The Genius Aged 8 1/4; Jeremy Strong, illustrated by Jamie Smith

Adults are not always great at solving problems, just ask Alfie Popple. Sometimes it takes the eyes and brains of a child to seperate the sensible from the silly. Luckily, Mr & Mrs Popple have given birth to a son, Squeaky Squawker Redface Slurp Bottom (aka Alfie) and he might just be the answer to the many problems in the town of Underpants. But can Alfie save his school, fix problematic policing, prevent a war and continue his own learning…

Expert writer of humorous books for kids, Jeremy Strong, tells a very silly story with some very silly adults and fortunately a boy with plenty of common sense. Children will thoroughly delight in the outrageous actions of the adults and Alfie’s simple ideas that are met with regular cries of, “The boy’s a genius,” by the astounded adults who really should know better.

Alfie is surrounded by a lot of daft adults. Ever since he was born his parents have shown questionable parenting skills. These are the adults that thought that Squeaky Squawker Redface Slurp Bottom (based on some of his first actions) was an appropriate name for a child. His parents also like to play a game of ‘Toss The Baby Over The Pond’ (it’s ok though as he only sometimes gets wet).

Unfortunately for Alfie, these are not the only silly adults that he has to deal with. At school, he has a one-hundred year old headteacher who thinks learning whilst on bicycles is a great way to get kids active. The town is protected by a police force that literally cannot find their way out of a one way street and like to arrest each other, and on a global scale there are politicians going to war over who makes the best cheese.

Thankfully for the school, the town of Underpants and the safety of the world, Alfie has plenty of ‘genius’ solutions to the problems. Solutions that see him promoted to positions of increasing responsibility as the boy who just wants to learn finds himself entrusted with the roles of headteacher, mayor and prime minister.

True to Barrington Stoke form, the book is produced using dyslexic friendly font and colours ensuring a read that is accessible to every reader. Jamie Smith provides the silly illustrations that will get readers giggling, particular favourites are Alfie being tossed across the pond and children with their exercise books whilst riding on their bikes - neither of which are advisable.

Recommended for 7+.