Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children: Charming tales of wealth and entitlement for tots who were simply born better

by Daniel Foxx

Author and comedian Daniel Foxx presents a wonderful collection of stories especially for the little darlings of the fabulously wealthy - that can also be enjoyed by YOU, the downtrodden, pitiful, ordinary adult! Read about the everyday adventures of Rupert, Shallotte and Genevievette as they ski, holiday, and drift around Selfridges - whilst always keeping a healthy distance from the dreaded hoi polloi!Other magical adventures goes on holiday! But what is 'duty free'? And why do poor people love it so much? Cosmo goes to state school, where the teachers wear jeans and no-one can understand Latin! Lily goes with Daddy to work! And fires Kate from marketing!! BEDTIME STORIES FOR PRIVILEGED CHILDREN is the perfect Christmas gift - whether you're wintering in Aspen, summering in Tuscany, or simply want to keep the little ones quiet in the back of the Range Rover Evoque.

Genres: Fiction, Humor, Short Stories, Audiobook, Satire, Comedy

144 pages, Hardcover

Published November 5, 2024

Reviews

[CarolG · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was quite intrigued by this book when someone mentioned it in the Netgalley Readers Group so, since it was Read Now, I downloaded a copy of it. Because of the different fonts used and the fact that not all the printing was in a straight line (just like a real bedtime storybook) I had to read it on my phone since the Kindle version was all wonky. It wasn't a problem because the entire book is only 128 pages and each story consists of only a few pages. I was particularly impressed by the illustrations. They reminded me of the books my mother's relatives in Scotland used to send us when we were young. Totally different stories though! The stories are amusing but I think someone in the UK would find them more amusing than I did. The children's names are a hoot. I think this would be a cute book to gift a friend (an adult friend that is), especially if that friend is "privileged".

Thank you to Octopus Publishing US via Netgalley for providing access to an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: November 5, 2024

[Donna Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

My thanks go to NetGalley and Octopus Publishing for the review copy. This book is for sale now.

This book came to my attention when a Goodreads friend reviewed it, and I decided on the spot that I had to read it.

Author Daniel Foxx may never get his tongue out of his cheek after this one. The stories are, of course, about very wealthy children that occasionally face dilemmas that the rest of us wouldn’t regard as dilemmas at all. The humor is very dark, so I recommend giving it a good once over with adult eyes before actually sharing it with (older) children. Example: think, nanny sacrifice.

I did enjoy it more toward the beginning than at the end, because after a while the stories became somewhat repetitive.

Recommended for those that want a good laugh; if you can get it in paper form rather than digitally, do.

[Liralen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now put on your designer pyjamas and tuck yourself into your bespoke silk bed sheets and sip your 230 Fifth King Cocoa. It's time for a bedtime story of a type that only the lucky few get. These are not your average bedtime stories with fairies and ogres—these are stories in which Clementine rides off in her private helicopter, and Cucumber fires Nanny 2, and Coriander dresses up as poverty for Halloween, and Crumpet forces Nanny 3 to eat mud, and Caviar is horrified that the neighbor's dog doesn't get private French lessons, and Cashew fires Nanny 1.

I made a lot of that up,* but you get the gist. Think short, think verrrrry snarky, think definitely not appropriate for children in need of a bedtime story (except, perhaps, for those from a certain class that I do not rub shoulders with, but what do I know). I'm not sure who the ideal audience is for this, really, but I'm guessing it would go over well as a stocking stuffer or novelty book to keep on a bathroom shelf.

(If your stockings aren't already filled with blood diamonds and your bathroom shelves aren't home to the lesser of your Fabergé egg collection, of course.)

The entire thing is very ridiculous, which is exactly as intended. I think I might have preferred a bit more plot and/or character development (one character followed throughout, as in My Naughty Little Sister?), but then that's probably beside the point. In any case, I think you'll know just from the description whether this might be a book for you!

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

*I don't have the book at hand while writing this, so I've picked arbitrary c-named foods for names (very in line with the book, I promise) and also fudged the details of the activities...except for the constant nanny abuse. It's my poor upbringing, I suppose.

[Yurii · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first “children’s” book I’m adding to my reading list. It’s witty, fun, entertaining, and delightfully mean. Finally, someone has written a book that parents can truly enjoy reading.

Note: Make sure you read this book before your child reaches an age where they might ask for any sort of explanation

[Rachel Robertazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen to the audiobook and thank me later

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bedtime stories for Privileged Children is a collection of very short stories about the overly pampered offspring of disgustingly wealthy people. Not meant for children, the stories are mostly snotty, sarcastic, tongue in cheek observations about the working class and they are, for the most part, genuinely funny. Would make an amusing coffee table book or gift for someone who has an off color sense of humor.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Octopus Publishing for the advanced copy.

I've been following Daniel Foxx for a while now, and his priviledged children bedtime stories are probably my favorite of his skits he does, so I already knew I'd get quite the kick out of this. Most of the stories (maybe all, my memory isn't the best) are from his skits as well, so you can read and listen along at the same time :) Really adds something special.

An absolutely giggle-inducing, sassy send-up of the upper class, full of slurry mama's busy with ozempic and cheese boards, and absentee papa's busy embezzling and having affairs, while their incredibly well-adjusted children live their own lives lol And I appreciate they kept the super Britishness of the text and didn't attempt to Americanize it, because that is a large part of the point (and charm).

My personal favorites:

The Easter Egg Hunt - human sacrifice is so in right now lol "The true lesson of Easter... always settle out of court."

Cosmo's First Day of School - a child of the custodian of his family seat has a difficult first day of school. "Don't worry', said Cosmo, 'I'm sure it's nothing a valium can't fix.'" Love to see a positive attitude!

Bartie Goes Trick or Treating - nothing more terrifying than middle management and the nouveau riche! "And she gave them a handful of Perello olives and an iPhone 16 Pro Max."

Penelope's Night Before Christmas - an incredible version of the classic poem, probably my favorite in the book lol "He chuckled and nodded, his laugh sweet as hone, And Penelope relaxed: he was clearly from money."

Loved it, though I wish there were more new stories inside! Looking forward to a part 2.

[Nathanae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, short little bedtime stories.
They do need to become an audiobook though. Those work best when Daniel reads them out himself with his glass of wine at dangerous angles!

[Ints · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jauks un trāpīgs sarkasms!

[Louise Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as I could have hoped. As good as the Instagram stories. Brilliantly clever and funny.

[Marinna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy sarcastic satire! Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children is a collection of illustrated short stories about the extremely privileged offspring of the 1%. This is for the adult that is knowledgeable enough about what it looks like to live like the elite. This is definitely not for children.

Unfortunately, a lot of the references went above my head. I definitely found this entertaining, but it also made me feel bad for the people working for the wealthy (i.e. nannies, etc.).

I think this would be a great gift for a parent of young children. A sense of humor is certainly required. Make sure this doesn’t accidentally end up on your child’s bookshelf!

Thank you to NetGalley, Octopus Publishing US, Monoray, and the author Daniel Foxx for an ARC of Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children in exchange for an honest review!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wickedly funny! A delightful collection of satirical bedtime stories about the joys and sorrows of life as a child of the 0.01%. I personally recommend reading it at 1am while trying to rock your own privileged child back to sleep for maximum effect. Alas, I am but a mere peasant without even one nanny, but the exploits of Rupert, Cholera, and assorted friends still made me smile.

Obligatory warning that some of the humor references crime, drug/alcohol abuse, and other adult topics that may render these stories inappropriate for actual children.

Advanced copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is hilarious! As I am from the US, some of the writing didn't quite make sense to me but if you're from England or have a good knowledge base of English humor and terms, you'll get a kick out of this book.
The illustrations are funny and each short story is great for adults who have a sarcastic sense of humor.

[Edd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nanny 3 has been tasked with writing a full length review of this terribly hilarious book for the Sunday Telegraph. But until then what can I say, this book is original, genius, laugh out loud funny and so true to life, just a shame there weren't more stories. Bravo Daniel.

[McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please. PLEASE. Listen to the audiobook version of this on Spotify. The narrator is everything.
Lowkey want to play this on Alexa while my kids drift off to sleep. 😅

[Ariesy 'Hiariesy' Perdana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is hilarious! Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children is a collection of satire short stories about privileged daily life. Written in a 'bedtime'-ish style, this book has a bunch of children who are living a privileged life without even knowing they're privileged. Nannies, attorneys, servants, even burglars, are staying in their lane because nobody can stop this rich, proud, and rude kids.
.
My favorite character here is Cosmo, since he's the most polite one--too bad he only has one story here.
.
I am interested to read this book since Daniel Foxx's reel appeared when I scrolled Instagram in where Foxx read some of the stories to promote the book.

[Jenny Sparrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5. I liked those videos and decided to get the book. It’s funny enough :)

[Meg Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be sure to watch some videos by the author before reading so you can enjoy the sass in his voice.

[Brittany Glance · Rating 4 out of 5]

So let’s discuss this book…

I chuckled out loud multiple times while reading this one! Definitely not a children’s book if you had any questions about that lol. I quite enjoyed this book (took about 20 minutes to read). The only thing that could have gotten it to a 5 star for me is if it had more stories in it.

My favorite story in the book was the Christmas themed story! Very unique and absolutely amazing! This book is going to make you laugh at things you didn’t think you would laugh at before. Just overall a great read and I would recommend it to adults.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy!

[Francesca Pashby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as funny as it thinks it is.

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children: Charming tales of wealth and entitlement for tots who were simply born better
By Daniel Foxx

Thank you to NetGalley and Octopus Publishing for the opportunity to read this clever and thoroughly entertaining book!

Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children by Daniel Foxx is a delightfully biting collection of satirical tales that playfully skewers wealth, entitlement, and upper-class absurdities. Written in the style of a children's book, this is anything but—it’s a laugh-out-loud read for adults who enjoy sharp humour and intelligent wordplay.

Foxx’s wit shines through on every page, with hilarious lines like, "Rupert liked to dress up as a cherub and hunt the servants with a bow and arrow," offering a perfectly exaggerated commentary on privilege. Each story is packed with puns and tongue-in-cheek humour that keeps you chuckling, while the nostalgic, vintage-style illustrations beautifully complement the text. The art gives the impression of an antiquated storybook, creating a delightful juxtaposition with modern-day satire.

I particularly enjoyed the creative typography, where certain words are styled to enhance the humour and evoke a visual interpretation of their meaning—adding an extra layer of cleverness to the already brilliant text.
This book is perfect for fans of dry, British-style humour and anyone who appreciates a good satirical jab at societal quirks. Daniel Foxx’s sharp prose and playful tone make this a standout read. Whether as a gift for a friend with a sense of humour or a treat for yourself, Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children is sure to bring laughter to all who dare to read it.
Highly recommended!
5 out of 5 stars.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel Foxx (2024) BEDTIME STORIES FOR PRIVILEGED CHILDREN: CHARMING TALES OF WEALTH AND ENTITLEMENT FOR TOTS WHO WERE SIMPLY BORN BETTER
London. Monoray

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars

The sleeve reads, "Author and comedian Daniel Foxx presents a wonderful collection of stories especially for the little darlings of the fabulously wealthy - that can also be enjoyed by YOU, the downtrodden, pitiful, ordinary adult! Read about the everyday adventures of Rupert, Shallotte and Genevievette as they ski, holiday, and drift around Selfridges - whilst always keeping a healthy distance from the dreaded hoi polloi!
Other magical adventures include:
Rupert goes on holiday! But what is 'duty free'? And why do poor people love it so much?
Cosmo goes to state school, where the teachers wear jeans and no-one can understand Latin!
Lily goes with Daddy to work! And fires Kate from marketing!! BEDTIME STORIES FOR PRIVILEGED CHILDREN is the perfect Christmas gift - whether you're wintering in Aspen, summering in Tuscany, or simply want to keep the little ones quiet in the back of the Range Rover Evoque."
=====
Can't recommend this enough. Howling with laughter. So so funny.
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#DanielFoxx #BedtimeStoriesForPrivilegedChildren #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads

[Selina Ryles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I would like to thank Daniel Foxx , Octopus Audio | Monoray and NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook copy of 'Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children' to listen to in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover alone as it nostalgically reminded me of the books that I read as a child. I knew instantly that it was going to be different from most due to the lively and charismatic narration that had me captivated from start to finish.
The book comprises of many short bite-sized tales all around 2 minutes in length and centring around the elite world of over privileged children and their wealthy families. Daniel Foxx is a comedy genius as he intertwines British sarcastic humour with tongue and cheek satire.
The stories are definitely not for children , but would appeal to anybody looking for a light hearted humorous read. Fans of Tom Allen will adore the similarities and manner.
Personally I don't think I would have enjoyed the book as much if I had obtained the text copy. It was the audio read by the author that brought each tale to life. I found it got funnier as time went on and as I adjusted to the writing style.
Highly recommended

#BedtimeStoriesforPrivilegedChildren #NetGalley.

[Ristretto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow Tarquin, Astrid, and all their friends as they go on holiday and have adventures and new experiences tormenting Nanny 3 and the staff along the way. Full disclosure, I was already a massive fan of Daniel Foxx and already very much looking for to this. So when I was able to get the chance to read the ARC for Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children I jumped on it. This is such an utter delight, especially when shared by reading aloud with friends and family. (Although no one can do it justice like Daniel Foxx himself, wine glass held precariously!) Then there are the illustrations by Axana Zasorina which are absolute perfection giving a retro aesthetic and really complementing the humor.

This is such great fun and will be revisited again and again. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it’s released this November. This would make a fun gift or coffee table book. If you enjoy witty satire definitely pick this up and also check out what else the author Daniel Foxx is up too as well!

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought we'd get something coherently taking the mickey out of children's stories of old – the traditional tales, but with a comment about how bleddy expensive those lashings of ginger beer are now. Instead we get something quite a bit broader – but still tidy little stories, with beginnings, middles and ends, and all in the right order, concerning exceedingly upper class brats. Each story starts by announcing what day it is – Valentine's, someone's birthday, Halloween, Bring a Bastard Child to Work Day, that kind of thing – and the nannies are probably interchangeable, everyone owns multiple horses before they're nine, and – well, you get the gist.

It is broad, as I say, but it's not unfunny with it. Ms Blyton would barely recognise the contents, however – and that's not just because there's already a reference to Ozempic, and the children have the names of 'posh' cheeses – oh, and Perinea. It is a successful, quick and witty, adults-only novelty read, it does only last an hour, but it does what it says on the tin, and everyone goes home either sacked (the nannies) or to have a very happy ending. Charming stuff.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun little parody of English bedtime stories for children. You can zip through it in a very short time, as it’s merely 150 or so pages and that includes the many full-page illustrations and the large font and spacing. Were it written in the style of a novel, it would be a fraction of the size. I paced myself, reading a story every so often when I picked it up. It’s definitely a book to have on your coffee table for others to be amused by as they flip through. I laughed audibly at some parts, but mostly smiled in amusement at the actions and words of the audacious overprivileged characters in the stories, children and adults alike. It’s a book to enjoy and pass on to a friend who can appreciate its silliness. The author also reads some of the chapters while sipping and swirling a big glass of wine, which is fun to watch on social media.

In Chimamanda Adiche’s TED Talk about storytelling, she opens with a bit about her childhood as a Nigerian girl reading western children’s books and how the characters within the stories all seemed to enjoy these happy-go-lucky lives. This little tome dials it up to a ten and makes for a fun, light and fanciful read.

[BooksThrillJessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Filled with inappropriate and hilarious adult satire, this book of “bedtime stories” is perfect for the parent with a warped sense of humor. Foxx makes one think … why do the uber wealthy children not have a bedtime story book that they can connect to? Well now they do, they can relate to children who fire their maids for merely suggesting donating to charity, see other dads buy their mother’s blood diamonds and identify with other children receiving $60,000 for Christmas.
Overall rating 3/5
Obviously this book is for adults who are not offended easily and can see humor in Foxx’s writing. I did feel the stories were funny to a point but I wished this was a shorter picture book style like K is for Knifeball. The different fonts and configuration of writing styles were disjointed and seemed no more than page fillers.

*Thank you to Daniel Foxx, Octopus Publishing US | Monoray, and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wondered if this would be all schtick and no carrot, but it’s actually hilarious and delightfully clever.

Overworked nannies, Valium moms, and (oh no!) poor people all become obstacles that our heroes—an over privileged, under empathetic gang of tots—must face each day as they ski, sail, and shop their cares away.

Foxx did a lovely job of keeping this short and sharp and not too repetitive. I actually laughed out loud reading this while sharing bits of it with my husband. Definitely a fun, quick read and a great conversation piece for your bookshelves.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

~A note if you’re seeing this review on Goodreads: At this time, Goodreads is linking this book to the wrong author, a gentleman with the same name who writes a different sort of books. This was actually written by the comedian Daniel Foxx.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hilarious, tongue-firmly-in-cheek satire.
If you're looking for some laughs that might hit a little close to home, then pick this book up as soon as possible.
It would make a great holiday gift, or a fun addition to a gift exchange.
The names of these children are fantastic and honestly not too far off the mark for kids' names these days.
Some of the references will go over the heads of US readers as this is firmly set in the UK with many UK references. Not that US readers can't understand the idea behind some of the things, but a bit of the edge to the humor is lost in translation.
If you can see yourself or your children in these stories, then you have more problems than a book will solve.
Side note in case you couldn't figure it out on your own: this is not for kids.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Claudia Magnus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Octopus Publishing US as well as the author for providing me with an ARC of the book.

The premise, the title as well as the assumed sense of humor drew me into Daniel Foxx’ book. In fact, I had it on my reading list ever since I heard about it even though I am neither part of the elite nor a parent myself.

What can I say, in terms of satire of the upper classes, particularly in the realm of social media, movie stars and the (presumably) highly educated top 0.01% the stories do not disappoint.
My personal taste is a little more subtle; but if you like a ridicule of culturally rather prevalent elements such as “interesting”names or ridiculous gifts in nearly every word of the sentence, this one is for you. The graphics/drawings chosen as well as the absurdity of the short stories emphasize the point the author is trying to make perfectly.