Sam’s talent for drawing figures coincides with an alarming series of ‘hallucinatory’ events which are linked to a Greek audio tape that becomes the catalyst for projecting her into other worlds where she experiences the bizarre figures of her own drawings coming to life.
Through the multifarious worlds she ‘visits’ she experiences a wide range of characters and learns that the world is not as it seems, that there are other worlds out there. In fact she finds that the whole universe is full of amazing characters and untapped potential.
She learns that absolute ‘goodness’ exists but that it needs to be tempered by common sense, that in the world we live in the concise use of language is a just as important as being able to use computers and machines, and that having a special talent doesn’t mean you have to forget everything else. After many trials she learns about betrayal, the need to share with and trust others, and experiences real terror before coming to understand the things that are really important.
When Jon, the brother to whom she relates closely, comes home she is able to confide in him and because he is prepared to suspend disbelief he finds to his amazement that the ‘magic tape’ can give all three siblings access to other worlds which they are now able to explore together.
Their parents patch up their differences and then access to imaginary world journeys is no longer open to any of the children but they have gained such enrichment and strength and above all have learnt to trust and respect each other. Their father takes over the reins and they return to the Greek island of Leros once more a united family.
REVIEWS.
I liked the title and especially the cover picture.This is an adventure story with wizards and strange little mythical men from an author who knows what children like to read. It has an imaginative young girl (Sam) as the hero who lives in a conventional family with her mother but absent father. As she travels through time and space she is very much in touch with both through her drawings and can conjure up both in a twinkling of a pencil. Her sister and brother enter into her travels which resolves their initial scepticism. Cleverly portrayed with the juxtaposition of the missing father and the tape. Good for reading aloud or silently. Cleverly portrayed with a passing (educational) brief to the tradition of other early story tellers.This is a genre which is very popular with children and adults. Some very good sketches throughout to stimulate a child’s imagination.?
By val lowden
Like many children of her age, Sam is troubled by the fact her parents have separated. She struggles with a deep seated belief that somehow she is to blame for this fact. She finds release in her ability to draw and this talent, combined with the find of a vintage audio cassette tape, leads her through portals into other worlds. She is surprised to find her doodles come to life – some are good, some are nasty. She is also surprised to find that she is viewed as a great saviour by her characters which is a completely different experience from her usual treatment as an empty headed dreamer.
Children of all ages will be able to identify with Sam’s feelings. They will feel her anguish and frustration at her family situation and they will feel her surprise and pleasure when she is able to save her new found, new drawn friends from a grisly fate.
This is an exciting, fast moving tale with a feel good ending.
5.0 out of 5 starswonderful story
By Linda Todd
Wow an amazing and thrilling story about one kid and her imagination. The thing is she doesn’t know yet but she has the power & mind to help creatures and other things from drawings or doodles as she knows them to be. Me & my kids loved the story and the funny doodles as well. My thanks to the wonderful author Margaret Gill and my thanks for the privilege & pleasure of reading her book. With that said I would be delighted to recommend this book to my friends with my love from me.
By Isobel.
The Pataman tape is a voyage of self- discovery for its young heroine Sam. Troubled by feelings with which many young readers will identify, her doodles literally draw her into a fantastic world, where all is not as it seems! The wicked forest nymphs, and the lovable Lollo are just a few of the many characters she meets along her journey. The ending will happily satisfy its young audience as all is finally resolved. A good tale for the 7+ lover of fantasy.
Margaret Gill 