The Not-So Great Escape

By Author / Illustrator

Emma Green

Genre

Funny Stories

Age range(s)

Publisher

Usborne

ISBN

9781836045663

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-01-2026

Synopsis

Hedley has always played it safe, especially since the night that changed his life for ever. But when his friend Aiden steals an alpaca, Hedley is dragged on a runaway road trip that he did NOT sign up for:

An accidental robbery. A night in a haunted wood. And becoming internet famous #AlpacaBandit. As the chaos builds, Hedley finds he isn't just running from the police, he's also running from the truth. And as his world comes crashing down, will Hedley play it safe, or take his biggest risk yet?

#WoollyHeist #FurryFelon #Alpacalypse

This book will make you laugh and cry - perfect for fans of Ross Welford, Jenny Pearson, Adam Baron and Frank Cottrell Boyce.

"A big-hearted comedy caper" The Observer. "Fast-paced, brilliantly funny and full of heart - a story about loss, friendship and finding the courage to take risks again. This is one of those rare, special books that makes you laugh out loud and think deeply all at once. I loved it." Jenny Pearson. "The Not-So Great Escape is everything I love about middle-grade, plus alpaca mischief! Funny and genuinely moving, this is a standout debut." Carlie Sorosiak.

Reviews

Beverley

The Not-So Great Escape is a funny, heartwarming and sensitively written novel. 12-year-old Hedley lost his mother in a car crash a year ago. His father took to his bed following the accident and never leaves their flat. Hedley is having trouble coping; he sees the worst-case scenario in every situation. He and his six-year-old sister, Lilly, have counselling to help them deal with the trauma they have suffered. Unfortunately, Hedley has to share a room with Aiden, who delights in bullying him. When they two boys are given a weekend job helping at Farmer Bert's Petting Farm and Aiden steals Duke, a prize-winning alpaca, Hedley and Lilly are dragged along on a manic road trip that Hedley will never forget!

Hedley is such a wonderful character. Struggling to cope with his grief, his dad's mental health problems and with looking after his sister, he keeps everything locked up inside. Once on the run with Aiden, he is faced with a petrol station robbery, camping in a haunted wood and dealing with an alpaca with explosive stomach issues!

The action never flags as the children lurch from one disaster to another, becoming internet sensations along the way. The author has given the reader much to laugh at, but still manages to tackle sensitive issues – bereavement, grief, trauma and mental health – with heart and compassion. Aiden is also beautifully portrayed; at first, we see him as an insensitive bully, but as we learn more about him and his background, we realise that his life is far from perfect and we see the relationship between Aiden and Hedley blossom into friendship.

There is a real twist at the end of the novel, which is very moving - and it is a testament to Emma Green's wonderful writing that I did not see it coming! This is an exciting adventure story, full of humour but also covering important issues. Highly recommended.

240 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, school librarian