Arkie has only just moved to the city when he makes the best friend he has ever had. Before the city, all his schooling has been long distance satellite learning, as his parent’s farm is so remote.

School with ‘in the flesh’ classmates has been a real change, but he’s enjoying the city, its great food and living with his Nan while his parents wait to sell their farm. Waiting for them to join him is the hardest part.

His new friend Dot makes the wait easier and her family’s delicious food from their takeaway is relished  by him and his Nan.

When Arkie learns that Dot has had a bike accident during her takeaway deliveries, he is keen to help. Collecting the broken bicycle reveals what caused the terrible injury to Dot’s leg, and put her in hospital. To Arkie’s country can-do-it attitude, he is perplexed as to why it happened at all? Surely someone should be fixing the obvious problem?

Another Gleitzman gem, told in his straight-forward master-storytelling style. I loved the Aussie sayings and slang, and down-to-earth characters in school and at home with family. Social media is in the mix too, having its own impact in the character’s lives.

Childish is usually used as a derogatory term, but this novel turns that on its head. Maybe being childish is the only way to see and deal to a problem?

Author – Morris Gleitzman

Age – 8+

(2025, Penguin Random House, Family, Friendship, Humour, School, Potholes, Manhole Covers, Bureaucracy, Paperwork, Councils, Utility Companies, Country, City, Responsibility, Bike Accident, Problem)

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