/26/the-magic-pudding-can-still-make-us-laugh-even-after-100-years.