Reviews
'Vulliamy’s glorious black and white pictures and Faber’s words combine perfectly […] Each story is the perfect length for bedtime and it’s an irresistible package too, all coloured page edges and foil cover. My six-year-old’s book of the month.' The Bookseller
'Absolutely charming collection of illustrated stories about the unexpected friendship of Mango, a little girl, and Bambang, an Asian tapir. It has a classic feel, but a very modern sensibility; my six-year-old has deemed it her book of the season.' The Bookseller Children's Buyer's Guide
'Mango and Bambang are totally charming, while Polly Faber’s writing and Clara Vulliamy’s lively images – black and white and purple only – are delightful. There’s something of Paddington about Bambang – he has the same sort of innocence and a similar potential for causing mayhem! These stories already feel like little classics, and children will love them.' Love Reading 4 Kids
'The artwork is wonderfully retro and elegant, while managing to ooze fun, vitality and be utterly child-friendly. The limited palette […] is absolutely stunning. The text is witty and zany, and mixes great humour with a gentle comforting style which is perfect for bedtime reading. Because beyond the slight wackiness of a tapir turning up in the city also lie some thoughtful themes: not fitting in, being easily overwhelmed (whether it is crowds or noises or anything else) or simply being different. But this is subtly nested in the charming storylines, which will capture little people’s imaginations.' Library Mice
'Mango and Bambang are totally charming, while Polly Faber’s writing and Clara Vulliamy’s lively images – black and white and purple only – are delightful. There’s something of Paddington about Bambang – he has the same sort of innocence and a similar potential for causing mayhem! These stories already feel like little classics, and children will love them.' Love Reading 4 Kids
'The book feels very global, there is a real mix of dress, modes of transport, foodstuffs – and as in all good children’s literature there is a fair mention of food – banana pancakes in particular here. The other three stories involve a swimming pool, fabulous hats, and singing. It speaks to the inner child in everyone, and will enchant all newly independent readers. A lovely addition to books for this age group (6+).' Minerva Reads
'This is a very attractive book which could make a special gift. Children will enjoy meeting Mango and Bambang in the first book in the series and will eagerly await more adventures.' Books for Keeps
'With appealing illustrations by the talented Clara Vulliamy, the book is a delight both visually and verbally, one that all the family will enjoy sharing.' Ham & High
'Mango Allsorts is a perfect modern child heroine; brave, clever, kind and adventurous […] Gorgeously illustrated in a limited black, white and purple palette by Vulliamy, it's a modern classic in the making.' Huffington Post
'Faber’s heartwarming debut comprises four stories about the unlikely friendship between feisty chess and karate-loving heroine Mango Allsorts, and a tapir lost in the city.' Bambino Goodies
'More great fun for the under 8s from […] the first in a new series by Clara Vulliamy with the entrancing characters Mango and Bambang.' Loma Books
'This is a charming collection of four short stories […] The chapters are a perfect length for bedtime for 4-6 year olds.' Absolutely Dulwich
'The text of this delightful story is full of humour and character whilst the illustrations deftly and neatly portray the busy city with all the pitfalls that may befall a newcomer. The artwork has an attractive, gentle and quaint feel to it, which is a balanced accompaniment to the engaging story.' Carousel
'A first chapter book with real charm is Mango & Bambang: The Not-a-Pig by Polly Faber, in which the relationship between a little girl who is good at karate and Bambang, a lost tapir, has a warmth reminiscent of the Paddington stories. With expressively characterised and comical pictures on every page, this is a lesson in tolerance and joie de vivre' The Sunday Times
'Mango and Bambang has all the elements of a classic children’s tale […] Its simple tale of the power of friendship will make parents and children enjoy it together. Clara Vulliamy’s brilliant illustrations give an ageless, sophisticated feel.' Literary Review
'This is a book to really treasure. I can always tell when a book has that special something when my two boys continue quoting from it long after we finish reading! Oh, and one of them has taken it to bed to read and cuddle up with too!' Andy Shepherd blog
'The gentle and entertaining stories are complimented by the charming black, white and purple illustrations. It is beautifully written, illustrated and produced, which means that it will make a lovely gift. I think that it could easily become a classic.' The School Librarian