Bog
The Ogre In The Cellar
Bog Explores Topics Such As:
• Inclusion
• Friendship
Bog is an ogre who has been alone for years. Jacob is a schoolboy who has heard stories about a mysterious creature that lives down in the school cellar. The rumours have been told for years. But are they true? No one has ever been brave enough to find out, that is until now.
Take a walk deep into the school cellar with Jacob, a brave little schoolboy, as he comes face to face with what all other children have feared the most.
Peter A. Johnson and illustrator Faizal Razalli have teamed up to create a rich, vibrant and heart-warming story. This rhyming storybook is a must for every child in love with picture stories and for those who have a curious mind, just like Jacob.
The story opens up conversations parents can have with young, tiny minds about inclusion. Every page in this book has been lovingly created to draw the attention of young readers. Each detail is something to be admired. If you love books created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, you will enjoy this read.
Peter had a great time visiting with Bog and Jacob
Jacob
Hi, I’m Jacob. Nice to meet you!
I’m just a regular kid, like you, who is kind, caring and thoughtful. I think it’s nice to be polite to others. Treat others as you’d like to be treated, I say!
Psst…don’t tell my mum and dad but what I really like to do is go on adventures. Are you the same? I think that’s why I went in search of my new friend, Bog. I kept hearing stories around school about a monster who lived in the cellar, and I just couldn’t resist. Who wouldn’t want to be the person to reveal what was really down there?
I’m not going to lie, I was nervous, but my curiosity got the better of me. My parents are always saying I need to think twice, but I love anything exciting, just like you!
When I pushed the door open to find a scared, furry ogre sat in the corner all alone, I was shocked. He wasn’t this monster everyone spoke about. He looked lost and in need of a friend. Of course, he was different but isn’t that what makes us all so special? Being different is good. It would be boring if we were all the same. Anyway, turns out he’s a lovely ogre too. We’re now best friends, and neither of us could be happier. I love Bog.
Bog
Bog here! I don’t really know what to say. I guess you want to know a little bit about me?
Well, I’m an ogre, which is clear to see. But it’s not always been this way. You see, I used to be a little boy. Yes, you wouldn’t believe it, but 100 years ago, I made a silly mistake. In Science, I mixed too many ingredients together and created a special potion. Little did I know just how powerful that potion would be! In no time at all, I began to change. Fur boomed out of my skin, and the whole class looked at me in horror! I went and hid away because I was so different.
I spent years being alone, and as time passed, I forgot who I was. After so much time alone, I was found by a kind little boy named Jacob. I couldn’t believe I had finally been found and by someone so caring.
He reminded me of me when I was a boy. I was always friendly and loving but had forgotten that. Jacob brought me back to life again and gave me a second chance. He showed me that even though we all might be different, that is something to be celebrated. I now have someone I can talk to all day, every day.
Meet the Illustrator
Faizal Razali is a designer illustrator based in Kuala Lumpur. His love for drawing began in his childhood years, and he has been teaching himself illustration ever since. He started illustrating picture books professionally about 8 years ago.
He has been involved in about 20 titles in different capacities such as illustrator, co-author and author. Faizal works mainly with digital media but equally comfortable with traditional ones. His illustrations aim to add richness to the story and elevate the reader’s experience by introducing details and emotions. He does not really have a particular style of illustrating, instead he likes experimenting with different illustration styles to suit the story.