Kid Normal

Description: The first book in a laugh-out-loud funny adventure series for 8+ readers from radio stars Greg James and Chris Smith 'So funny, it's almost criminal' INDEPENDENT 'Outrageous capers' GUARDIAN SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE A TOM FLETCHER BOOK CLUB PICK Murph Cooper has a problem. His new school is top secret, and super weird. His classmates can all fly or control the weather or conjure tiny horses from thin air. And what's Murph's extraordinary skill? Um, oh yeah - he hasn't got one. Just as well there are no revolting supervillains lurking nearby, their minds abuzz with evil plans. There are!? Right. Ok, then... It's time for Kid Normal to become a hero!

Review: An extraordinary tale about an ordinary boy in a world of heroes ... Kid Normal is a fast-paced, humorous adventure with likeable heroes and a suitably ridiculous, evil villain * Times Educational Supplement * So funny, it's almost criminal ... A fun and fast-paced read * Independent I * Outrageous capers ... Amusingly surreal super-powers and a trust yourself message combine to strong effect with Erica Salcedo's entertaining, huge-eyed images * Guardian * A superhero story with a twist * National Geographic Kids * Packed with very amusing asides, it's a fun and fast-paced read that will make James and Smith into children's heroes * Western Mail * Chock full of slapstick humour, outrageous characters and pop culture references. It mocks school pecking orders and will make all kids who have fallen foul of them feel much better about it. And somehow, it ties all the mania together in a credible and thrilling story * The Bookbag * A superlative adventure story that will resonate with children who like to read whacky, wild things * Books Monthly * This spoof superhero epic certainly delivers: deliciously dastardly villains, capes, tights and mild-mannered heroes. Yet it also explores familiar school anxieties that everyone else is smarter, stronger, better * BookTrust * A very promising start to a laugh-out-loud funny adventure series * Parents in Touch * Incredibly funny, witty and stuffed full of heart * Book Lover Jo *

Author Biography: Greg James is a familiar voice and face on radio and TV. He's the host of BBC Radio 1's award-winning Drivetime show and presents the UK's Official Chart every Friday. On screen, Greg has hosted a variety of shows, most recently seen fronting BBC Children in Need. He is also the face of BT Sport's cricket coverage and in 2016 raised over a million pounds for Sport Relief by completing five triathlons in five cities in five days. Greg has no superpowers. In his spare time he enjoys the idea of having hobbies. But in reality, he's made all of them into work. Chris Smith is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster who delivers the news to millions of people every day as the presenter of Newsbeat on BBC Radio 1. Chris enjoyed a previous, glittering, literary career as the winner of the H.E. Bates Short Story Competition 1981 (under tens category) with his tale `Where Are the Brandy Snaps?'. Chris has no superpowers either, although he enjoys pretending his cat Mabel can fly by picking her up and running around. Illustrator Erica Salcedo studied Fine Art at Castilla-La Mancha University, before going on to study for a masters in Graphic Design. She uses a mixture of techniques to create her illustrations - from hand-drawing to digital manipulation - and always remembers to add a pinch of humour. Wolfish Stew (Bloomsbury), written by Susie Moore, was Erica's first picture book. She lives in Cuenca, Spain.