The Cheat Book (vol.2): A laugh-out-loud illustrated series for kids

By Author / Illustrator

RAMZEE

Genre

Funny Stories

Age range(s)

Publisher

Hodder Children's Books

ISBN

9781444973419

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

13-02-2025

Synopsis

NOT FOR GROWN-UPS!
Wish you could hunt down a FEROCIOUS beast?
Ever wondered what a REAL night sky looks like?
Want to embrace your WILD side?
Join Kamal as he attempts to SURVIVE THE WILD!

Kamal's class is going to the woods and Kamal has promised to track down the infamous BEAST OF CRIGGILY WOOD. He throws himself into the wilderness with nothing but his two best friends, his wits and the mysterious Cheat Book.

The Cheat Book promises its reader lifehacks for literally any occasion . . . But can it help Kamal to track down the beast lurking in the shadows, dodge all the poison ivy and make it home in one piece? Join Kamal on his hilarious new adventure, from brilliant author-illustrator RAMZEE. Perfect for 8+ readers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Loki. With black-and-white illustrations throughout!

Praise for The Cheat Book (vol. 1): 'Laugh-out-loud funny. Kids are going to love The Cheat Book!' Cressida Cowell, bestselling author of How to Train Your Dragon; 'Comedy gold!' Louie Stowell, bestselling author of Loki: A Bad God's Guide series; 'Clever and hilarious ... A funny and much needed fresh voice in the middle grade arena' Dapo Adeola, award-winning illustrator; 'Move over, Tom Gates, there's a new kid on the block! The Cheat Book is an absolutely hilarious, riot of a read' Swapna Haddow, author of the Dave Pigeon series; 'Will help entice and entertain even the most reluctant reader to keep turning the pages!' - ReadingZone.

Reviews

Margaret

Another delightfully funny adventure featuring Kamal and his friends as they navigate the trials of school, and specifically a camping trip to Criggily Wood. Kamal decides that he wants to try and discover the Beast of the wood, but as usual, things do not go the way that he wants; meaning he has to hope that his so called 'Cheat Book' will get him out of trouble.

The main thing we all have to remember is that Ramal has got a tremendous imagination, so everything needs to be treated with a pinch of salt. My favourite characters are the two Angels, Raqib and Atid, who act as his good and bad consciences. They appear throughout the story and spend their time trying to keep Kamal out of trouble (Raqib), or get him into trouble (Atid).

The story itself is a mix of cartoon-style illustrations and text; the former being used to highlight the plot and to add even more humour to the storyline. The two books in this series make a good transition for those who want to move beyond the comic book layout. There is ample text, but it is spread out and allows the illustrations to provide the visual literacy support that so many enjoy. The fact that the author has also created the illustrations means that there is a synergy between the different mediums, which adds to the enjoyment.

240 pages / Reviewed by Margaret Pemberton, school librarian