Accidental Prime Minister

by Tom McLaughlin

When Joe tells a local news reporter exactly what he would do if he were leader of the country, the video goes viral and Joe's speech becomes famous all over the world! Before long, people are calling for the current leader to resign and give someone else a go . . . and that's how an ordinary boy like Joe ended up with the most extraordinary job. Now the fun can really start . . . Hats for cats! Pet pigs for all! Banana shaped buses! Swimming pools on trains! A hilarious story of one boy's meteoric rise to power!

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Humor, Fiction, Contemporary

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

About the author

I write pictures and doodle words for Bloomsbury, Puffin, Oxford University Press, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, The Guardian, Disney, Nickelodeon. After leaving art college in ’97, I spent nearly 10 years as a political cartoonist for The Western Morning News before going freelance.

I’ve been published both as a writer and an illustrator for a number of publishers, had my books translated across Europe and South America. Apart from publishing, I’ve also spent time script writer and a character designer for several animation channels.

I live in Devon, spend most of my days drinking tea and dreaming up new stories.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humorous book with a compelling story of how a young boy, Joe, (accidentally!) becomes prime minister whilst trying to save his local park. Accompanied by some great illustrations, I really enjoyed the author's writing style, which was engaging throughout - I didn't want to put it down! The book suitably introduces children to the world of politics whilst remaining light-hearted and funny. Themes in the book include politics, leadership, conflict, family, and friendship. This book would be suitable for children aged 8+.

[Amy Louise Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very funny look into what life would be like with a child prime minister! Kept us laughing with each page. Easy to read, loveable characters

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy and fun book that made me think about what things would be like if kids were in charge. I liked the main character, Joe but I didn’t like the baddie…

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light political hilarity for children? No, no, no, scrub that. This book’s got some serious sniggering material in it for all ages. Of course it’s all completely fictitious (like an eccentric, roller-skating Queen), but everyone can recognise most of the character traits and situations throughout – and I for one found it totally titter-worthy.

Firstly, let’s meet Joe Perkins, a hapless twelve year old with an extraordinary talent for falling over. In fact, Joe’s greatest achievement in life to date was, as the author so aptly puts it: “putting his underwear on with his eyes shut was as close to living on the edge as Joe’s life got.”

And yet, his life was about to hit the headlines – the current Prime Minister of Great Britain is on schedule to pay a visit to Joe’s school.

The timing couldn’t be any worse, as Joe was so upset to learn that this great man of power is going to close down the park where his mum works. With his little voice from the back of the crowd, Joe tries to ask the PM why he’s doing this, but is swotted away like a fly. He just wants the PM to listen to what he has to say, that’s all. So, his little voice grows louder, and Joe keeps talking and talking and….the crowd roared!

Before he knows it, Joe’s become an internet media sensation – the You Tube clip showing him standing up to the many chinned Minister has gone viral – “JOE FOR PM,” his fans shout. But he’s just a boy who wears Postman Pat PJ’s (yes, he knows he’s too old but they’re comfy, ok?)

Soon, he’s invited to No. 10 for talks. And somehow, some way, Joe Perkins finds his life turned upside down, as he surprised that he could soon be running the Country. When asked about his policies, Joe wants MORE FUN FOR EVERYONE! But all-day-fun doesn’t come without its consequences and Joe realises that it’s not easy pleasing all the people, all of the time.

So, popularity doesn’t get you everywhere and power struggles for No. 10 ensue - the grouchy Deputy Prime Minister, Violetta Crump, will do ANYTHING to snatch the PM’s job and at ANY cost.

Will Joe Perkins succeed in opening the park again? But most importantly, does he still wear Postman Pat PJ’s now he’s PM? The answers to these questions and more can be found in this brilliant book by Tom McLaughlin.

4.5 / 5 stars.

(I really enjoyed this book, so my sincere thanks go to the publisher for allowing me to download a copy from Netgalley.)

[Julie Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book with Daisy, excellent story, very well written. I think this should have been the winner of the Surrey Libraries children's book award. If you like David Walliams / Roald Dahl, this book is for you.

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Joe finds out his local park is closing for good to make way for a new swish block of posh flats and losing his mum her job, Ajay his best friend encourages him to contact people who could change that decision, so the prime minister.



Only as the PM is hated so much for his rules, Joe winds up appointed the role for something he said!



As he tries to make things fun, like as much jelly you when want which I.know I'd love! He finds himself at war with the deputy PM Violetta who'll do anything to get that top spot!



Can Joe repair his position and make his best friend and mum happy again?



I love the concept of a kid becoming PM I'm sure in reality it would be more fun too if not chaotic too. It made me laugh lots and was unique to any other children's fiction I've read and the characters were equally ordinary and easily humorous Tom really has a fun way with words and I can't wait to read more of his books!

[Callum Whalley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining read with some deep contextual meaning. It shows how and why it is important to have some "fun" no matter what our age. The main character Joe Perkins becomes PM after expressing his thoughts and feelings about a subject close to his heart - the park where his mum worked. The book shows that not taking life too seriously is important and just what everyone needs as life isn't always about work. I also liked the way that the book challenged the norms we are all used too, EG - conducting meetings on a rollercoaster amongst many more. Albeit these are not all realistic, it does show the creativity of a child's mind and that their ideas should never be ruled out. The book contains some wonderful images to reinforce some of the messages being portrayed and was easy to read with short and snappy chapters.

[Lindsey Lawntea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny little chapter book about a kid who becomes the new Prime Minister after telling off the current PM in public. The story is exactly what you would expect from a "kid president" - he turns the presidential home into a theme park, makes silly laws, and has to deal with grouchy adults interfering in his political adventures. The story made me chuckle out loud a few times and the black and white illustrations are humorous as well.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.

[Dasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read parts of it with my students. Some jokes were pretty smart and witty, and the kids needed them explained a bit, but the humour is great in this.
Obviously the whole story is a bit ridiculous, but it keeps the children hooked and reading, so that's all a teacher can hope for. I myself enjoyed it a lot - the subtle references to politics that children wouldn't understand were hilarious, and I had to explain why I was laughing quite a few times at things that seemed quite boring to them (e.g. "one rule for them, one rule for us", the league centered around a moral panic, etc). Fun read!

[Zara · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fun read, great pacing, for younger readers. Wasnt keen on several characters and the females weren't very strong and positive (except Suzi who I loved and should have been recruited). Overall nothing special and not one of my favourite reads for younger readers but makes a nice change to my usual reads

[Alison Wickham · Rating 4 out of 5]

SBC3 Summer 2020

This is a funny, silly adventure book where a boy becomes prime minister. The villain does everything she can to stop him from succeeding. This story follows the structure of an adventure story and I think Y3 squirrels class would love hearing it as their read for pleasure text at the end of the day.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent zany fun about a boy who tries to introduce more FUN into everyone’s lives. But it’s not all fun and games for the 12 year old who accidentally becomes Prime Minister. In fact in nearly ends in jelly-related disaster!

[Shaun Winford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't go wrong with McLaughlin.
This book is pure silliness, and also unapologetically British. If you read this book not for a pre adolescent kid, you really need your a healthy dose of suspension of disbelief.

[3SG (2024-2025) Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was quite a funny book! We really liked the part when the builder did not know he was closing the park. It made us think about what we would like to do if we become a Prime Minister. Violetta was an evil character, but she added a lot of funny things to the story.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think children will love this book. Great insight into a child's mind. Children will find this book humorous and probably relatable to some extent. I would recommend this book to children

[Mrs R L Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

I really enjoyed this book. It was amazing and I loved how a kid became priminister. This book can be enjoyable for any age.

[Kara-Louise Redman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give it a 4 star rating because it's really funny and interesting

[Nicole Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of laugh out moments

[Izzy Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comedic story about a normal boy who becomes prime minister of England

[Grace Foote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good when I was little but a bit too young now!

[Miina Lindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I teach Year 5 children and wanted a new class text to read to them. It did not disappoint, was funny and gripping, I laughed out loud several times.

[Sharron Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly and fun and pitched well for the intended age group. Good way to begin conversations about politics with young people too.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book and was disappointed when the book was finished.
Joe accidentally becomes prime minister whilst still a child.
This is a laugh out loud book.

[Laxmi Manohar Rao Balmuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by Sai Balmuri
This is a nice book. The whole the accidental series is.👘👑

[Alfie · Rating 4 out of 5]

:)

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great points. Was interesting to see what the country would be like if ran by a child. I just couldn’t fully gel with the book, but know others would love it.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read with my little boy! We loved it! And great humour 🤪

[Hafizah Khatun · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 Very funny

[Donna Irvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with my Year Three class Hilariously childish and unrealistic but we giggled the whole way through from start to finish!

[Fiona Procter Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny