Ian Fleming

Two children persuade their inventor father to purchase and restore an old car which turns out to have magical powers.

Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Sarah Sammis

Ian Fleming is best known for James Bond who appeared in twelve novels and nine short stories and spawned a movie franchise but he also wrote a children's novel called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car (1964). The novel was later adapted into a film (1968) staring Dick Van Dyke.

Except for the car, the book is a very different story from the film. The car in both the book and film can fly and seems to be alive. Fans of the film though might be disappointed by the simplicity of the book. Here the Potts family go head to head with gangsters in France after flying to an island to spend a day at the beach.

What makes the book special beyond seeing a different side to Ian Fleming is the artwork by John Burningham. His multimedia illustrations help bring Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to life. I have to admit to enjoying Burningham's illustrations more than the story itself.

Haley Murray

Michael Cowell

Dr Seth Jones

Ian Fleming’s beloved original text — newly illustrated by Joe Berger! “Crackpot” is what everybody calls the Pott family. So when they go to buy a new car and come back with a wreck, nobody is surprised. Except for the Potts themselves. First, the car has a name. And she tells them what it is. Then they find out that she can fly. And swim. . . . Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a car on a mission to stop a criminal gang in its tracks — and she is taking the Potts with her! Jump into the world’s most loved magical car for her first adventure.

The Magical Car

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Edward

Morgan Holland

Grace Winningham

‘Crackpot’ is what everybody calls the Pott family. So when they go to buy a new car and come back with a WRECK, nobody is surprised. Except for the Potts themselves. First, the car has a name. And she tells them what it is. Then they find that she can fly . . . and swim . . . Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a car on a mission to stop a criminal gang in its tracks – and she is taking the Potts with her! Jump into the world’s most loved magical car, for her first adventure ever!

Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

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