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I Swapped My Brother On The Internet
'I can get a new brother? On the internet?' Jonny muttered. 'Oh sweet mangoes of heaven!'
Everyone has dreamed of being able to get rid of their brother or sister at one time or another – but for Jonny, the dream is about to become a reality with SiblingSwap.com! What could be better than someone awesome to replace Ted, Jonny's obnoxious older brother.
But finding the perfect brother isn't easy, as Jonny discovers when Sibling Swap sends him a line of increasingly bizarre replacements: first a merboy, then a brother raised by meerkats, and then the ghost of Henry the Eighth! What's coming next?! Suddenly old Ted isn't looking so bad. But can Jonny ever get him back?
A hilarious tale of wish fulfilment gone wrong that every child will relate to – perfect for fans of Pamela Butchart, My Brother is a Superhero and David Baddiel's The Parent Agency.
Everyone has dreamed of being able to get rid of their brother or sister at one time or another – but for Jonny, the dream is about to become a reality with SiblingSwap.com! What could be better than someone awesome to replace Ted, Jonny's obnoxious older brother.
But finding the perfect brother isn't easy, as Jonny discovers when Sibling Swap sends him a line of increasingly bizarre replacements: first a merboy, then a brother raised by meerkats, and then the ghost of Henry the Eighth! What's coming next?! Suddenly old Ted isn't looking so bad. But can Jonny ever get him back?
A hilarious tale of wish fulfilment gone wrong that every child will relate to – perfect for fans of Pamela Butchart, My Brother is a Superhero and David Baddiel's The Parent Agency.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2018
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286 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 22, 2018
Jonny is fed up with his older brother Ted. He teases him, bothers him and just does not let him be. That is until Jonny comes across SiblingSwap.com and decides its time for a new brother. He fills his information and what he is looking for in a brother and sends his application. Ted vanishes. Jonny receives a cast of different "new" brothers, not all of them human, and starts to realize that maybe this was not a wise idea.
This book was lots of fun. Being the third of four siblings, I definitely understand the concept behind this book. Its not that Jonny does not love his brother but he wishes he were different. So Jonny takes matters into his own hands and swaps him. At first this experiment seems like an upgrade but with each "new brother" Jonny realizes that Ted is not so bad after all. Can he get him back? While I am out of the recommended age range fot this book, it was still one that I enjoyed greatly. I do not always see eye to eye with my brothers and sister but at the end of the day, they know me best and I would not trade them for anyone. That, I think, is the overall message of the book. Cute, charming and just sheer fun, I am glad I picked this book.
I do have one question. How was it that siblings were removed from their household without the parents noticing? That was not explained.
This book was lots of fun. Being the third of four siblings, I definitely understand the concept behind this book. Its not that Jonny does not love his brother but he wishes he were different. So Jonny takes matters into his own hands and swaps him. At first this experiment seems like an upgrade but with each "new brother" Jonny realizes that Ted is not so bad after all. Can he get him back? While I am out of the recommended age range fot this book, it was still one that I enjoyed greatly. I do not always see eye to eye with my brothers and sister but at the end of the day, they know me best and I would not trade them for anyone. That, I think, is the overall message of the book. Cute, charming and just sheer fun, I am glad I picked this book.
I do have one question. How was it that siblings were removed from their household without the parents noticing? That was not explained.
March 21, 2018
A fun, delightful book about siblings.
I just had to try out this book, I don't have any siblings myself (how I wish, but it is now way too late for that), but I still know, from friends, that having siblings isn't always fun. So I was eager to see what Jonny would do when he found out about the sibling swap online!
Because Jonny isn't too happy with his brother Ted. And for good reasons. His brother is always making stupid or mean remarks, always pushing him, always calling him names. I can imagine he may want to swap and get another sibling! And so he finds the site and tries it out. Little did he know what kind of chaos he would get into! Yep. Sibling swapping isn't that easily, especially with a wonky/magical site. Plus, maybe he should have ticked that little human box, instead of leaving it unchecked. :P But hey, thanks to that he did get a lot of fun and interesting siblings.
Yep, we start of with Mervyn. I already had a fairly good idea what he was, and I was delighted to see my suspicions be right. I think he was the best out of the siblings. But I can also understand why it didn't work out. Mervyn just isn't happy, and Jonny would have to help out all the time. :(
Alfie was the most annoying one out of all the siblings. I can imagine people want to swap him. He was just terrible. He didn't understand how to be kind and friendly, instead he just manipulated, didn't get the hint, and I think it would have been perfect if he had just stayed inside that room at the Sibling Swap place forever.
I had a laugh at J2. That was a fun one, though his attitude was pretty terrible. He was in a way the same as our MC, but also totally different in regards to personality.
Pete was the biggest surprise, I definitely hadn't expected them to be that or to do it for those reasons! How delightful! And then I had a laugh later on, but because of what you will have to read the book, I am not going to spoil a thing! Ha!
I loved how the book didn't only showcase all the weird siblings, but also showed that Jonny was thinking about his own brother, Ted. He started to remember the good times, how Ted would care for him when sick, how he would be there to help him out. Yep, Jonny was seeing the light. He was seeing that maybe his own brother isn't too bad. But how do you get him back, and most important of all... does Ted want to come back home after his own brother dumped him for other siblings? So I was happy when we did see Ted and how he wanted his brother to show him his love and care. That he really wanted Ted back.
I still have several questions regarding the whole swapping. How did they get all the kids in the rooms? Kidnap them? Drug them? Magical teleportation? How did the whole swapping work? I have checked my copy but I just can't find the answers. Just who set it all up (which was a delightful surprise), and why they did it. Also why is the mom such a ditz? Is this to do with the site (again I am still unsure if the site was just that or more given the applicants, the swapping stuff, and some other things) or is she just that vacant in her mind?
The ending was terrific and exciting, and I was definitely happy with how it all ended for everyone.
The book is illustrated by Nathan Reed and his art just fits the silliness of this book to a T.
Extra points to the fabulous title!
All in all, this book will make you laugh, but also will make you sniffle a little (as you see Jonny realise that he misses his own brother). I would recommend it to all!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I just had to try out this book, I don't have any siblings myself (how I wish, but it is now way too late for that), but I still know, from friends, that having siblings isn't always fun. So I was eager to see what Jonny would do when he found out about the sibling swap online!
Because Jonny isn't too happy with his brother Ted. And for good reasons. His brother is always making stupid or mean remarks, always pushing him, always calling him names. I can imagine he may want to swap and get another sibling! And so he finds the site and tries it out. Little did he know what kind of chaos he would get into! Yep. Sibling swapping isn't that easily, especially with a wonky/magical site. Plus, maybe he should have ticked that little human box, instead of leaving it unchecked. :P But hey, thanks to that he did get a lot of fun and interesting siblings.
Yep, we start of with Mervyn. I already had a fairly good idea what he was, and I was delighted to see my suspicions be right. I think he was the best out of the siblings. But I can also understand why it didn't work out. Mervyn just isn't happy, and Jonny would have to help out all the time. :(
Alfie was the most annoying one out of all the siblings. I can imagine people want to swap him. He was just terrible. He didn't understand how to be kind and friendly, instead he just manipulated, didn't get the hint, and I think it would have been perfect if he had just stayed inside that room at the Sibling Swap place forever.
I had a laugh at J2. That was a fun one, though his attitude was pretty terrible. He was in a way the same as our MC, but also totally different in regards to personality.
Pete was the biggest surprise, I definitely hadn't expected them to be that or to do it for those reasons! How delightful! And then I had a laugh later on, but because of what you will have to read the book, I am not going to spoil a thing! Ha!
I loved how the book didn't only showcase all the weird siblings, but also showed that Jonny was thinking about his own brother, Ted. He started to remember the good times, how Ted would care for him when sick, how he would be there to help him out. Yep, Jonny was seeing the light. He was seeing that maybe his own brother isn't too bad. But how do you get him back, and most important of all... does Ted want to come back home after his own brother dumped him for other siblings? So I was happy when we did see Ted and how he wanted his brother to show him his love and care. That he really wanted Ted back.
I still have several questions regarding the whole swapping. How did they get all the kids in the rooms? Kidnap them? Drug them? Magical teleportation? How did the whole swapping work? I have checked my copy but I just can't find the answers. Just who set it all up (which was a delightful surprise), and why they did it. Also why is the mom such a ditz? Is this to do with the site (again I am still unsure if the site was just that or more given the applicants, the swapping stuff, and some other things) or is she just that vacant in her mind?
The ending was terrific and exciting, and I was definitely happy with how it all ended for everyone.
The book is illustrated by Nathan Reed and his art just fits the silliness of this book to a T.
Extra points to the fabulous title!
All in all, this book will make you laugh, but also will make you sniffle a little (as you see Jonny realise that he misses his own brother). I would recommend it to all!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 17, 2018
4.5 stars
From the phrase Oh sweet mangoes of heaven, to the sentence in praise of naps, I knew I was going to love this fun and charming book.
Of course I love and adore my sister and never once wanted to swap her!!! Um... whilst that is true now when we were younger we fought so much that I’m sure both of us may have been tempted to try the service offered by Sibling Swap. Johnny and his brother Ted have just had a fight when he spots their advert and he fills out the form not really thinking about the consequences. What follows is a series of swaps with siblings that aren’t quite what he’d bargained for. I think my favourite was the ghost of Henry the Eighth and adults will love the little history nods in that section. And if you are a fan of 80s film Splash you’ll love Mervyn the Merboy.
Kids are going to love the silliness, burping, adventure but mostly... The Hanging Pants of Doom!!!
The story was naturally far fetched - especially the Mum’s reaction to her missing older son- but it made me smile a lot and comes to the inevitable realisation that perhaps our siblings aren’t altogether bad after all.
Definitely one to read out loud at bedtime with the whole family enjoying. (Note - parents may wish to study Meerkat noises before reading).
Thanks to Faye Rogers and Scholastic for the copy of the book for the purposes of this honest review.
From the phrase Oh sweet mangoes of heaven, to the sentence in praise of naps, I knew I was going to love this fun and charming book.
Of course I love and adore my sister and never once wanted to swap her!!! Um... whilst that is true now when we were younger we fought so much that I’m sure both of us may have been tempted to try the service offered by Sibling Swap. Johnny and his brother Ted have just had a fight when he spots their advert and he fills out the form not really thinking about the consequences. What follows is a series of swaps with siblings that aren’t quite what he’d bargained for. I think my favourite was the ghost of Henry the Eighth and adults will love the little history nods in that section. And if you are a fan of 80s film Splash you’ll love Mervyn the Merboy.
Kids are going to love the silliness, burping, adventure but mostly... The Hanging Pants of Doom!!!
The story was naturally far fetched - especially the Mum’s reaction to her missing older son- but it made me smile a lot and comes to the inevitable realisation that perhaps our siblings aren’t altogether bad after all.
Definitely one to read out loud at bedtime with the whole family enjoying. (Note - parents may wish to study Meerkat noises before reading).
Thanks to Faye Rogers and Scholastic for the copy of the book for the purposes of this honest review.
March 15, 2018
Feels good to read a children's book.
December 26, 2017
A funny tale with some laugh out loud moments about the perils of swapping your brother on the internet! Henry VIII, a meerkat boy and other interesting brothers are sent to replace Ted... but can any of them actually replace him?
March 31, 2020
Als ich das erste Mal über „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ stolperte, konnte der originelle Titel meine Neugierde sofort wecken. Seinen Bruder im Internet tauschen? Das klang einfach so schön skurril. Da ich total auf solche Art von Geschichten stehe und mich Klappentext und Cover ebenfalls auf Anhieb überzeugen konnten, stand für mich schnell fest: „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ muss ich unbedingt lesen!
Der neunjährige Jonny ist einfach nur noch genervt von seinem großen Bruder Ted. Ständig ärgert und verspottet er ihn. Jonny hat die Nase gestrichen voll. Als er eines Abend im Internet auf die Seite www.geschwistertausch.com stößt, kann er sein Glück kaum fassen. Sollte es etwa tatsächlich möglich sein, Blödmann Ted gegen einen neuen, viel cooleren Bruder umzutauschen? Mann, wäre das toll! Zuerst zögert Jonny noch, aber dann ist das Ganze doch einfach zu verlockend. Jonny füllt das Formular aus. Am nächsten Tag ist Ted spurlos verschwunden. Der Tauschbrüder, der kurz darauf aufkreuzt, entspricht nur irgendwie so gar nicht Jonnys Vorstellungen..
Ich bin eindeutig nicht mit den falschen Erwartungen an „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ herangegangen. Das, was mich zwischen den Buchdeckeln erwartet hat, kann man wahrlich nur als abgedreht bezeichnen. Ich muss gestehen, dass mir die Story stellenweise sogar ein wenig zu abgehoben und merkwürdig war. Begeistert bin ich aber dennoch. Ich habe eine zauberhafte Lesezeit mit dem Buch verbracht und es quasi in einem Rutsch durchgeschmökert.
Dass die Story wenig realistisch sein wird, habe ich mir anhand des Klappentextes und auch des Titels natürlich bereits gedacht. Ich meine: Seinen Bruder im Internet umtauschen? Wäre ja echt furchtbar, wenn das im wirklichen Leben gehen würde! Diejenigen, die nervige Geschwister haben, werden nun vermutlich lautstark protestieren, allerdings wird ihre Meinung vielleicht (oder sehr wahrscheinlich) eine andere sein, nachdem sie „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ gelesen haben.
Die Story in „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ mag ziemlich absurd sein, sie enthält zugleich aber auch eine wichtige Botschaft. Auf eine äußerst fantasievolle und abgedrehte Weise zeigt Jo Simmons auf, dass man froh darüber sein sollte, Geschwister zu haben. Klar, man ist sich nicht immer einig, liegt sich öfters in den Haaren und manchmal können Geschwister wirklich die reinsten Nervensägen und Idioten sein, aber lieben sollte man sie dennoch. Wenn man die Macken seiner Geschwister akzeptiert und zudem mal tief in sich geht und nachdenkt, werden sicherlich die meisten merken, dass sie doch glücklich darüber sind, einen Bruder, eine Schwester oder vielleicht sogar beides zu haben. Geschwister sind etwas Großartiges und definitiv nichts, was sich einfach so umtauschen lässt!
Auch Jonny wird noch feststellen, dass er seinen großen Bruder Ted doch eigentlich sehr gerne mag. Seine anfängliche große Begeisterung darüber, dass er Ted über die Internetseite www.geschwistertausch.com losgeworden ist, wird sehr rasch einen ordentlichen Dämpfer erhalten. Die neuen Brüder, die bei ihm aufkreuzen, stellen sich allesamt nicht als die perfekten Brüder heraus, die er sich in seiner Vorstellung ausgemalt hat. Alle haben sie zwar ihre Vorteile, nur überwiegen stets ganz klar die Nachteile. Es wird also munter weiter umgetauscht, sodass Jonny die Bekanntschaft von so einigen (sehr komischen) Brüdern machen wird.
Bezüglich der Brüder möchte ich gar nicht groß was erzählen, ich möchte ja schließlich nicht zu viel verraten. Nur so viel: Durch die Tauschbrüder wird die Story wirklich ziemlich unrealistisch. Nicht alle sind menschlich, so begegnen wir zum Beispiel einem Meerjungen oder einem Geist. Da ist es natürlich immer Geschmackssache, mir jedenfalls hat es irgendwie nicht so gut gefallen, dass einige der Brüder keine richtigen Menschen sind. Keine Ahnung, hat mich einfach ein bisschen gestört. Ich denke aber, dass die Zielgruppe diesen Punkt klasse finden wird. Die Handlung gewinnt dadurch auf jeden Fall enorm an Abwechslung und Spannung, da man sich bei jedem neuen Bruder fragt: Was für ein Wesen wird wohl jetzt vor Jonnys Haustür stehen? Mensch, Tier oder irgendetwas anderes?
Langeweile kommt bei „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ garantiert nicht auf, das kann ich euch versprechen. Die Handlung ist unglaublich mitreißend und urkomisch und enthält lauter Überraschungen. Man kann eigentlich gar nicht anders, als das Buch zu verschlingen. Bei mir jedenfalls war es so. Ich bin nur so durch die Seiten geflogen haben und war dabei immerzu am Mitfiebern, Schmunzeln und Grinsen.
Zum Nachdenken hat mich die Geschichte ebenfalls sehr angeregt. So grotesk und irrsinnig sie auch stellenweise sein mag, sie gewinnt durch die wunderschöne Moral auch sehr an Tiefe, was mir wahnsinnig gut gefallen hat. In meinen Augen ist der Autorin die Kombi aus Humor, Fantasie und Tiefgründigkeit prima gelungen.
Was selbstverständlich auch zu meinem flotten Lesetempo beigetragen hat, sind der humorvolle Schreibstil, die wunderbar kurzen Kapitel, die angenehm große Schrift und die brillante Aufmachung.
Für Mädchen und Jungen ab 9 Jahren eignet sich das Buch erstklassig zum Selberlesen an. Lesemuffeln kann ich es übrigens ganz besonders ans Herz legen, da sich durch die zahlreichen Illustrationen auf vielen Seiten nicht allzu viel Text befindet. Zum Vorlesen bietet sich „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ meiner Ansicht nach ebenfalls fabelhaft an. Ich kann mir nur zu gut vorstellen, dass die amüsante Geschichte, die einen hier erwartet, für sehr unterhaltsame Vorlesestunden sorgen wird.
Ansprechen wird das Buch wahrscheinlich eher Jungen, allerdings ist es definitiv auch für Mädels absolut lesenswert! Mit dem 9-jährigen Jonny werden sich Kinder, egal ob Männlein oder Weiblein, hervorragend identifizieren können. Da seine Gefühls- und Gedankenwelt sehr anschaulich und authentisch beschrieben wird, ist es jedoch auch mir, als Erwachsene, mühelos geglückt, mich in unseren Protagonisten hineinzuversetzen.
Mir war Jonny auf Anhieb sympathisch. Er ist ein total lieber, aufgeweckter und lustiger Junge – Jonny muss man als Leser einfach sofort ins Herz schließen.
Was dann natürlich auf gar keinen Fall unerwähnt bleiben darf, sind die mega coolen schwarz-weiß Illustrationen von Nathan Reed. Mir haben seine Bilder unheimlich gut gefallen. Sie sind super witzig und passen einfach nur vortrefflich zu der außergewöhnlichen Geschichte von Jo Simmons.
Fazit: Spannend, super lustig, herrlich schräg – ein tolles Kinderbuch für Groß und Klein! Mir hat „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ richtig gut gefallen. Die Geschichte ist so schön verrückt und komisch, sodass man sich beim Lesen köstlich amüsiert, zugleich regt sie dank der wundervollen Botschaft aber auch sehr zum Nachdenken an. Genial ist auch die Gestaltung die Buches. Die Illustrationen von Nathan Reed sind einfach nur einsame Spitze.
Für alle, die sich öfters von ihren Geschwistern genervt fühlen, ist „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ besonders zu empfehlen, ich kann das Buch aber natürlich auch allen anderen sehr ans Herz legen. Von mir gibt es sehr gute 4 von 5 Sternen!
Der neunjährige Jonny ist einfach nur noch genervt von seinem großen Bruder Ted. Ständig ärgert und verspottet er ihn. Jonny hat die Nase gestrichen voll. Als er eines Abend im Internet auf die Seite www.geschwistertausch.com stößt, kann er sein Glück kaum fassen. Sollte es etwa tatsächlich möglich sein, Blödmann Ted gegen einen neuen, viel cooleren Bruder umzutauschen? Mann, wäre das toll! Zuerst zögert Jonny noch, aber dann ist das Ganze doch einfach zu verlockend. Jonny füllt das Formular aus. Am nächsten Tag ist Ted spurlos verschwunden. Der Tauschbrüder, der kurz darauf aufkreuzt, entspricht nur irgendwie so gar nicht Jonnys Vorstellungen..
Ich bin eindeutig nicht mit den falschen Erwartungen an „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ herangegangen. Das, was mich zwischen den Buchdeckeln erwartet hat, kann man wahrlich nur als abgedreht bezeichnen. Ich muss gestehen, dass mir die Story stellenweise sogar ein wenig zu abgehoben und merkwürdig war. Begeistert bin ich aber dennoch. Ich habe eine zauberhafte Lesezeit mit dem Buch verbracht und es quasi in einem Rutsch durchgeschmökert.
Dass die Story wenig realistisch sein wird, habe ich mir anhand des Klappentextes und auch des Titels natürlich bereits gedacht. Ich meine: Seinen Bruder im Internet umtauschen? Wäre ja echt furchtbar, wenn das im wirklichen Leben gehen würde! Diejenigen, die nervige Geschwister haben, werden nun vermutlich lautstark protestieren, allerdings wird ihre Meinung vielleicht (oder sehr wahrscheinlich) eine andere sein, nachdem sie „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ gelesen haben.
Die Story in „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ mag ziemlich absurd sein, sie enthält zugleich aber auch eine wichtige Botschaft. Auf eine äußerst fantasievolle und abgedrehte Weise zeigt Jo Simmons auf, dass man froh darüber sein sollte, Geschwister zu haben. Klar, man ist sich nicht immer einig, liegt sich öfters in den Haaren und manchmal können Geschwister wirklich die reinsten Nervensägen und Idioten sein, aber lieben sollte man sie dennoch. Wenn man die Macken seiner Geschwister akzeptiert und zudem mal tief in sich geht und nachdenkt, werden sicherlich die meisten merken, dass sie doch glücklich darüber sind, einen Bruder, eine Schwester oder vielleicht sogar beides zu haben. Geschwister sind etwas Großartiges und definitiv nichts, was sich einfach so umtauschen lässt!
Auch Jonny wird noch feststellen, dass er seinen großen Bruder Ted doch eigentlich sehr gerne mag. Seine anfängliche große Begeisterung darüber, dass er Ted über die Internetseite www.geschwistertausch.com losgeworden ist, wird sehr rasch einen ordentlichen Dämpfer erhalten. Die neuen Brüder, die bei ihm aufkreuzen, stellen sich allesamt nicht als die perfekten Brüder heraus, die er sich in seiner Vorstellung ausgemalt hat. Alle haben sie zwar ihre Vorteile, nur überwiegen stets ganz klar die Nachteile. Es wird also munter weiter umgetauscht, sodass Jonny die Bekanntschaft von so einigen (sehr komischen) Brüdern machen wird.
Bezüglich der Brüder möchte ich gar nicht groß was erzählen, ich möchte ja schließlich nicht zu viel verraten. Nur so viel: Durch die Tauschbrüder wird die Story wirklich ziemlich unrealistisch. Nicht alle sind menschlich, so begegnen wir zum Beispiel einem Meerjungen oder einem Geist. Da ist es natürlich immer Geschmackssache, mir jedenfalls hat es irgendwie nicht so gut gefallen, dass einige der Brüder keine richtigen Menschen sind. Keine Ahnung, hat mich einfach ein bisschen gestört. Ich denke aber, dass die Zielgruppe diesen Punkt klasse finden wird. Die Handlung gewinnt dadurch auf jeden Fall enorm an Abwechslung und Spannung, da man sich bei jedem neuen Bruder fragt: Was für ein Wesen wird wohl jetzt vor Jonnys Haustür stehen? Mensch, Tier oder irgendetwas anderes?
Langeweile kommt bei „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ garantiert nicht auf, das kann ich euch versprechen. Die Handlung ist unglaublich mitreißend und urkomisch und enthält lauter Überraschungen. Man kann eigentlich gar nicht anders, als das Buch zu verschlingen. Bei mir jedenfalls war es so. Ich bin nur so durch die Seiten geflogen haben und war dabei immerzu am Mitfiebern, Schmunzeln und Grinsen.
Zum Nachdenken hat mich die Geschichte ebenfalls sehr angeregt. So grotesk und irrsinnig sie auch stellenweise sein mag, sie gewinnt durch die wunderschöne Moral auch sehr an Tiefe, was mir wahnsinnig gut gefallen hat. In meinen Augen ist der Autorin die Kombi aus Humor, Fantasie und Tiefgründigkeit prima gelungen.
Was selbstverständlich auch zu meinem flotten Lesetempo beigetragen hat, sind der humorvolle Schreibstil, die wunderbar kurzen Kapitel, die angenehm große Schrift und die brillante Aufmachung.
Für Mädchen und Jungen ab 9 Jahren eignet sich das Buch erstklassig zum Selberlesen an. Lesemuffeln kann ich es übrigens ganz besonders ans Herz legen, da sich durch die zahlreichen Illustrationen auf vielen Seiten nicht allzu viel Text befindet. Zum Vorlesen bietet sich „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ meiner Ansicht nach ebenfalls fabelhaft an. Ich kann mir nur zu gut vorstellen, dass die amüsante Geschichte, die einen hier erwartet, für sehr unterhaltsame Vorlesestunden sorgen wird.
Ansprechen wird das Buch wahrscheinlich eher Jungen, allerdings ist es definitiv auch für Mädels absolut lesenswert! Mit dem 9-jährigen Jonny werden sich Kinder, egal ob Männlein oder Weiblein, hervorragend identifizieren können. Da seine Gefühls- und Gedankenwelt sehr anschaulich und authentisch beschrieben wird, ist es jedoch auch mir, als Erwachsene, mühelos geglückt, mich in unseren Protagonisten hineinzuversetzen.
Mir war Jonny auf Anhieb sympathisch. Er ist ein total lieber, aufgeweckter und lustiger Junge – Jonny muss man als Leser einfach sofort ins Herz schließen.
Was dann natürlich auf gar keinen Fall unerwähnt bleiben darf, sind die mega coolen schwarz-weiß Illustrationen von Nathan Reed. Mir haben seine Bilder unheimlich gut gefallen. Sie sind super witzig und passen einfach nur vortrefflich zu der außergewöhnlichen Geschichte von Jo Simmons.
Fazit: Spannend, super lustig, herrlich schräg – ein tolles Kinderbuch für Groß und Klein! Mir hat „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ richtig gut gefallen. Die Geschichte ist so schön verrückt und komisch, sodass man sich beim Lesen köstlich amüsiert, zugleich regt sie dank der wundervollen Botschaft aber auch sehr zum Nachdenken an. Genial ist auch die Gestaltung die Buches. Die Illustrationen von Nathan Reed sind einfach nur einsame Spitze.
Für alle, die sich öfters von ihren Geschwistern genervt fühlen, ist „Hilfe, ich habe meinen Bruder im Internet getauscht“ besonders zu empfehlen, ich kann das Buch aber natürlich auch allen anderen sehr ans Herz legen. Von mir gibt es sehr gute 4 von 5 Sternen!
August 24, 2018
Nine-year-old Jonny is fed up with his older brother Ted teasing him, flicking his ear, calling him names, and worst of all, trying to get him to touch the Hanging Pants of Doom. But then he discovers SiblingSwap.com…
'A new brother. A better brother. A brother who didn’t put salt in your orange squash, who didn’t call you a human sloth, who didn’t burp in your ear. That kind of brother.
Jonny had to try it. He could always return the new brother if things didn’t work out. It was a no-brainer.
He clicked on the application form.
What could go wrong?'
Of course, it all goes wrong. The replacement siblings the website sends are not exactly what Jonny had in mind, and sometimes—not even human. It’s a shame that the identity of the first three brothers are mentioned in the blurb, this is a bit of a plot-spoiler and I think it would be more entertaining to encounter them without knowing they’re coming.
Eventually Johnny realizes that Ted wasn’t so bad after all, but will he ever be able to get him back? And who are the mysterious people behind the Sibling Swap website?
I Swapped my Brother on the Internet is an enjoyable, inventive read with some hilarious moments that will make the kids laugh out loud, (e.g. the Hanging Pants of Doom!) It’s also a brilliant, attention-grabbing title—any child with a brother or sister would be intrigued by the concept and would probably relate to Jonny’s sibling woes. (My daughter loved the book but my son was rather concerned when he saw her reading it.) Fans of Tom Gates will appreciate the zany, comic-book-style illustrations by Nathan Reed, and it’s also a great book for reluctant readers as it is funny, fast-paced and engaging.
(Review originally published on www.armadillomagazine.co.uk)
'A new brother. A better brother. A brother who didn’t put salt in your orange squash, who didn’t call you a human sloth, who didn’t burp in your ear. That kind of brother.
Jonny had to try it. He could always return the new brother if things didn’t work out. It was a no-brainer.
He clicked on the application form.
What could go wrong?'
Of course, it all goes wrong. The replacement siblings the website sends are not exactly what Jonny had in mind, and sometimes—not even human. It’s a shame that the identity of the first three brothers are mentioned in the blurb, this is a bit of a plot-spoiler and I think it would be more entertaining to encounter them without knowing they’re coming.
Eventually Johnny realizes that Ted wasn’t so bad after all, but will he ever be able to get him back? And who are the mysterious people behind the Sibling Swap website?
I Swapped my Brother on the Internet is an enjoyable, inventive read with some hilarious moments that will make the kids laugh out loud, (e.g. the Hanging Pants of Doom!) It’s also a brilliant, attention-grabbing title—any child with a brother or sister would be intrigued by the concept and would probably relate to Jonny’s sibling woes. (My daughter loved the book but my son was rather concerned when he saw her reading it.) Fans of Tom Gates will appreciate the zany, comic-book-style illustrations by Nathan Reed, and it’s also a great book for reluctant readers as it is funny, fast-paced and engaging.
(Review originally published on www.armadillomagazine.co.uk)
March 16, 2019
This book was quite funny and was very easy to read. I enjoyed the bit where Jonny breaks into the warehouse and finds out that the ‘evil genius’ behind it was actually one of his best friends!
‘“Just a few clicks and Sibling Swap will be unstoppable. I won’t give up on it! This will change lives! I’ll show you. I’ll prove it!” And with that, he ran out of the warehouse.’
I think that it could be improved by focusing more on some of the brothers.
My favourite character was Pete-Pip because she was really clever and was investigating Sibling Swap.
I would recommend this book to children of ages 9 - 11, who like funny books.
‘“Just a few clicks and Sibling Swap will be unstoppable. I won’t give up on it! This will change lives! I’ll show you. I’ll prove it!” And with that, he ran out of the warehouse.’
I think that it could be improved by focusing more on some of the brothers.
My favourite character was Pete-Pip because she was really clever and was investigating Sibling Swap.
I would recommend this book to children of ages 9 - 11, who like funny books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2018
4.5 Stars! I really loved this one!
Review coming on theteacherslibrary.org
Review coming on theteacherslibrary.org
June 25, 2023
Better that I expected, but not good enough to hold my attention all the way through.
March 9, 2024
Loved it 💗
January 5, 2018
Mr Ripleys Enchanted Books - www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com
This is another brilliant book published in January 2018 by Bloomsbury Kids. I Swapped My Brother On The Internet by Jo Simmons is just the type of book you need to kick off the New Year. Christmas is over, winter is kicking in and you've gone back to school - do we have to? These are the cries that can be heard. Yes, you do as your parents want some peace and quiet. Therefore, what you need is a cracking good read that will make you laugh your holey, odd socks off regardless of age or sense of humour. This is the book for you (and your holey socks!) Oh, I'm sorry, I hear you got new socks for Christmas, what was I thinking....?
From the start of the book, you will start to see the input from Nathan Reed the illustrator. The drawings are fun and the typeface changes in places to keep the reader engaged in the story. The book cover is strong, bold, bright and eye-catching. With such a combination it should definitely pull the readers in for a closer look. Do book covers make a difference when choosing a book?
You will be taken on a bizarre journey where everything goes wrong in the most spectacular way. It's a comical story written really well and told through a wild imagination. The plot is brilliant and transports the reader on a carpet of laughter and humour that is both engaging and easy to read.
The book takes a close look at the relationship between brothers and what it's like to have a brother. The concept is a brilliant one which the middle-grade audience will relate to and love. The reality side of the book depicts a typical family and school life background. The subplot heads the reader into the unknown and will keep you guessing until the very end of the book. The characters grow with the story and play a fantastic part. At the end of the book, you may FIND a surprising twist that really makes for a satisfactory conclusion.
This is a brilliantly fun and bizarre read that will wash the New Year blues away with a squeak or two. Would you dare swap your BROTHER?
This is another brilliant book published in January 2018 by Bloomsbury Kids. I Swapped My Brother On The Internet by Jo Simmons is just the type of book you need to kick off the New Year. Christmas is over, winter is kicking in and you've gone back to school - do we have to? These are the cries that can be heard. Yes, you do as your parents want some peace and quiet. Therefore, what you need is a cracking good read that will make you laugh your holey, odd socks off regardless of age or sense of humour. This is the book for you (and your holey socks!) Oh, I'm sorry, I hear you got new socks for Christmas, what was I thinking....?
From the start of the book, you will start to see the input from Nathan Reed the illustrator. The drawings are fun and the typeface changes in places to keep the reader engaged in the story. The book cover is strong, bold, bright and eye-catching. With such a combination it should definitely pull the readers in for a closer look. Do book covers make a difference when choosing a book?
You will be taken on a bizarre journey where everything goes wrong in the most spectacular way. It's a comical story written really well and told through a wild imagination. The plot is brilliant and transports the reader on a carpet of laughter and humour that is both engaging and easy to read.
The book takes a close look at the relationship between brothers and what it's like to have a brother. The concept is a brilliant one which the middle-grade audience will relate to and love. The reality side of the book depicts a typical family and school life background. The subplot heads the reader into the unknown and will keep you guessing until the very end of the book. The characters grow with the story and play a fantastic part. At the end of the book, you may FIND a surprising twist that really makes for a satisfactory conclusion.
This is a brilliantly fun and bizarre read that will wash the New Year blues away with a squeak or two. Would you dare swap your BROTHER?
March 10, 2018
While I wasn`t sure this was my sort of thing, I thought it was absolutely excellent younger middle grade. It`s about what happens when Jonny swaps his older brother Ted on new website Sibling Swap, and gets a few more brothers than he bargained for. There are a variety of bizarre new brothers, ranging from merboys to monarchs to meerkats, and I thought the concept was really clever, and imagine this idea would be even more relevant to those with siblings of their own. I think my favourite scene had to be those with Henry the 8th as they were laugh out loud funny in places, and I would highly recommend this book. There was also a mystery element to the plot, which I totally (and shamefully, for a mystery fan) didn`t pick up on over who ran Sibling Swap, and I was rather surprised at the outcome of that. I highly recommend this if you enjoy some funny middle grade and are looking for something that`ll give you a giggle. 4.5/5
November 27, 2021
This has to be one of the funniest children's books for the pre-teen age group. If you have an 8 to 12-year-old and a great sense of humour, and a sibling, this is the kid's book for them.
I chose to give this children's book a 4-star rating simply for the humor and meaning of this book. In the beginning, Jonny simply hates his brother, and that is the reason why he chooses to experiment with sibling swap. The story carries through and Jonny begins to think about all the good things about his real brother, Ted.
**SPOILER ALERT** And near the end Jonny begins to realize that Ted is his real brother and the only one he will ever want. I love reviewing books for the pre-teen children in Pakistan because after this, kids are all grown up and they like to make their own selection. I found a good variety of Children's books and pre-teen books online at www.chapters.pk bookstore and this one had good reviews.
I would sum it up that I Swapped My Brother On The Internet has a mesmerizing storyline that makes this a book you can't put down, this book also has a lovely meaning and a fairytale ending.
PLEASE pick up this book from https://chapters.pk/products/i-swappe... I believe they charge less than $2 for local delivery but international delivery outside Pakistan may be a bit more. Anyway at Rs 750 that is less than $5 this is a bargain.
I chose to give this children's book a 4-star rating simply for the humor and meaning of this book. In the beginning, Jonny simply hates his brother, and that is the reason why he chooses to experiment with sibling swap. The story carries through and Jonny begins to think about all the good things about his real brother, Ted.
**SPOILER ALERT** And near the end Jonny begins to realize that Ted is his real brother and the only one he will ever want. I love reviewing books for the pre-teen children in Pakistan because after this, kids are all grown up and they like to make their own selection. I found a good variety of Children's books and pre-teen books online at www.chapters.pk bookstore and this one had good reviews.
I would sum it up that I Swapped My Brother On The Internet has a mesmerizing storyline that makes this a book you can't put down, this book also has a lovely meaning and a fairytale ending.
PLEASE pick up this book from https://chapters.pk/products/i-swappe... I believe they charge less than $2 for local delivery but international delivery outside Pakistan may be a bit more. Anyway at Rs 750 that is less than $5 this is a bargain.
June 6, 2021
Originally published here: https://keyalovesbooks.blogspot.com/2...
This book was a quick, fun, fast-paced read. I thought it would be a bit young for me, but I enjoyed it. It is also pretty hilarious.
My rating for this book was a solid 3 stars. It was good, but not great.
While I liked reading it I found flaws in the story and quite a few plot holes. Like, every time Jonny has a sibling from the Sibling Swap arrive, he introduces them to his mother as a "friend" - but what if one of the brothers ended up staying indefinitely? How would he explain that? And also his mother just keeps giving these kid's Ted's room. She is not at all suspicious as to where Jonny has met these people and made friends with them. Jonny's excuses as to where Ted is are ridiculous, and when he says that Ted is on a school trip and his father must have gotten the letter (his parents are divorced) - wouldn't the mother call the father to ask about the trip?
At one point in the book, there is an escape scene with a boat - they are nine-year-olds for heaven's sake!
The last few chapters were surprising, and the way it ended was very sweet.
Overall, it was a nice read which I think younger kids would also enjoy, since the plot holes kind of ruined it for me.
CAWPILE rating: 6.43
This book was a quick, fun, fast-paced read. I thought it would be a bit young for me, but I enjoyed it. It is also pretty hilarious.
My rating for this book was a solid 3 stars. It was good, but not great.
While I liked reading it I found flaws in the story and quite a few plot holes. Like, every time Jonny has a sibling from the Sibling Swap arrive, he introduces them to his mother as a "friend" - but what if one of the brothers ended up staying indefinitely? How would he explain that? And also his mother just keeps giving these kid's Ted's room. She is not at all suspicious as to where Jonny has met these people and made friends with them. Jonny's excuses as to where Ted is are ridiculous, and when he says that Ted is on a school trip and his father must have gotten the letter (his parents are divorced) - wouldn't the mother call the father to ask about the trip?
At one point in the book, there is an escape scene with a boat - they are nine-year-olds for heaven's sake!
The last few chapters were surprising, and the way it ended was very sweet.
Overall, it was a nice read which I think younger kids would also enjoy, since the plot holes kind of ruined it for me.
CAWPILE rating: 6.43
February 6, 2020
Das Buch hat mich so zum Lachen gebracht...das hatte ich gar nicht erwartet. Die Idee, einen Bruder (oder eine Schwester), der einen ständig nervt, einfach austauschen zu können, ist ja nur menschlich und vielen wahrscheinlich nur allzu gut bekannt, oder?!? In diesem Buch erfahren wir also, was passiert, wenn so etwas tatsächlich möglich wäre.
Man kann sich so gut in Jonny reinversetzen, wenn er diese etwas ungewöhnlichen Ersatzbrüder kennenlernt und so einige Abenteuer erlebt. Die zahlreichen Schwarzweiß-Illustrationen von Nathan Reed sind wunderbar und unterstreichen die Message des Buches noch mal (besonders verliebt habe ich mich in den kleinen Hund Widget).
Die Kapitel sind kurz, also perfekt fürs Vorlesen aber auch fürs alleine Lesen. Die Übersetzung von Jo Simmons' Buch durch Johanna Wais ist jugendlich lebhaft und erweckt das eigene Kopfkino...besser gehts nicht.
Ganz besonders überzeugt haben mich die klugen Gedanken, die einen zum Nachdenken anregen, manchmal richtige Weisheiten, z.B. als Jonny Mervyns Rückkehr ins Meer akzeptiert und mitbsehr viel Empathie bewertet; ach, da merkt man schon, das das Buch ein gutes Ende finden wird und das nervige Geschwister auch gute Seiten an sich haben...und vermisst werden.
Man kann sich so gut in Jonny reinversetzen, wenn er diese etwas ungewöhnlichen Ersatzbrüder kennenlernt und so einige Abenteuer erlebt. Die zahlreichen Schwarzweiß-Illustrationen von Nathan Reed sind wunderbar und unterstreichen die Message des Buches noch mal (besonders verliebt habe ich mich in den kleinen Hund Widget).
Die Kapitel sind kurz, also perfekt fürs Vorlesen aber auch fürs alleine Lesen. Die Übersetzung von Jo Simmons' Buch durch Johanna Wais ist jugendlich lebhaft und erweckt das eigene Kopfkino...besser gehts nicht.
Ganz besonders überzeugt haben mich die klugen Gedanken, die einen zum Nachdenken anregen, manchmal richtige Weisheiten, z.B. als Jonny Mervyns Rückkehr ins Meer akzeptiert und mitbsehr viel Empathie bewertet; ach, da merkt man schon, das das Buch ein gutes Ende finden wird und das nervige Geschwister auch gute Seiten an sich haben...und vermisst werden.
August 30, 2025
" A sibling swap? On the internet?", said Jonny. This is how the story begins. Jonny (the younger brother) really desires to get a different brother, because his older brother routinely bullies him. The main moral of the story is how he lives with brand new brothers to see which one really suits him. One of the brothers is too sporty and makes Jonny run everywhere, another is obsessed with homework, one is super messy, and another is so polite it becomes unbearable. My favorite part is when Jonny gets the sports brother. At first, Jonny thinks it will be fun. But the new brother makes him run, climb, and jump all the time. Even in the house! Although, the book could have a minor improvement. The paragraphs could be more extended and the book should have a couple more adjectives. Otherwise, this book is truly inspiring.
August 4, 2024
Gleeful enjoyable 'getting rid of a sibling' story.
Like North (Elijah Wood) and The Parent Agency (David Baddiel), wishing away an imperfect relative has long been a fixture in books and films.
We (13 and 7 year old boys, 43 year old Mum) all got a lot of laughs from this over a few car journeys, though I hope they didn't take away too many ideas!
Jonny is fed up with his teenage brother - he doesn't want to play anymore, mocks him, ignores him... he's had enough. When he sees a Sibling Swap website he ponders and then takes the plunge, after all what can go wrong? (Though not ticking the 'human' and 'living' boxes may come back to... haunt him).
A series of surreal brothers parade into Jonny's life, each wanting to be the permanent swap for Ted. But will Ted start to seem any more appealing after some of these alternatives?
A great audiobook, lots going on, some funny brother alternatives and a lesson for us all about family and friendship.
For ages 7-12.
Like North (Elijah Wood) and The Parent Agency (David Baddiel), wishing away an imperfect relative has long been a fixture in books and films.
We (13 and 7 year old boys, 43 year old Mum) all got a lot of laughs from this over a few car journeys, though I hope they didn't take away too many ideas!
Jonny is fed up with his teenage brother - he doesn't want to play anymore, mocks him, ignores him... he's had enough. When he sees a Sibling Swap website he ponders and then takes the plunge, after all what can go wrong? (Though not ticking the 'human' and 'living' boxes may come back to... haunt him).
A series of surreal brothers parade into Jonny's life, each wanting to be the permanent swap for Ted. But will Ted start to seem any more appealing after some of these alternatives?
A great audiobook, lots going on, some funny brother alternatives and a lesson for us all about family and friendship.
For ages 7-12.
January 12, 2022
A hilarious romp exploring the nature of siblinghood through a series of brother-swaps gone wrong. Despite the fantasy elements in the story, it felt very down to earth. Jonny was a very believable protagonist and it was great to follow him on his journey. My one quibble with the book was the reveal of who was behind sibling swap. It felt a bit of a let down to be honest. However, it's such a minor plot point (it wasn't even necessary to find out) that once done, the action could return again and the book picked up again.
Was read to an 8 year old as a bedtime story over 9 nights. She could have read it herself though, with a bit of help.
Was read to an 8 year old as a bedtime story over 9 nights. She could have read it herself though, with a bit of help.
February 26, 2018
I thought it was a terrific book, the idea was great (there are times when I would've considered Sibling Swap myself.),I enjoyed hearing about the odd replacements Jonny is sent throughout the book and the ending was great. I felt like it really tied the book together. Would have given more stars but I thought sometimes the illustrations didn't really fit in with the story, but that's just me.
October 25, 2018
The story was interesting, but I had a major problem with the "oh, swear word!", "big swear word", etc. Kids aren't stupid: they know which words you're saying. We don't need to be encouraging kids to swear. No way I would have a child read it. Shame the author felt the need to ruin a perfectly good children's book this way.
September 24, 2021
I liked this book because of all the random things that happened inside of it. I also really enjoyed it because it gave us a lot of information about all of the different characters inside of it. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and would give it a 4 star rating.
December 23, 2025
I read this with my 8year old son at bed time, it was lots of fun and we had a few good laughs, but the book was just too long.
There are some funny characters, but the Grown-up ghost was just too weird.
Good moral of the story and lesson you can learn.
We can reccomend this book.
There are some funny characters, but the Grown-up ghost was just too weird.
Good moral of the story and lesson you can learn.
We can reccomend this book.
March 20, 2018
4.5 stars
I'd never heard of this, but really loved it!
Review coming on theteacherslibrary.org
I'd never heard of this, but really loved it!
Review coming on theteacherslibrary.org
September 15, 2018
Made the kids laugh pretty consistently all the way through.
February 9, 2019
Awesome
I think that this book is one of the best ones that I have read in a long time😀😀😀😀 an I really recommend it to other children that like creative 📚.
I think that this book is one of the best ones that I have read in a long time😀😀😀😀 an I really recommend it to other children that like creative 📚.
March 12, 2020
Very silly book lent to me by one of my class. Quick easy read.
June 9, 2020
Not great
July 21, 2020
3,5 * grappig, vermakelijk en leuk boek. Wie wil(de) niet af en toe zijn/haar broer of zus ruilen? ;)
December 7, 2020
Youngest loved this book lots
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews