LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
Helen Rutter writes hugely empathetic stories, often about boys facing particular challenges, but I am entirely in awe of how she has constructed the tale of Fred Timple. It is an interactive story, and readers do have to make decisions and choices about what Fred will do next, but it is a far cry from the choose your own adventures where you are solving puzzles and finding treasure!
The whole book is actually about making choices and about young people having agency in their own lives, about making bad choices and the consequences that can arise, about genuine mistakes, regrets and making amends. What is particularly interesting is the fascinating Decision Map at the back of the book, so that you can see if you have explored all the options.
Fred Timple admits that he is terrible at making decisions, but we soon see that this is because he has never been allowed to choose or make his own mind up about anything in his life. He does not enjoy calling his parents Madeleine and John but, as in everything, he follows their wishes. He is nothing like his domineering father, he hates sport and loves art, but has to keep that hidden.
Fred is at that crucial transition age, about to start secondary school but not the school that appeals to him, his parents push him towards his father’s high achieving old school. The story starts to divert on the first day of school when Fred (the reader) must choose which bus to get on. Every path which is explored shows Fred developing more self-awareness and his right to choose his own life. We see him make good and bad friends, moral and immoral choices and face the consequences each time. All gradually working towards a realisation that he has to be honest with himself and his parents. He has to speak up, explain, apologise and there can be a hopeful future.
The enjoyable format has huge appeal and unexpected value as it is thoughtful, empowering and wise as well as wryly comic in the way we have come to expect.
Joy Court
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About
The Boy With Big Decisions Synopsis
More than just a book—a world of choices awaits! This big hearted interactive adventure lets young readers shape the story.
Fred can't make a decision about anything - his parents always tell him what to do, from what to eat every day to which secondary school to choose.
That's how Fred has found himself a pupil at the high-pressure, strict Gains School, when he'd much rather be going to Browtree, with its brilliant art department and kind teachers.
As Fred waits for the bus to his new school, he sees the bus for Browtree pull up - and a wild, thrilling, thought strikes him. Should he jump on this bus and pretend he's a new student at Browtree?
Will he be brave enough to follow a different path for once?
You, the reader, will stand in Fred's shoes and make decisions alongside him throughout this story. You'll help him stand-up for what he believes in, learn what he truly loves to do, make good friends and face choices about whether to swerve or walk into drama.
YOU are in charge of The Boy With Big Decisions!
- An interactive book with multiple pathways for kids to follow - Sliding Doors for a younger audience!
- A book to encourage empathy and kindness in young readers
- Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Lisa Thompson and Jenny Pearson.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780702314667 |
| Publication date: |
10th April 2025 |
| Author: |
Helen Rutter |
| Publisher: |
Scholastic |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
360 pages |
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Press Reviews
Helen Rutter Press Reviews
Praise for The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
'This incredible debut tugs at your heartstrings and makes you laugh out loud in equal measure. I guarantee you'll be cheering along in the final pages!' Lisa Thompson
'It's Wonder with one-liners.' Scott Evans, The Reader Teacher
'As warm and wise as it is funny.' Shappi Khorsandi
'A laugh out loud story, the like of which I've never read before.' Kerry Godliman
'This book is a great way of showing children how to be confident and winners by having a sense of humour and making others laugh.' Baroness Floella Benjamin
Author
About Helen Rutter
Helen Rutter is an acclaimed author and comedian. Her debut novel, The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh, was selected as a Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month, in addition to being nominated for the Carnegie, shortlisted for the Costa, Blue Peter and Branford Boase Awards, and winning the Teach Primary Book Award. The idea for this story came from her son, Lenny, who has a stammer: she wanted to write the book that he would love to read, starring a child like him. She hopes that children will be able to relate to feeling unheard, different from the rest and unable to find their voice.
More About Helen Rutter
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