What do you think?
The Boy Who Could Do What He Liked
Written especially for WBD 2016, this is a fabulously entertaining and touching novella from David Baddiel, author of the bestselling THE PARENT AGENCY and THE PERSON CONTROLLER.
Illustrated by the hugely talented Jim Field, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.
Alfie has a routine. To be honest he has a lot of routines.
But then one day Alfie’s babysitter is unavailable, and Alfie’s parents get Mrs Stokes instead. Mrs Stokes doesn’t do routines. Instead, she just tells Alfie to do what he likes. And that’s when things start to go weird.
Does everything get hilariously out of control? Yes.
Does Alfie learns a valuable lesson? Nah. This isn’t that kind of story…
Illustrated by the hugely talented Jim Field, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.
Alfie has a routine. To be honest he has a lot of routines.
But then one day Alfie’s babysitter is unavailable, and Alfie’s parents get Mrs Stokes instead. Mrs Stokes doesn’t do routines. Instead, she just tells Alfie to do what he likes. And that’s when things start to go weird.
Does everything get hilariously out of control? Yes.
Does Alfie learns a valuable lesson? Nah. This isn’t that kind of story…
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2016
About the author
David Baddiel
87 books451 followersDavid Lionel Baddiel is an English comedian, novelist and television presenter. Baddiel was born in New York, and moved to England when he was four months old. He grew up in grew up in Dollis Hill, Willesden, North London.
After studying at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, he read English at King's College, Cambridge and graduated with a double first. He began studies for a PhD in English at University College London, but did not complete it.
Baddiel became a cabaret stand-up comedian after leaving university and also wrote sketches and jokes for various radio series. His first television appearance came in a bit-part on one episode of the showbiz satire, Filthy, Rich and Catflap. In 1988, he was introduced to Rob Newman, a comic impressionist, and the two became a writing partnership. They were subsequently paired up with the partnership of Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis for a new topical comedy show for BBC Radio 1 called The Mary Whitehouse Experience, and its success led to a transfer to television, shooting Baddiel to fame.
He has written four novels: Time for Bed, Whatever Love Means, The Secret Purposes and The Death of Eli Gold.
Baddiel has two children, both born in Westminster, London, with his girlfriend, Morwenna Banks.
After studying at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, he read English at King's College, Cambridge and graduated with a double first. He began studies for a PhD in English at University College London, but did not complete it.
Baddiel became a cabaret stand-up comedian after leaving university and also wrote sketches and jokes for various radio series. His first television appearance came in a bit-part on one episode of the showbiz satire, Filthy, Rich and Catflap. In 1988, he was introduced to Rob Newman, a comic impressionist, and the two became a writing partnership. They were subsequently paired up with the partnership of Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis for a new topical comedy show for BBC Radio 1 called The Mary Whitehouse Experience, and its success led to a transfer to television, shooting Baddiel to fame.
He has written four novels: Time for Bed, Whatever Love Means, The Secret Purposes and The Death of Eli Gold.
Baddiel has two children, both born in Westminster, London, with his girlfriend, Morwenna Banks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 8, 2020
A cute novella written for World Book Day. It’s a great story for kids and even had a few laugh out loud moments for adults. Possibly only adults with a childish sense of humour; I find it hard to make the distinction sometimes, being thus afflicted myself.
February 28, 2016
This is one of the books released for World Book Day, which children will be able to redeem with one of the £1 World Book Day Tokens that they should receive from school. This is one of four titles produced for KS2 and is a slim paperback, with a story of just over 100 pages.
David Baddiel’s books for children tend to deal a lot in wish fulfilment – he wrote, “The Parent Agency,” in which a boy got to choose his own parents and “The Person Controller,” where put upon twins are given a person controller by the Mystery Man. In this book, we meet Alfie. Alfie’s is 11 and he has a LOT of routines and things to do, written on lists. It is fair to say that Alfie is not unhappy with all these routines, but, one day, Alfie’s dad and stepmother have to go out and his usual babysitter is not available. Enter Mrs Stokes, who, “doesn’t do routines,” and tells Alfie to do exactly what he likes…
This is a fun story with an important message. So many children now have lives which are run like clockwork; with endless scheduled activities and plotted times for doing things. Poor Alfie is seen as boring, but he is just a well behaved boy and, when he is first told to do what he likes, he has no idea exactly what he should do. Will he learn how to live for the moment? A great introduction to David Baddiel’s books for children and a really good story for World Book Day.
David Baddiel’s books for children tend to deal a lot in wish fulfilment – he wrote, “The Parent Agency,” in which a boy got to choose his own parents and “The Person Controller,” where put upon twins are given a person controller by the Mystery Man. In this book, we meet Alfie. Alfie’s is 11 and he has a LOT of routines and things to do, written on lists. It is fair to say that Alfie is not unhappy with all these routines, but, one day, Alfie’s dad and stepmother have to go out and his usual babysitter is not available. Enter Mrs Stokes, who, “doesn’t do routines,” and tells Alfie to do exactly what he likes…
This is a fun story with an important message. So many children now have lives which are run like clockwork; with endless scheduled activities and plotted times for doing things. Poor Alfie is seen as boring, but he is just a well behaved boy and, when he is first told to do what he likes, he has no idea exactly what he should do. Will he learn how to live for the moment? A great introduction to David Baddiel’s books for children and a really good story for World Book Day.
December 7, 2017
My first experience of Baddiel on the page. What did I think? Pretty good actually.
This is a very enjoyable, often silly, story that would take a speedy reader one sitting to read (so therefore it me several days and a few toilet breaks). I especially enjoyed the moment Alfie realises that his hearing impaired, wrinkly babysitter is quite possibly the best babysitter in the world... maybe even better than Mary Poppins.
My only complaint would be that it fizzled out a bit at the end. Please don't misunderstand me here, the ending was very good, but the build up seemed to get stuck in 3rd gear and never really reached max speed. Nevertheless I still enjoyed it and I believe I've already got another Baddiel on the reading pile (The Person Controller) so no doubt I'll be enjoying that one soon.
Bravo, David! And keep them coming:)
This is a very enjoyable, often silly, story that would take a speedy reader one sitting to read (so therefore it me several days and a few toilet breaks). I especially enjoyed the moment Alfie realises that his hearing impaired, wrinkly babysitter is quite possibly the best babysitter in the world... maybe even better than Mary Poppins.
My only complaint would be that it fizzled out a bit at the end. Please don't misunderstand me here, the ending was very good, but the build up seemed to get stuck in 3rd gear and never really reached max speed. Nevertheless I still enjoyed it and I believe I've already got another Baddiel on the reading pile (The Person Controller) so no doubt I'll be enjoying that one soon.
Bravo, David! And keep them coming:)
November 21, 2022
Reflections and lessons learned:
“No need for trout… I’ve already eaten!”
A sweet short adventure book for kids that need to take life less seriously. Life as a parent works best with routine… 🗓️ you’ve got to have a system… but maybe sometimes you’ve got to eat cheesy toasties at the wrong time of day, mis-step on purpose, and let the flow take it…
Wouldn't you agree we need a change of scenery?
Instead of going through the motions like machinery?
I think it's time to change the oil in the motor
Instead of living by the same old rota
Good times, yeah I know we had our quota
Don't you think it's time we go some place we never go to?
“No need for trout… I’ve already eaten!”
A sweet short adventure book for kids that need to take life less seriously. Life as a parent works best with routine… 🗓️ you’ve got to have a system… but maybe sometimes you’ve got to eat cheesy toasties at the wrong time of day, mis-step on purpose, and let the flow take it…
Wouldn't you agree we need a change of scenery?
Instead of going through the motions like machinery?
I think it's time to change the oil in the motor
Instead of living by the same old rota
Good times, yeah I know we had our quota
Don't you think it's time we go some place we never go to?
March 20, 2016
Fabulous story. And, whether he wanted us to or not, we DID learn something.
April 13, 2016
I devoured this in one sitting, it was fast-paced, fun and a little bit bonkers!
January 30, 2017
Ross
It was a epic adventure but the only thing was that it was to short but it was funny ha ha
It was a epic adventure but the only thing was that it was to short but it was funny ha ha
May 19, 2016
About a boy who has a lot of routines. One day his parents go out but his usual babysitter is unavailable so Alfie's parents get Mrs Stokes to look after him, and she doesn't follow any routines at all.
To be honest I preferred the Parent Agency because it was had a more interesting plot, but that was probably because it was a much longer novel, and David Baddiel could develop it more. But this is still a really good book, and I like reading Baddiel.
To be honest I preferred the Parent Agency because it was had a more interesting plot, but that was probably because it was a much longer novel, and David Baddiel could develop it more. But this is still a really good book, and I like reading Baddiel.
April 3, 2017
Hilarious!
Very funny story!
Would recommended to 8-12 year olds.
About a boy called Alfie who always has to stick to his routines.
One day his babysitter can't come so Alfie is stuck with his ex mum's babysitter who can barely hear!
I loved every page of it and read it 30 mins as it was so good!!
No body would ever expect what happens ...
Very funny story!
Would recommended to 8-12 year olds.
About a boy called Alfie who always has to stick to his routines.
One day his babysitter can't come so Alfie is stuck with his ex mum's babysitter who can barely hear!
I loved every page of it and read it 30 mins as it was so good!!
No body would ever expect what happens ...
July 30, 2016
The new David Walliams!
The Boy Who Could Do What He Liked is an amazing children's book, probably best for around 6-10 years. I rated it a 5-star because there is nothing wrong with it! I think David Baddiel should write a lot Moore books and become the new David Walliams!!!
The Boy Who Could Do What He Liked is an amazing children's book, probably best for around 6-10 years. I rated it a 5-star because there is nothing wrong with it! I think David Baddiel should write a lot Moore books and become the new David Walliams!!!
April 17, 2016
Great to listen to in the car with a five-year-old who normally spends the journey talking non-stop. He was silent!
May 9, 2016
I found it very funny when Mrs Stokes kept mishearing things. (Stanley aged 8)
Want to Read
December 31, 2016I think this is so far the best book I have Read✌
March 12, 2021
It was good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2018
Dễ thương, minh họa cũng dễ thương.
April 15, 2016
Lovely book. Can't wait to read it with my class! Wish it was longer though or there was a second book.
August 16, 2016
It was a really good read but it was too short
I liked the way he gets out of his routines to have some fun and I would recommend this to children of all ages.
I liked the way he gets out of his routines to have some fun and I would recommend this to children of all ages.
February 13, 2017
Very good
I liked it a lot and I thought it was funny. My favorite part was the bit with bum bum
I liked it a lot and I thought it was funny. My favorite part was the bit with bum bum
March 18, 2017
Entertaining and enjoyable. Made me laugh out loud several times, which is always a good thing!
May 20, 2017
Read now
So good
This book brings joy happiness all round
I
Now read I would recommend this to five and up
So good
This book brings joy happiness all round
I
Now read I would recommend this to five and up
June 14, 2017
Incredible
It was hilarious
Because it was one of his best books
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes i t was so hear😎
It was hilarious
Because it was one of his best books
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes i t was so hear😎
September 27, 2017
Nice easy read to encourage readers
December 23, 2017
Really enjoyable book.
May 14, 2018
Suitable for encouraging children to read and change parent's mindset about scheduling.
August 18, 2018
Love it!
I chose this rating because I thought that this book was soon good!! The only thing wrong with it is that it is far too short. It needs to be longer!!
I chose this rating because I thought that this book was soon good!! The only thing wrong with it is that it is far too short. It needs to be longer!!
February 24, 2019
I love it so much, I wish I could rate it 6 stars!
October 11, 2019
This was a great, funny book and i loved having a break from super long books reading as it wasa nice quick read!
May 19, 2020
I rated this book 4 stars because he didn't choose many thing like I thought it would have but it was a good read and I would recommend it to children under 12.
June 23, 2020
A bit silly for a 10 year old kid but I thought it was okay.
March 6, 2022
This is really funny!😁 And uplifting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews