This book is so much more than a movie tie-in designed to squeeze as much money as possible out of a children’s movie.
This book stands alone quite well. The story is told creatively and in a different way, because a novel is different from a story on screen. The movie is told visually and in a wonderful way as well (click over to 5 Minutes for Mom to read my Nanny McPhee Returns movie review).
The entire book reads as if it’s in Emma Thompson’s voice (I would know since I was able to participate in a half-hour interview with Emma Thompson, right??). It alternates between sections headed “The Story” and “The Diary.”
Some might find this to be confusing, but if you think of it as a story that Emma Thompson is telling, as both writer of the story and screenplay and as an actor on set, in my mind it flows. However, you can also heed the “Warning to the Reader” that is on the first page of the book:
This is a slightly odd book, being a mixture of story and diary. It is novel-version of Nanny McPhee Returns and the diary of the filming of the story, all mixed up.
I did not write it like this on purpose – it just happened while I was on the film set and seemed an interesting way to do it. If you get bored with the story you can always just read the diary. And vice versa. Good luck.
As I said, I enjoyed the book Nanny McPhee Returns. The story as well as the line drawings throughout, reminded me a lot of Betsy McDonald’s Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books. Because the tone of the story is conversational, it would make a great read-aloud.
As for the diary, there are some portions that are meant for more mature readers. The weather is referred to as “hellish,” and there is one use of “d*mn.” But honestly, younger children are probably not going to be that interested in what goes on during a film shoot, and so it would be skipped in a read-aloud, or you could advise them to skip over it as they were reading. For those who would be interested – young tweens and up (and this adult), none of the content is inappropriate, just slightly more adult in tone.
Macmillan Audio released the audio version at the same time, and it’s narrated by Emma Thompson herself, which really would make it seem as if she’s telling you the story. It’s very reasonably priced. Listen to an audio clip HERE.
If you are interested in the insider scoop on movie-making, in addition to the film diary, you will enjoy my post on Emma Thompson’s Advice to Aspiring Actors at 5 Minutes for Mom today.
Three winners (U.S. only) will receive a Nanny McPhee Returns book and child-size t-shirt. Please leave a comment if you’d like to win. We’ll announce the winners on September 8. This giveaway is closed.
Other Emma Thompson/Nanny McPhee posts:
Nanny McPhee Returns movie review
Interview with Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson’s Advice to Aspiring Actors
OK, I’m confused. They made a novel of a movie that is a sequel to a movie that was based on a book, which has sequels of its own? Is that right? So, Nanny McPhee Returns is not based on the original Nurse Matilda books? Dang, I was hoping it was. Oh well, I’ll probably see it anyway.
That’s basically right. However, Emma Thompson said that the idea for Nanny McPhee came from the Nurse Matilda books, but that even from the beginning, she made the story her own.
This one is very similar in tone to the first one.
Yes, I would love to win! I saw the movie on Monday, and we all loved it–my mom included! Emma Thompson is fantastic!!
Very cool. I loved the first Nanny McPhee. Can’t wait to see the second movie.
We really loved Nanny McPhee, and I am very impressed with Emma Thompson. She is a woman with amazing talent. Her storytelling of Nanny McPhee was fantastic. I sincerely hope that the next movie is as good. I look forward to viewing it.
With that all said, this book sounds incredibly intriguing. I think the story and diary format sounds like it could really work. I am curious, to say the least.
It was interesting Jennifer that you spoke of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle because that character has always been in the back of mind when I viewed the first movie. Not completely clear as to why but I got a Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle feeling.
I am going to head on over to 5M4M to read your other post.
My kids love Nanny McPhee and really want to see the movie, they’d love the book I am sure!
Yes, I’d like to win.
Sounds good!
You won the book! Please reply to this email with your address.
I’d love to win this for my friend’s daughter.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Haven’t seen the movie yet, but luv Emma Thompson as an actress. thanks
We love Nanny McPhee. Can’t wait to see her return.
My daughter loves Nanny McFee, and I would love for her to read or listen to the book before seeing the movie. Please enter me!
Heather –You won the book! Please reply to this email with your address.
My daughter also loves Nanny McPhee, and would love to win this. I’m going to check out my library as well.
Thanks!
You won the book, Barb! You really are on a roll!
Please reply to this email and send me your address.
Holy Smokes! I am in a bit of shock! Thanks so much. My daughter will be quite excited.
My grandkids love Nanny McPhee! Thank you for the giveaway!
I would love to win! We can’t wait to see the movie. Maybe we can read the book first. 🙂