One of our Books of the Year 2015 - April 2015 Debut of the Month We’ve all thought it: a twelve-year-old boy could do an MP’s job at least as well as the present lot, probably better. That’s the premise in Tom McLaughlin’s debut novel, only the twelve-year-old in question – Joe Perkins – doesn’t just get to be an MP, he accidentally becomes Prime Minister. Promising that where there is grumpiness, may he bring giggles and where there is jelly, may he bring ice-cream, Joe sets out to make the country a happier, more relaxed place. It works, at least until his scheming deputy puts a spanner in the works, or a nail in a bouncy castle to be precise. McLaughlin milks all opportunities for situation comedy, and indulges in some terrific fantasy lawmaking while the action scampers along at pace. Beneath the humour there are serious points being made about democracy and government, and this could actually inspire future generations of politicians. ~Andrea Reece
When Joe tells a local news reporter exactly what he would do if he were leader of the country, the video goes viral and Joe's speech becomes famous all over the world!
Before long, people are calling for the current leader to resign and give someone else a go ...and that's how an ordinary boy like Joe, ended up with the most extraordinary job. Now the fun can really start ...Hats for cats! Pet pigs for all! Banana shaped buses! Swimming pools on trains!
A hilarious story of one boy's meteoric rise to power!
'With this on the shelf, you'll have children voting to read!' The Reading Zone
'dramatises a common fantasy for many of us - what we might do if we were Prime Minister' Lorna Bradbury , 'Best Books for Children this Easter', Telegraph
'a totally hilarious story, brilliantly written and amusingly illustrated - with clear undercurrents of reality' Parents in Touch
'a wonderful middle-grade book that's topical and ripe for discussion' Wondrous Reads blog
'manages to introduce the idea of politics for a 7+ audience with some serious points, but mainly laugh-out-loud humour' MinervaReads blog
'thoughtful, ambitions yarn published just in time for the general election' Alex O'Connell, The Times
'The funniest book I've ever read' The Guardian
'A well-crafted attack on adults who take themselves too seriously' Books for Keeps
'this is an entertaining read for those who enjoy slapstick humour.' Kathryn Tyson, The School Librarian
'A brilliant read for kids who dream big.' Yattar Yattar Magazine
Author
About Tom McLaughlin
Before becoming a writer and illustrator Tom McLaughlin spent 9 years working as political cartoonist for The Western Morning News thinking up silly jokes about even sillier politicians. Then, in 2004 Tom took the plunge into illustrating and writing his own books. Since then he has written and illustrated picture books as well as working on animated TV shows for Disney and Cartoon Network.
Tom lives in Devon and his hobbies include drinking tea, looking out of the window, and biscuits. His hates include spiders, running out of biscuits, and writing biographies.
