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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Another Baddiel 'what if'.... what would YOU DO if you were headteacher?
A body swap story between the school prankster and the new headteacher brought in to stop the school from getting closed down (by OFFHEAD). Ryan has pulled some pranks in his time, but when he somehow swaps bodies with the strict Mr Carter, it's like all his Christmases have come at once - what CAN'T he do?! Imagine: school dinners filled with sweets! Teachers having to become pupils while they take the classes instead!
But the school is about to have the inspectors visit - does he really want his school to close?
This book is a quicker read than Baddiel's others, the story takes off straightaway, with lots of pranks and silly humour (Mr Bummington for Mr Barrington, talk about "how weird it was going for a wee" as his headteacher). Saying that, the in-jokes are good if you're familiar with the other Baddiel titles - the twins from The Parent Controller attend this school. The school tortoises featured in AniMalcolm. There's even a joke about David Walliams and Baddiel's own 'Football's Coming Home' hit song:
(to be sung) "You are off the chart! Now it's time to get rid! Thirty years of school. Never seen a worse kid!"
The story goes rather as you expect, with the body swap affecting the points of view and empathy of both, with a rather stereotyped 'enemy' in the posh school (the OBE-honoured Head and snooty pupils).
There are a couple of genuinely moving moments, and the plot is entertaining enough, but I don't think this is Baddiel's strongest children's novel.
Saying that, I'm sure any child reading this will LOVE the idea of another child taking over the school. And with themes of friendship and teamwork key to it all, it's good at its heart.
Could be read solo by a competent 9 year old. Listeners will be interested at around ages 7-12.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-reading copy.
A body swap story between the school prankster and the new headteacher brought in to stop the school from getting closed down (by OFFHEAD). Ryan has pulled some pranks in his time, but when he somehow swaps bodies with the strict Mr Carter, it's like all his Christmases have come at once - what CAN'T he do?! Imagine: school dinners filled with sweets! Teachers having to become pupils while they take the classes instead!
But the school is about to have the inspectors visit - does he really want his school to close?
This book is a quicker read than Baddiel's others, the story takes off straightaway, with lots of pranks and silly humour (Mr Bummington for Mr Barrington, talk about "how weird it was going for a wee" as his headteacher). Saying that, the in-jokes are good if you're familiar with the other Baddiel titles - the twins from The Parent Controller attend this school. The school tortoises featured in AniMalcolm. There's even a joke about David Walliams and Baddiel's own 'Football's Coming Home' hit song:
(to be sung) "You are off the chart! Now it's time to get rid! Thirty years of school. Never seen a worse kid!"
The story goes rather as you expect, with the body swap affecting the points of view and empathy of both, with a rather stereotyped 'enemy' in the posh school (the OBE-honoured Head and snooty pupils).
There are a couple of genuinely moving moments, and the plot is entertaining enough, but I don't think this is Baddiel's strongest children's novel.
Saying that, I'm sure any child reading this will LOVE the idea of another child taking over the school. And with themes of friendship and teamwork key to it all, it's good at its heart.
Could be read solo by a competent 9 year old. Listeners will be interested at around ages 7-12.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-reading copy.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
What happens when a strict head teacher gets body-swapped with the biggest prankster of the school? Find out in this hilarious, laugh-out-loud, OMG no he didn't, will someone find out?, book!
I have been trying for a few days to write a review, but for some reason it just doesn't want to come out. But today feels like a good day! So here we go. It will be a good/not so good review as I have a hard time forming a coherent review otherwise. :P
Good:
-The body-swap and how it happened. I am curious about the music box and how it came to be there, who put it there, what kind of history is behind it? Did other people get body-swapped as well? Is that why it was hidden? But there was no note or whatsoever to warn people. Mm.
-Seeing the other characters from the other Baddiel books pop by. So much fun and it makes me happy that while their stories are over they still get some spotlight time.
-The things that both of the characters did in their respective new bodies. How they just tried to continue on with their lives. I had such a laugh that Ryan just bought all the pizza he could while in Mr. Carter's body. :P
-The character growth for both of the characters. Ryan learns a bit more responsibility and kindness and understanding. Which made me smile, as he was quite the prankster in the beginning without any regard of anyone. It took him a while though. But that made it all the better when he showed that he could also be caring and kind.
-Dionna, the best friend of Ryan. She was such a sweet and wonderful character and I loved how, when she found out about Ryan and Mr. Carter tried to help them out. Though it must have been awkward as it looked like she was talking to a 40-ish old man.
-The illustrations, as always they are top-notch!
-Ryan's baby sister and her not saying the first letters of a word. She was also the one (maybe even the only one) who knew that Ryan wasn't Ryan after the body-swap. It is amazing how that sister-brother bond works.
-On that topic, how no one knew that something was up with Ryan and Mr. Carter. Come on, the biggest prankster turns stiff and model pupil in a day and the strict head teacher turns into a prankster who cancels schools just because he can.
-The ending was just fabulous and hilarious. I am happy with how things ended and I also loved that plan. *grins evilly*
-The things Ryan did when he was Head Kid/Teacher. He really made the kids dreams come true, though he must have also known that it wouldn't hold on that much longer. But he had his fun. Cake mix sounds like a lovely lunch, at least for a day or two.
-The debate, go go Dionna. That was a heartfelt speech.
-Some of Ryan's pranks. Not all of them, but I did love that putting underwear on turtles one.
-I had such a laugh when Caspar was the teacher of the day. Dang that kid needs to learn another song. :P
Not so good:
-Ryan in the beginning and at some points in the story. I just wanted to shake him for being so mean to people (the name Bummington is haha once, but after 20 times of it... not so much especially when the guy clearly asks to be called by his normal name and is clearly unhappy about it). And his pranks were really hurtful in the beginning. Really, putting butter on the floor?
-Mr. Carter wasn't always my favourite character, but I did warm up to him when we found out about things in his life.
-The drama near the end which just seemed totally unnecessary to me and just added to make the ending a bit more dramatic. I am sorry, Mr. Carter, I understand the situation, but what did you want Ryan to do then? Just ignore the message? Leave your mum all alone? Plus, hello, he is an eleven year old boy, though he may not confess to it, he does miss his mom. Come on.
And I could probably name a few more good things, like the general feeling of the book (atmosphere) it was really fun. It is truly a book to read when you need something fun and hilarious in your life. Like I do at the moment with the move happening next week and the wedding in almost 2 months.
I would recommend it and I will be eagerly waiting for the next David Baddiel's book!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have been trying for a few days to write a review, but for some reason it just doesn't want to come out. But today feels like a good day! So here we go. It will be a good/not so good review as I have a hard time forming a coherent review otherwise. :P
Good:
-The body-swap and how it happened. I am curious about the music box and how it came to be there, who put it there, what kind of history is behind it? Did other people get body-swapped as well? Is that why it was hidden? But there was no note or whatsoever to warn people. Mm.
-Seeing the other characters from the other Baddiel books pop by. So much fun and it makes me happy that while their stories are over they still get some spotlight time.
-The things that both of the characters did in their respective new bodies. How they just tried to continue on with their lives. I had such a laugh that Ryan just bought all the pizza he could while in Mr. Carter's body. :P
-The character growth for both of the characters. Ryan learns a bit more responsibility and kindness and understanding. Which made me smile, as he was quite the prankster in the beginning without any regard of anyone. It took him a while though. But that made it all the better when he showed that he could also be caring and kind.
-Dionna, the best friend of Ryan. She was such a sweet and wonderful character and I loved how, when she found out about Ryan and Mr. Carter tried to help them out. Though it must have been awkward as it looked like she was talking to a 40-ish old man.
-The illustrations, as always they are top-notch!
-Ryan's baby sister and her not saying the first letters of a word. She was also the one (maybe even the only one) who knew that Ryan wasn't Ryan after the body-swap. It is amazing how that sister-brother bond works.
-On that topic, how no one knew that something was up with Ryan and Mr. Carter. Come on, the biggest prankster turns stiff and model pupil in a day and the strict head teacher turns into a prankster who cancels schools just because he can.
-The ending was just fabulous and hilarious. I am happy with how things ended and I also loved that plan. *grins evilly*
-The things Ryan did when he was Head Kid/Teacher. He really made the kids dreams come true, though he must have also known that it wouldn't hold on that much longer. But he had his fun. Cake mix sounds like a lovely lunch, at least for a day or two.
-The debate, go go Dionna. That was a heartfelt speech.
-Some of Ryan's pranks. Not all of them, but I did love that putting underwear on turtles one.
-I had such a laugh when Caspar was the teacher of the day. Dang that kid needs to learn another song. :P
Not so good:
-Ryan in the beginning and at some points in the story. I just wanted to shake him for being so mean to people (the name Bummington is haha once, but after 20 times of it... not so much especially when the guy clearly asks to be called by his normal name and is clearly unhappy about it). And his pranks were really hurtful in the beginning. Really, putting butter on the floor?
-Mr. Carter wasn't always my favourite character, but I did warm up to him when we found out about things in his life.
-The drama near the end which just seemed totally unnecessary to me and just added to make the ending a bit more dramatic. I am sorry, Mr. Carter, I understand the situation, but what did you want Ryan to do then? Just ignore the message? Leave your mum all alone? Plus, hello, he is an eleven year old boy, though he may not confess to it, he does miss his mom. Come on.
And I could probably name a few more good things, like the general feeling of the book (atmosphere) it was really fun. It is truly a book to read when you need something fun and hilarious in your life. Like I do at the moment with the move happening next week and the wedding in almost 2 months.
I would recommend it and I will be eagerly waiting for the next David Baddiel's book!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
tyler1's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
phillyvanillyy's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed reading this with my 9 just old son. Some laugh out loud moments!
yourcoolreaderpjo's review
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
year62022's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Jack
dylanmcg's review
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
ging3r_'s review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
libraryofld's review against another edition
3.5
FYI, this entire review contains spoilers.
Admittedly, my rating might not 100% reflect the book, as I am not the age demographic it was written for, so take what criticisms I have with a pinch of salt.
I did enjoy this book, I thought the premise (although not unique (not that a story idea has to be)) was really fun and explored really well. I think it was really good to take a simple idea of a head teacher and a naughty student swapping bodies, and making the overall lesson not only that bad kids need to grow up and mature a little, but also that you don't always need to be 100% mature and boring, and that you are allowed to be childlike at times.
It was also nice to see the main character, a boy, have a best friend that was a girl. I know that in Britain (where this book is set), that it's honestly quite rare for people of opposite genders to be friends, especially at that age, most people just stick to their own gender. So that element was nice to see. And it was also nice to see how much Ryan cared for Dionna's feelings, since I know a lot of British boys like to pretend as if they don't care about anyone or anything, so I really enjoyed seeing how much Ryan cared for his friend.
Now, the main reason that the book is rated so lowly is mainly just because it is not in my age demographic. I did enjoy the book regardless, but I knew going in that it was never going to be my favourite thing in the world. As a child I would never have even thought about the point I'm about to make, but as I'm not a child, so I always found it funny when the teachers interacted with each other, as I know that's not how adults would talk to one another, but obviously it made sense to write it like that for a children's book, so that point was not taken into consideration when rating. I just thought it was funny to read. I mean, as some points I was just begging them to swear to once another, because they definitely would have in real life.
Another point I thought was quite strange, but not too out there, was when Miss Gerard was coming onto Mr Carter (but Ryan inside), basically begging him to have sex with her. I thought for a children's book that was a bit strange, but they didn't write it in those exact words, so I guess it wasn't too out there.
Okay, here's the thing I won't be lenient on, and that I thought was really weird and not necessary. When they were doing the debate against Oakcroft, and it was Toby's turn to do his speech, and he he didn't really say much of value, but the whole thing with him was that he was supposed to be dreamy and good-looking, and everyone would ignore his lack of words in favour for how pretty he was. Which is all well and fine if it's the kids, anywhere from 5 to 12-ish, swooning for him, but where I took problem was when the adult's began to be charmed by him. I mean, this is 40-ish year old people being attracted to an 11 year old, how weird is that? And it's not even as if it was necessary to the story, because Miss Malik, who was the main one to be charmed by him (and that was meant to be the whole point, that she was leaning towards Oakcraft winning because she liked Toby), then later on went against Oakcraft, saying that Toby's argument provided little value for the debate. So, there was really no need for an adult to be swooned by a child.
A good point though, after those negatives, I was happy when we learned that Mr Carter was Scottish. It's nice to see people from my own country in books.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Obviously not my favourite book in the world, but it was an easy and enjoyable read.
Admittedly, my rating might not 100% reflect the book, as I am not the age demographic it was written for, so take what criticisms I have with a pinch of salt.
I did enjoy this book, I thought the premise (although not unique (not that a story idea has to be)) was really fun and explored really well. I think it was really good to take a simple idea of a head teacher and a naughty student swapping bodies, and making the overall lesson not only that bad kids need to grow up and mature a little, but also that you don't always need to be 100% mature and boring, and that you are allowed to be childlike at times.
It was also nice to see the main character, a boy, have a best friend that was a girl. I know that in Britain (where this book is set), that it's honestly quite rare for people of opposite genders to be friends, especially at that age, most people just stick to their own gender. So that element was nice to see. And it was also nice to see how much Ryan cared for Dionna's feelings, since I know a lot of British boys like to pretend as if they don't care about anyone or anything, so I really enjoyed seeing how much Ryan cared for his friend.
Now, the main reason that the book is rated so lowly is mainly just because it is not in my age demographic. I did enjoy the book regardless, but I knew going in that it was never going to be my favourite thing in the world. As a child I would never have even thought about the point I'm about to make, but as I'm not a child, so I always found it funny when the teachers interacted with each other, as I know that's not how adults would talk to one another, but obviously it made sense to write it like that for a children's book, so that point was not taken into consideration when rating. I just thought it was funny to read. I mean, as some points I was just begging them to swear to once another, because they definitely would have in real life.
Another point I thought was quite strange, but not too out there, was when Miss Gerard was coming onto Mr Carter (but Ryan inside), basically begging him to have sex with her. I thought for a children's book that was a bit strange, but they didn't write it in those exact words, so I guess it wasn't too out there.
Okay, here's the thing I won't be lenient on, and that I thought was really weird and not necessary. When they were doing the debate against Oakcroft, and it was Toby's turn to do his speech, and he he didn't really say much of value, but the whole thing with him was that he was supposed to be dreamy and good-looking, and everyone would ignore his lack of words in favour for how pretty he was. Which is all well and fine if it's the kids, anywhere from 5 to 12-ish, swooning for him, but where I took problem was when the adult's began to be charmed by him. I mean, this is 40-ish year old people being attracted to an 11 year old, how weird is that? And it's not even as if it was necessary to the story, because Miss Malik, who was the main one to be charmed by him (and that was meant to be the whole point, that she was leaning towards Oakcraft winning because she liked Toby), then later on went against Oakcraft, saying that Toby's argument provided little value for the debate. So, there was really no need for an adult to be swooned by a child.
A good point though, after those negatives, I was happy when we learned that Mr Carter was Scottish. It's nice to see people from my own country in books.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Obviously not my favourite book in the world, but it was an easy and enjoyable read.
hadia_00's review against another edition
5.0
Just like all his other books, this one is no less amazing! The Parent Agency was my most favourite out of the 3 I'd read by him. So, I was pretty hesitant to pick this one up. However, I'm glad I did because it didn't disappoint me at all!
AniMalcolm was a little dull for me but this one made up for it. It has a great moral and the characters are very likeable and interesting. Every child and even adult will love it. I read it in two sittings and am sure that once you start it, you won't be able to put it down either.
AniMalcolm was a little dull for me but this one made up for it. It has a great moral and the characters are very likeable and interesting. Every child and even adult will love it. I read it in two sittings and am sure that once you start it, you won't be able to put it down either.