In spite of being several decades older than Andy Jones’ target readership, I found this a hugely enjoyable story to read so have absolutely no doubts about its appeal to young readers, either as a book they read to themselves or one to have read to them as a bedtime story. I’m not going to go into any details about the characters or the various mad-cap adventures they have (the publisher’s synopsis captures the essence of what the story is about and many other reviewers have already précised the story!) so I’ll confine my observations to what impressed me about the author’s storytelling skills.
Bearing in mind the junior school age group the story has been written for, I imagine that the combination of shortish chapters and amusing illustrations will ensure that young readers’ attention will not only be quickly captured but also maintained throughout. It seems to me that the author’s use of language is age-appropriate, without ever feeling in any way either patronising or ‘dumbed-down’, allowing children to feel able to easily identify with the characters and ‘live’ their adventures with them. There’s plenty of excitement, tension and adventure throughout the story but, although the characters often face potential threats during their time-travelling exploits, nothing (not even the selfie-zombies!) ever feels too scary … maybe because fun and humour are never far away!
I liked the fact that the story encourages children to reflect on ‘good and evil’ and allows them to believe that perhaps they have it within their power to change the world for the better. In addition to all the ‘high-octane- adventure, some rather poignant references to bereavement and loss run through the book and I thought this added an important dimension to the storytelling. Like so many other reviewers I laughed out loud at some of the embarrassingly cringe-worthy Dad jokes but also enjoyed being reminded of the importance of never letting go of your inner child … it’s clear from his writing that the author has definitely retained his grip on his younger self!
With thanks to Readers First and the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Bearing in mind the junior school age group the story has been written for, I imagine that the combination of shortish chapters and amusing illustrations will ensure that young readers’ attention will not only be quickly captured but also maintained throughout. It seems to me that the author’s use of language is age-appropriate, without ever feeling in any way either patronising or ‘dumbed-down’, allowing children to feel able to easily identify with the characters and ‘live’ their adventures with them. There’s plenty of excitement, tension and adventure throughout the story but, although the characters often face potential threats during their time-travelling exploits, nothing (not even the selfie-zombies!) ever feels too scary … maybe because fun and humour are never far away!
I liked the fact that the story encourages children to reflect on ‘good and evil’ and allows them to believe that perhaps they have it within their power to change the world for the better. In addition to all the ‘high-octane- adventure, some rather poignant references to bereavement and loss run through the book and I thought this added an important dimension to the storytelling. Like so many other reviewers I laughed out loud at some of the embarrassingly cringe-worthy Dad jokes but also enjoyed being reminded of the importance of never letting go of your inner child … it’s clear from his writing that the author has definitely retained his grip on his younger self!
With thanks to Readers First and the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.