Mucking About: Being the adventures of a boy living at that time in Ireland when the old ways were changing and the new ones were just getting started.
We are in Ireland and it’s an awfully long time ago – centuries and centuries. Manchán’s mother wants to make a monk of Manchán, but Manchán isn’t having any of it. He’d much rather be mucking about with his pal Pagan, or making up songs, or tramping through the forest with his pet pig, Muck. And who wouldn’t swap turnips and prayer for fun, adventure and mucking about?
In Ireland, a long, long, LONG time ago, there lived a boy named Manchán. Now the country has (supposedly) gone Christian and Mancháns' mother wants him to be a monk, like his uncle, Brother Abstemius, who brings great honour to his family. Manchán isn't so keen on the idea. He'd rather spend his days fishing, making up songs and exploring the forests and the bog with his pet pig, Muck. And for all the Christianity around, there is still a lot of magic, fairy music in the air, berries to be picked, salmon in the rivers... Being a monk would mean penance and prayers and turnips (yuck!) and chanting. With all the wild, magical adventures to be had, Machán would much rather be mucking about! But of course, his mother has other ideas. Mucking About is a great book for younger confident readers who just want a really good story. Machán is a well-developed character; one that the reader will easily recognise in themselves. He pulls you right along on his journey, being fearless and sometimes clueless, but determined to do things his own way. The family relationships are delightful and real. Ingeniously written with a fantastic voice, the story allows the reader to understand that, while this may have happened long ago, some things really don't change that much. Chambers has built a tangible world for the reader to enter, with a wonderful sense of the people and environment. Honestly, you will laugh out loud. Adventurous, fast-paced, hilariously funny and full of delight. For ages 7+ or to share. (Oh, please read it together!)