The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy : and Other Stories

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Summary: A darkly humorous collection as only Tim Burton could do it
Review: I'm not really sure what to say about this book. It's like Roald Dahl meets Goya. Each story is wondeful and humorous (if you have the right sense of humor for it). But I think it's the illustrations that make this book so great. They fit the stories so well. I particularly like the ones in "Staring Girl". They make you laugh, but they also make you feel for the characters. If you are a Tim Burton fan this book is definitely for you, but if not the humor will be lost.

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Summary: Great Fun
Review: This book contains much of that mabre, odd, yet comfortable humor that so much of us enjoy. The illustrtions are original, and are clearly visible in Burtons cinimatic creations. Never the less, they are beautiful and elightening. If you enjoy this book with its morbid humor and "dark" art, I would also suggest any of the books by Edward Gorey.

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Summary: Burton's Dark Success!
Review: I have always admired the on-screen work of Tim Burton but had not known about his literary endeavours. When I was given this book as a present I did not expect much of it even though the title intrigued me and front cover art work was bizarre. I found this to be a collection of surreal accounts of abnormal children but still able to touch and allow the reader to endear to these beastly freaks of nature. The darkness in these stories are reminiscent of much of Burton's film work and the artwork is almost as powerful as the stories themselves. This book works on every possible level as it is simple yet sinister enough to be potent. A definite must-read for all those with a slightly twisted outlook on the world!

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Summary: I love it! Tim Burton at his best!
Review: I saw this book at the mall and absolutley had to have it! I begged my mom to get it for me, and like she promised, she did! I was so excited that I could barely rip the plastic off of the cover! I immediatly forgot about the rest of my presents and ran up to my room to read it! I was so happy! I loved it the moment I opened it!I never doubted that it would be good though.(I couldn't look at it in the store because it was wrapped in plastic.) If you are a fan of Tim Burton, or are just discovering him, this is a GREAT book. I would definatly recommend it!

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Summary: tis good...
Review: I found this book funny as hellsinki! tim Burton did a number on the dark humor side of things with these short poems. There where however some problems...One i read through it in 10 mins..i didn't like the fact that i spent so much money on a lil book that i finished quicker than a carebears book. Two it was sorta dull if your looking for sinical sarcastic silly short poems than i would recomend the book called "Creepy Susie: And Thirteen Other Tragic Tales for Troubled Children" it is more funny than dark but it is definately in the shadows.

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Summary: A Great Book!
Review: This book is a wonderful read! The first time through I thought it was twisted and funny. But this book has a lot of hidden meaning in its context. The poems discuss children who feel left out or different. Tim Burton has mixed his usual "unique" and dark style into the illustrations by making the children literally freaks. Through his poetry, he insinuates disabilities, abuse and loneliness rather than telling the reader point blank what is really ailing them. I definatly recommend this!

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Summary: Save Your Money
Review: I like Tim Burton's movies, and I saw the drawing of the Oyster Boy in an ad for this book in the New Yorker, and naively assumed all the drawings would be like that, but they are not. The artwork is ugly, and the sentiments are worse: a father eats his oyster-son to enhance his sex life. It's not for children or me either.

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Summary: wonderfully written and illustrated poems
Review: This book is a book i keep colse always. Tim burton's imaginative writing works perfectly with his drawings. A small book you can read again and again and each time it only gets better!

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Summary: Cute for Gothic Kids.
Review: Very well edited and it has some cute poems but it's not very funny and not very smart. It's bizarre, in an inofensive way. Just cute, for gothic kids.

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Summary: You don't have to be twisted to like this book!
Review: You don't need to like dark things in order to like this dark book. You don't even need to be gloomy or sad to read it. This book is just brilliant. It's innocent and child-like tales will transport you to another level of imagination. You will sympathize with the poor creatures in this book, because they need to be loved too. You will smile and laugh and empathize. I highly recommend giving this book as a gift. Everyone i have lent it to, including corporate execs--really liked it. I also highly recommend "Lenore: Noogies" by Roman Dirge for something similar in terms of art and storyline, which Tim Burton also praises.