AniMalcolm by David Baddiel - A Book Review (AD)

AniMalcolm is a new children's book by author David Baddiel. My Boys Club were asked to write a review of the book based on our very own honest opinions. I have to say before you read this review, of AniMalcolm, that I am a big David Baddiel fan. 

From right back to my student days when there were some TV programmes that our whole house watched religiously – by appointment as it is called it now - and even opted to stay in for (or at least head to the pub afterwards). One of these was The Mary White House Experience – a topical sketch show which transferred to TV from radio starring David Baddiel as well as Rob Newman, Hugh Dennis and Steve Punt.

My Boys Club review AniMalcolm a children's book by David Baddiel now out in paperback.


AniMalcolm by David Baddiel - A Book Review 

David Baddiel is a comedian and writer that has been a star of the screen for 25 years. He first became known in the early ‘90s for a topical sketch show The Mary Whitehouse Experience, followed by Newman and Baddiel in Pieces.

Not long after that, David began to collaborate with comedian Frank Skinner. Together creating Baddiel and Skinner Unplanned, Fantasy Football League and Baddiel and Skinner’s World Cup Podcasts. Who hasn’t listened and sung along to Three Lions? The best football anthem of all time. 

But I also have to say I've never really imagined David Baddiel as a writer of children's books. So I was very intrigued to see whether his humour that has clearly resonated with me as an adult would have the same impact on my boys.

 

AniMalcolm by David Baddiel


My boys are currently 8 and 10 so the perfect age group for this book. It arrived in time for us to take away on holiday, so the book came with us on our recent trip to Loch Ness.

My Boys Club review AniMalcolm a children's book by David Baddiel now out in paperback.


To be honest, I wasn't sure if it would appeal to my boys as they haven’t heard of David Baddiel or any of his other books, and it wasn't Harry Potter or Diary of a Wimpy Kid -  their current favourites. 

They didn't really look enamoured either when I said we were going to read the book. But within the first chapter, very nearly the first page, they were not only laughing out loud but hooked. We didn't just read one chapter at a time but five or six.

6 Reasons To Read AniMalcolm


1. I'm not going to give the plot away but the boys loved the interaction Malcolm and his family. The three generations and their differences, and similarities, and also the 'text' speak that gives it a modern edge but without being patronising. It’s a great story about the outdoors and animals (and who doesn’t like them!) that will appeal to both boys and girls.

2. I was impressed at the size of typeface and page layout, with clear spaces between the lines making reading easier for my boys. There are so many books now that seem to cram too many words onto a page, and in small type, making them appear really daunting which doesn't encourage the boys the read the books. It also makes it a chunky book to read, and one you get a lot of satisfaction from when you have finished.

3. We also liked that there are illustrations throughout. We recently went to a Quentin Blake exhibition of his illustrations and the boys learnt about the importance that an illustration has to a story. The pictures were especially liked by my youngest boy who is 8.

My Boys Club review AniMalcolm a children's book by David Baddiel now out in paperback.


4. This book was a page turner. They wanted to read the next chapter as soon as they had finished the last. To me, that means it is well written, engaging and entertaining. The language and words used also targets its audience brilliantly making it an easy read for 8 – 11-year-olds. We also found the footnotes good as the boys could find out what some things meant themselves when they weren't that sure.

5. It has some really important points to make about parents and money; about knowing what you are; about feeling different to other people, but all told in a humorous and engaging way. It is funny, silly and gives you an insight into life from different a perspective.

6. But most of all l loved the way this book did make my boys laugh. Yes, they love David Baddiel’s humour as much as me. It's a good read and my boys loved it. It's actually made me want to read his other two books with the boys.


Already published in hardback the paperback version is now on sale too.




View the trailer here ...


What books do your children love to read?

Deb x

Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of AniMalcolm and have been compensated for our time in return for a review based on our honest opinions of this book. We may also receive a small amount of commission from purchases of this book made via links in this post.

24 Comments

  1. Like you, I can't really imagine David Baddeil as a children's book author but it sounds like a hit! It's so hard finding books that engage at that age, my brother really struggled when he was younger, but once you find the right thing you really do unlock reading for kids! Great review! x

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    1. Thank you. I enjoyed it as much as the boys.

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  2. This book sounds like a right hit with your children! I cant wait until mine are older and reading books, I always had my head in a book when I was younger x

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    1. The boys like reading books and comics - I think I'm really lucky.

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  3. Thank you, it is gone 11pm and I now have the lions stuck in my head. I'm not going to sleep tonight! Great song though. Who knew David Baddiel could write!?

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    1. Ha! Hope its gone now. But it is a good tune ....

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  4. Ooh, sounds like a great read. My daughter is such a book worm and would love something like this. Glad you all enjoyed it x

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  5. I wasn't aware that Baddiel had written a book! Sounds like it's been a hit though!

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  6. This is such a great review! I have an eight year old son who I think would love this, after reading your fab review. :)

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  7. Great review. I have not heard of these books as my children are a lot older now. It is great getting them into reading something they enjoy :)

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  8. Sounds like a great book, glad it gave you some laughs too!

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  9. I love reading book reviews!! My daughter is too young for these but I'll definitely keep the author in mind when I go back to teaching in September

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  10. My boys have never been readers and i really love the fact that Evie loves a good book, we will def add this one to her list!

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  11. My girls still young but we are trying to encourage reading as much as possible so she grows up loving books! http://www.onesliceoflemon.com

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  12. I had no idea David Baddiel had written children's books. Looks great. Imogen is really into the Tom GAtes books at the moment

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  13. We are avid book readers in my home. My daughter is only 3 so do not think for her, but my nephews would love this adventurous book.

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  14. I am adding this to the gift ideas for my nephew, he's 8 so I really think he would enjoy this. Thanks for linking up to #KLTR

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  15. This sounds great and I think it is something my daughter may be interested in. It would make a good gift for sure. Thanks for sharing these with KLTR.

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  16. This is on my to read list, good to hear how much you all enjoyed it! #KLTR

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