All for One

Marlon #2

by Jill Murphy

Marlon wants to play Musketeers with Basher, Boomps-a-daisy and Alligatina. But by the time he's dressed up, the game has changed - and it seems to be a case of all for one and one for all... except Marlon!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 22, 2002

About the author

Jill Murphy was a London-born English children's author, best known for The Worst Witch series and the Large Family picture books. She has been described as "one of the most engaging writers and illustrators for children in the land."

Jill Murphy was born in London and attended the Ursuline Convent in Wimbledon which, together with the boarding school stories she enjoyed reading, provided much of the material and inspiration Miss Cackle's Academy in the The Worst Witch, which she started when she was 15. She put the book on hold as she attended both Chelsea and Croydon Art Schools, but continued to write it whilst living in a village in Togo, West Africa for a year and then whilst working as a nanny back at home. The book was published when Jill turned 24 and proved an instant success. However, Jill continued working as a nanny until the publication of The Worst Witch Strikes Again prompted her to devote herself to full-time writing. The Worst Witch stories have become some of the most outstandingly successful titles on the Young Puffin paperback list and have sold more than 3 million copies. They were also made into a major ITV series. She was also well known for her picture books and was commended in the 1980 Kate Greenaway Medal for Peace at Last. A Quiet Night In was shortlisted for the same medal in 1994. She was perhaps best known for the very popular Mr and Mrs Large picture books, which detail the domestic chaos of an elephant family. Five Minute's Peace won the 1987 Parents Magazine Best Books for Babies Award, as well as being shortlisted for the 1986 Children's Book Award. All in One Piece was highly commended for the 1987 Kate Greenaway Award and shortlisted for the 1987 Children's Book Award. The Last Noo-noo won the 0-5 category of the 1995 Smarties Book Prize and in the same year was shortlisted for the English 4-11 Outstanding Children's Book of the Year, going on to win the 1996 Sheffield Children's Book Award. It won the 1996 Gateshead Gold Award. In the same year it was adapted as a play and performed at the Polka Theatre, London.

Reviews

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute, I really liked the ending. It was simple, with cute illustrations, a good pace, and a main character that grew over the course of the story.

[Laura Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

When All For One was my little brother's favourite book I was made to read it to him countless times. I never tired of it though, as I myself grew up loving all things written by Jill Murphy.
This particular book focuses on Marlon, the star of The Last Noo-Noo and his relationship with friends, Basher, Boomps-adaisy and Alligatina.
The little monster starts off playing by himself but becomes bored and so his mother suggests that he go and play outside with his friends. When he first tries to join the other monsters, they are dressed up as the Three Musketeers. Marlon asks if he can join in and they say they'll "think about it". He rushes inside to find a costume but by the time he comes out, the rest of the gang have changed the game.
This happens a couple of times before Marlon gives up and asks if his mum will fill up his pool in the garden. Here, Marlon has a great time playing by himself and when Basher and co. see, they ask if they can join him tomorrow. Naturally, Marlon tells them, "I'll think about it."
This book explores the way children interact with eachother whilst playing and though it doesn't explicitly say how Marlon or any of the other characters feel throughout the plot, the detailed illustrations do well to convey their thoughts and emotions. This could be used as a talking point in classes, getting children to think about how they might feel or behave in the same situation.
As well as expressing the feelings of the characters, the illustrations could inspire children to create their own games.
I enjoyed this book and if my brother was anything to go by, so do young children. Especially those aged between five and seven.

[Jack Kirby and the X-man · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dislike the Large Family series by Jill Murphy (see my review of A Piece of Cake for why). But I thought I would give Jill a go outside of this series.

My main complaint about the Large Family series was that they were written from an adult perspective. All for One does well by swapping the main character from the adults back to the child (in this case Marlon). The is a good first step, but I still feel that Marlon's feelings, behaviour and interactions with the other children in the story (Basher, Boomps-a-daisy and Alligatina) represent what an adult would see if they viewed the situation - rather than how a child would feel and react.

I think that the Simpsons did the whole 'nobody liked me until I got a pool' plot better in 1994's Bart of Darkness - particularly in noting how shallow friendships based on possessions are.

This book follows on from The Last Noo-noo.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even in the monster community, little monster children have to deal with being excluded and left out by other little monster children. Marlon tries so very hard to included in a group of kids that are playing, but every time they change the game and tell him he can't join them. Finally he decides to head out on his own and make his own fun. When the other little monsters see what he's done, they want to join in too.

Illustrations are okay.

[Merita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations were great.