Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody

By Author / Illustrator

Patrick Ness, Tim Miller

Genre

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529517958

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

05-09-2024

Synopsis

Master storyteller Patrick Ness turns to middle grade in a hilarious adventure about a mismatched group of animals attending school together, brought to life by brilliantly funny illustrations.

Zeke and Daniel have just been made hall monitors by Principal Wombat. This has nothing to do with the fact that they are monitor lizards. And never mind the fact Alicia, the only other monitor lizard in the school, is also a hall monitor.

Somehow, the three hall monitors must impose order on arrogant lions, excitable seals and super-relaxed pandas. And worst of all, there is Pelicarnassus! A pompous giant pelican and the son of a major supervillain, who inexplicably has it out for the lizards. Can the hall monitor lizards and their new friend, a blind, fearsome red-tailed hawk, protect their school from all manner of outlandish threats?

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Reviews

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody had me gripped from cover to cover. This is a hilarious read that covers it all: bullying, friendship, grief and learning difficulties. The cast includes lizards with ADHD and anxiety; blind hawks and a pelican who sees themself as a supervillain.

This is a story about school life and it's usual ups and downs, but this is no ordinary school. The school has a wombat for a principal, who has an armoured butt; seals that get overexcited in class; and Monitor Lizards that monitor the halls (just a coincidence that they are monitor lizards, I'm assured).

One lizard, Zeke, has it tough. His mum is grieving the loss of Zeke's Dad and has the family curse of France living on his knee! Zeke comes to blows with the school bully - Pelicarnussus - a pelican with an overinflated ego. With the help of his friends and a blind hawk, can Zeke save the shool from being destroyed?

A bright and colourful comic-style cover is sure to stand out on any bookshelf and on the inside pages, simple brush-stoked doodle illustrations by Tim Miller bring this story to life and will entice readers of all ages. I really liked how the author has covered some key themes (grief, learning difficulties, bullying) that children can relate to in a humorous and lighthearted way.

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody will be a great addition to the wellbeing section of any bookshelf. This would be a good book to read alongside or to children to build emotional literacy and empathy. A great read for all to enjoy!

208 pages / Reviewed by Kelly Buxton, teacher