Journey with us today back to 1999 when the 13 ¹⁄₂ Lives of Captain Bluebear was released. It’s by German cartoonist and writer Walter Moers and goes by the name of Die 13½ Leben des Käpt’n Blaubär in the native tongue.

It’s a fantasy book, as you may be able to tell from the marvellous front cover, which follows the adventures of Bluebear in the continent of Zamonia.

He has 27 lives, and the narrative takes the reader on a whimsical tale through many myths and folklores as Bluebear goes about his misadventures.

This is complemented by wonderful drawings, which of course means this is a children’s book, although it’s suitable for all ages. Especially if you have a predisposition for imaginative and fun stuff. Wahey!

The 13 ¹⁄₂ Lives of Captain Bluebear

We’re great believers, here at Professional Moron, of getting kids to read from a young age. We sure did and we turned out just great!

Anyway, when Mr. Wapojif was growing up he busied himself with Terry Pratchett’s Nome trilogy, but primarily with Brian Jacques’ excellent Redwall franchise.

My word, the choice for children is excellent and we get a bit miffed when we hear all kids read is Harry Potter, and then spend the rest of their time of violent computer games like Grand Theft Auto.

Seriously, parents, spread their cultural intake out a bit! We know best because we’re experienced owners of hamsters! You can’t beat that knowledge.

Anyway, over the course of 13 and a half lives, Bluebear adventures away from a tiny infant bear to a grown adult.

He comes across many mythical creatures along the way (and some real ones, such as dinosaurs), and everything is all very warped and psychedelic! It’s a real trip, for sure, and offers a surreal world of wonder and intrigue. Rock on!

The fantabulous thing about novels like this? They’re suitable for all ages.

If you’re in a learned mood we’d recommend some heavier reading, of course, but the 13 ¹⁄₂ Lives of Captain Bluebear is a fantastical, warped world which you can enter and enjoy whether you’re 54 or 14. Which is, you know, just super.

The thing with being an adult is you don’t often get to indulge in any childish activities you may still consider fun, simply because society would damn you for it.

For instance, if you want to hit your nearest playground and giggle like a stoned hippy as you traverse slides and swings, you’d be classed as either a dangerous imbecile or a madman. For shame!

The 13 ¹⁄₂ Lives of Captain Bluebear allows one to regain one’s childhood from the comfort of one’s home, without society being able to judge you.

Whilst you’re at it, acquire some ice cream and descend into the world of Bluebear and absurd happenings. What more could you want?