The Astounding Broccoli Boy

Rory Rooney is remarkably normal in every way; normal home, average school, puny muscles and he's even typically bullied to boot. This all changes one day when Rory takes a head first dive into a stinky pond on a school trip and emerges bright green. Not spinach green or peppermint tea green, but a bright, strong and astounding broccoli green. Thus begins our adventures of the Astounding Broccoli Boy! Segregated away in a hospital from the people of London, Rory is placed in a room with his school arch nemesis Grim, who has also turned an astonishing green and thus begins their journey. I thoroughly loved this book, it took me back to the pure fun, silly adventure books I read as a young'un; I mean how can you not like it, it has a cheeky penguin called Peter. Underneath the craziness (the London Zoo chapter!) this book has some seriously important message for everyone: acceptance of others no matter what the skin colour, size or whether they initially appear to be a bully; and to fear Killer Kittens! A sure fire winner for children 9+ / 388 pages / Reviewed by Jodie Brooks, librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+