The name Neil Gaiman is something of a magical incantation for fans of dark sci-fi and fantasy. I was first introduced to his work when I read the first volume of his graphic novel series The Sandman in middle school, and from there I moved on to The Graveyard Book and Coraline. At present I recommend American Gods, Neverwhere, and Mirror Mask to all and sundry. And yes, with an author as talented and well-known as Gaiman, it seems like everyone is constantly boasting about what big fans of his work they are. But his popularity and the mountain of devoted fans that come with it don't mean that you (yes, you) shouldn't perk up your ears too whenever he releases a new book. Because sometimes, it's really worth it to be "one of the masses." Otherwise you might really be missing out on something.
Fortunately, the Milk is Gaiman's latest children's book and continues seamlessly his record of creative, engaging writing. This is an engaging story about a father's mission to get milk for his children's breakfast (and perhaps a little bit for his tea), which helps to inform the somewhat odd title. What starts out as a quick trip to the corner grocery becomes a harrowing adventure across space-time, with milk in hand (or pocket) almost all the while. By page 66 we've encountered pirates, aliens, dinosaurs, lost tribes, volcano gods, ponies, and vampires who have trouble mixing up their "v"s and their "w"s. There are also piranhas and three dancing purple dwarfs that make a brief but entertaining appearance.
The story moves at a quick pace that will keep young readers hooked, but the parts all tie together in the end with a simple yet nonetheless delightful conclusion. As the father tells his story to his children once he finally returns with the milk, his son and daughter interject at certain points in the book to ask questions or address flaws in the tale their father is spinning. This detail adds some reliability for children reading the book, as kids are no fools, and get suspicious if a story is too outrageous.
As I read both the father's account of his adventures and the dialogue (especially the exchanges between the father and Professor Steg) I was reminded of Monty Python-type sketches, full of absurdity and abstractly funny details. While the story itself may have been a little bit simplistic on its own for an adult reader to enjoy, this humorous writing style kept me giggling to myself over my lunch. (It took me only about an hour to read.)
In the context of the story Gaiman also gives young readers beginner lessons in the space-time continuum, concerning the father's travel but also interactions that he has with himself in different time streams. He uses this time-hopping ability to contact himself for help and escape more than one hairy situation. All while, of course, keeping hold of the milk for his children's breakfast.
The book has text interspersed with drawings on nearly every page. Skottie Young was the perfect choice of an illustrator for the project, with his wacky, whimsical depictions of characters and incidents. He captures flawlessly the simple but engaging events as they unfold, including the children as they question their father's story and try to poke holes in it. It was almost as if Young drew the story as one of the two children was imagining it, listening to their father.
Gaiman's latest is a guaranteed hit with all young readers and, thanks to the illustrations and fast-paced story, would be an excellent read-aloud option for parents with readers who aren't quite ready to tackle the book on their own. Fans of Doctor Who and, as I mentioned, Monty Python will enjoy sharing this book with the young readers in their lives. Fortunately, the Milk was released in September and can be found at your local independent bookstore, just in time for the holiday season!
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