An entertaining story about how one boy gets so absorbed in the effect of the Second World War on ordinary people’s lives that he begins to do things in the same way. When the teacher describes how people managed by growing their own vegetables, Billy sets too with a will. Billy’s never grown anything in his life before but, helped by his extra-special commitment, Billy manages everything Brilliantly, as usual.
When a World War II veteran comes to talk to his class, Billy is inspired to join in the war effort. He decides to use his brilliance to grow vegetables with Dad on the allotment. He learns all about planting seeds - and discovers the competitiveness of the prize veg growers when it seems that he has grown a monster turnip in three days.
Simon Hutton has three children one of whom provided the inspiration for Brilliant Billy. He enjoys stories with clever twists, where the underdog emerges triumphant despite seemingly overwhelming obstacles. As a child his favourite stories were Paddington Bear, Dr. Dolittle and Winnie the Pooh.
Caroline Glicksman is already the creator of several successful picture books, including Big Black Dog and Eric the Red, published by Red Fox.
