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The Coming of the Iron Man

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Book Synopsis

This gorgeous abridged edition brings The Iron Man to a picture book audience for the very first time! A landmark publication.

The Iron Man isn’t scary – he’s just very, very hungry . . .

It’s not until he starts chomping on fence posts and tractors that he comes to the attention of the angry farmers – who trap him in a hole with the help of a little boy called Hogarth.

Then Hogarth comes up with a new plan – it turns out that the scrap yard, with its metal bedsteads, broken down cars and old cookers is the perfect home for a hungry Iron Man.

Our Review Panel says...

This picturebook is an abridged version of the well-loved Iron Man tale by Ted Hughes.

The picture-book style makes it accessible for younger or less confident readers. The illustrations in the text are the star of the show and no less than you would expect from the very talented Mini Grey. Her distinct style of vivid illustrations, full of expression, brings the words of Ted Hughes to life. The illustrations alone could be used within the classroom as a stimulus for discussion and writing.

This shortened version makes it easy to share with children as a story, but it could also be used to plan a whole unit of work. This text could also be used alongside more complex versions of the Iron Man to adapt planning to make the same text accessible for pupils who may need support or those who benefit from visual resources.

The book is a must-have; it captures the suspense and wonder of the classic but is presented in a way that is inviting and captivating for younger readers.