My son and I have read a couple of David Baddiel's stories and really enjoyed them, so when we spotted 'Animalcolm' we decided to give it a go. We have always found David Baddeil's books fun and easy to read, so it's a great choice for some light reading with a fun storyline.

A Story Full of Adventure and Animal Antics

The book follows Malcolm Bailey, a boy who really doesn’t like animals—even though his entire family loves them. Things take a strange turn when he heads off on a school residential trip to a farm. Malcolm suddenly finds himself transported into different animals, experiencing life from their perspective. He embarks on an adventure to return to his human form alongside his newfound animal friends.

One of the things my son loved most was how the book explored the characteristics of different animals and how they might see the world. He especially enjoyed the parts featuring tortoises—his absolute favourite animal! We laughed about these different characteristics, including how the tortoises get some frustrated with everyone running off and them not being able to catch up and the sheep who are a bit ditsy.

Perfect for Young Readers

This book is really easy to read! The chapters are fairly short, making it manageable for children, and the text is slightly larger than in a typical book, which helps with readability. I read this to my son during our evening storytime, but it would also be great for independent readers.

If you’re a parent wondering about the best age range for this book, here’s what I’d suggest:

            •           For reading aloud: It’s a great choice for kids aged 6 or 7+, especially those who enjoy listening to chapter books.

            •           For independent readers: This would be ideal for 8+, depending on their reading confidence.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Read for Kids Who Love Adventure!

Overall, I’d definitely recommend Animalcolm as a fun, lighthearted, and engaging read. It’s full of adventure, humour, and a unique perspective on animals that kids will love. Whether you’re reading it aloud or your child is tackling it independently, it’s an uplifting book that makes for an enjoyable and easy read.

If your child enjoys books with a mix of adventure, humour, and a touch of the unexpected, this is a fantastic choice!

Have you read Animalcolm with your child? Let me know what they thought!

If you are looking for some more books to read head over to our 'Review' section of our site for some more great recommendations. 

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