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Fizzlebert Stump #1
فیزلبرت استامپ: پسری که از سیرک فرار کرد و عضو کتابخانه شد
'There are many boys in the world, all slightly different from one another, and most of them are referred to by names. These are often John or Jack or Desmond, but sometimes they are James or Philip or Simon. Once, and once only, there was a boy whose name was Fizzlebert.'
Fizzlebert Stump lives in a travelling circus. But although he gets to hang around with acrobats, play the fool with clowns, and put his head in a lion's mouth every night, he's the only kid there - and he's bored. But then Fizz decides to join a library, and life suddenly gets a lot more exciting, when a simple library card application leads to him being kidnapped by a pair of crazed pensioners! Will he ever see the circus again?
Fizzlebert Stump lives in a travelling circus. But although he gets to hang around with acrobats, play the fool with clowns, and put his head in a lion's mouth every night, he's the only kid there - and he's bored. But then Fizz decides to join a library, and life suddenly gets a lot more exciting, when a simple library card application leads to him being kidnapped by a pair of crazed pensioners! Will he ever see the circus again?
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First published June 7, 2012
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About the author
A.F. Harrold
38 books126 followersA.F. Harrold is an English poet. He writes and performs for adults and children, in cabaret and in schools, in bars and in basements, in fields and indoors. He was Glastonbury Festival Website's Poet-In-Residence in 2008, and Poet-In-Residence at Cheltenham Literature Festival in 2010. He won the Cheltenham All Stars Slam Championship in 2007 and has had his work on BBC Radio 4, Radio 3 and BBC7. He is active in schools work, running workshops and slams and doing performances at ungodly hours of the morning, and has published several collections of poetry. He is the owner of many books, a handful of hats, a few good ideas and one beard
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 27, 2019
شخصیت این داستان یک پسر تقریبا دوازده ساله ست که تو سیرک زندگی می کند و مادرش دلقک و پدرش هم پهلوان سیرک است.که در این کتاب برای او اتفاق هایی می افتد که جالبند.
کتاب را انتشارات هوپا منتشر کرده.
کتاب را انتشارات هوپا منتشر کرده.
June 11, 2015
Fizzlebert loves being part of the circus family he was born into. But sometimes he’d like someone his own age to talk to. When he meets some kids after a show, he enjoys their awe at how he puts his head in the lion’s jaws. But afterwards, when they make fun of his name, Fizzlebert is crushed. He soon discovers a library book one of the kids have dropped as they ran away, and on a friend’s advice, decides to return it. You’d think this would be a lot safer than putting your head in a lion’s mouth – But no! Fizzlebert finds himself tricked, kidnapped and locked away.
This story was jam-packed funny. A cross between Roald Dahl, Lemony Snickett and David Walliams. Excellent.
This story was jam-packed funny. A cross between Roald Dahl, Lemony Snickett and David Walliams. Excellent.
September 7, 2016
Has Your Fancy Been Tickled Lately?
I'm generally O.K. with books that are narrated with a wink, but those books come in a variety of flavors. Sometimes the narrator can be too condescending or mocking, and sometimes the narrator is a bit too antic or cutesy, and sometimes the narrator is so intrusive he interferes with the story. This book seemed to navigate away from those excesses. Our hero runs away from the circus, which is a clever premise. The narrator strikes just the right balance in selling the story and yet kidding the reader about such a silly story. One comes to trust this cheerful voice, and that can mean a lot to an early reader.
It helps that a lot of the narrator's asides are educational and helpful in a way. The author explains as he's going along how one writes a book, or at least how one tells a tale. There are comments about chapters, and dramatic tension, and cliff hangers. I know it sounds a bit odd, but it seems to me that for the young readers of this book some of that is going to be news and it might actually help them become more understanding and involved young readers.
But all of that is just a bit of a bonus. This isn't a book for elementary schoolers about how to read and appreciate great middle school literature. Rather, silly is the operative word here. Silly names, silly scenes, silly plot. Fortunately, the author, like an accomplished ringmaster, keeps all of the silliness under control and keeps the characters, the action and the plot moving forward at high, but manageable, speed. There is excitement and suspense, but mostly justly chuckles and lighter moments, (although the hero's evident loneliness early on adds a bit of dramatic edge.)
Because the narrator is such a major presence in the story, with all sorts of asides and comments on the action, it seems that this could be a particularly good read-to book, allowing the reader to ham up the narrator's best lines.
So, if you'd like a book with a lot of appeal for younger readers, and a gentle sort of feeling, this might be a nice choice.
Please note that I found this book while browsing the local library's Kindle books, and downloaded it for free. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
I'm generally O.K. with books that are narrated with a wink, but those books come in a variety of flavors. Sometimes the narrator can be too condescending or mocking, and sometimes the narrator is a bit too antic or cutesy, and sometimes the narrator is so intrusive he interferes with the story. This book seemed to navigate away from those excesses. Our hero runs away from the circus, which is a clever premise. The narrator strikes just the right balance in selling the story and yet kidding the reader about such a silly story. One comes to trust this cheerful voice, and that can mean a lot to an early reader.
It helps that a lot of the narrator's asides are educational and helpful in a way. The author explains as he's going along how one writes a book, or at least how one tells a tale. There are comments about chapters, and dramatic tension, and cliff hangers. I know it sounds a bit odd, but it seems to me that for the young readers of this book some of that is going to be news and it might actually help them become more understanding and involved young readers.
But all of that is just a bit of a bonus. This isn't a book for elementary schoolers about how to read and appreciate great middle school literature. Rather, silly is the operative word here. Silly names, silly scenes, silly plot. Fortunately, the author, like an accomplished ringmaster, keeps all of the silliness under control and keeps the characters, the action and the plot moving forward at high, but manageable, speed. There is excitement and suspense, but mostly justly chuckles and lighter moments, (although the hero's evident loneliness early on adds a bit of dramatic edge.)
Because the narrator is such a major presence in the story, with all sorts of asides and comments on the action, it seems that this could be a particularly good read-to book, allowing the reader to ham up the narrator's best lines.
So, if you'd like a book with a lot of appeal for younger readers, and a gentle sort of feeling, this might be a nice choice.
Please note that I found this book while browsing the local library's Kindle books, and downloaded it for free. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
February 15, 2015
I love this. Library-wise, this is not as library-related as "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library". But it's fun!
Mr. Harrold did a great job writing this piece, mixing Roald Dahl's and Pseudonymous Bosch's styles../will be edited soon/
It's all started from a boy named Fizzlebert Stump who lives in a moving circus. His father is a strong man and his mother is a clown. Everyday, Fizzlebert learns many things from the circus' staffs. Fizzlebert himself is also a circus' staff, he helps the lion man does his act. Fizzlebert puts his head into a lion's open mouth and makes the audiences scream.
Oneday, after he does his act, a few children come to him. Fizzlebert has many adult-friends in the circus, but that is the first time he has child-friends. Even though in the end, those children laugh at his name and leave him again.
One of the children left a book in his caravan which later he found out that the book belongs to a library. Fizzlebert has never known a library. He always move fast with the circus before he could find any interesting place in every city.
An Illutionist who should have taught him a lesson, tells him how to find a place named 'a library'. There it goes, Fizzlebert's adventure starts here.
----------
I find it cute when Fizzlebert getting both amused and confused for seeing so many books that can be borrowed from library. HE CAN BORROW IT ALL, FOR FREE!
Even though things got complicated and a little unreasonable when a librarian asks him to get parent's permission for the library card, but Fizzlebert ends up lying to the librarian. But these weird things are also cute, like an adventure from Roald Dahl's books. Moreover, the author sounds so talkative and annoying, like how Pseudonymous Bosch does in his books :)
Mr. Harrold did a great job writing this piece, mixing Roald Dahl's and Pseudonymous Bosch's styles..
It's all started from a boy named Fizzlebert Stump who lives in a moving circus. His father is a strong man and his mother is a clown. Everyday, Fizzlebert learns many things from the circus' staffs. Fizzlebert himself is also a circus' staff, he helps the lion man does his act. Fizzlebert puts his head into a lion's open mouth and makes the audiences scream.
Oneday, after he does his act, a few children come to him. Fizzlebert has many adult-friends in the circus, but that is the first time he has child-friends. Even though in the end, those children laugh at his name and leave him again.
One of the children left a book in his caravan which later he found out that the book belongs to a library. Fizzlebert has never known a library. He always move fast with the circus before he could find any interesting place in every city.
An Illutionist who should have taught him a lesson, tells him how to find a place named 'a library'. There it goes, Fizzlebert's adventure starts here.
----------
I find it cute when Fizzlebert getting both amused and confused for seeing so many books that can be borrowed from library. HE CAN BORROW IT ALL, FOR FREE!
Even though things got complicated and a little unreasonable when a librarian asks him to get parent's permission for the library card, but Fizzlebert ends up lying to the librarian. But these weird things are also cute, like an adventure from Roald Dahl's books. Moreover, the author sounds so talkative and annoying, like how Pseudonymous Bosch does in his books :)
May 16, 2013
One of my best books
August 5, 2022
This was an irresistible option to pick up on my tour of Derbyshire libraries, with the added bonus that as a children's book it would not take all that long to read (and they are often thoroughly enjoyable reading palate cleansers)
I've not read any AF Harrold before. Nor had I come across the talents of illustrator Sarah Horne previously. It's an engaging little story of a boy living in an exotic situation whose curiosity about something ordinary and willingness to do the right thing gets him into serious bother. It's both down to earth and daft, and the asides to the reader are just right, not patronising, not overdone, informative and funny.
The awful people in it inevitably remind of Roald Dahl and David Walliams... perhaps more the latter as there is a hint of compassion for them, although it is never actually spelled out that they have a serious psychological problem (which might have been worthwhile given that some readers may be dealing with similar manifestations in their family lives, just as Harrold is at pains to explain libraries in case the reader, like poor Fizz, is labouring under offputting misapprehensions) It's also not the best advert for home education (whilst providing one of the funniest character names I've ever come across)
He says "I'm not sure what the [valuable] lessons are exactly" and that's one of the beauties of the book - there's a lot left for the reader to ponder and discuss. Isn't that what defines literature?
I've not read any AF Harrold before. Nor had I come across the talents of illustrator Sarah Horne previously. It's an engaging little story of a boy living in an exotic situation whose curiosity about something ordinary and willingness to do the right thing gets him into serious bother. It's both down to earth and daft, and the asides to the reader are just right, not patronising, not overdone, informative and funny.
The awful people in it inevitably remind of Roald Dahl and David Walliams... perhaps more the latter as there is a hint of compassion for them, although it is never actually spelled out that they have a serious psychological problem (which might have been worthwhile given that some readers may be dealing with similar manifestations in their family lives, just as Harrold is at pains to explain libraries in case the reader, like poor Fizz, is labouring under offputting misapprehensions) It's also not the best advert for home education (whilst providing one of the funniest character names I've ever come across)
He says "I'm not sure what the [valuable] lessons are exactly" and that's one of the beauties of the book - there's a lot left for the reader to ponder and discuss. Isn't that what defines literature?
December 12, 2016
There are many boys in the world and some of them have the same name, but there’s only one Fizzlebert. This boy is as unique as his name, as he travels with a circus and makes a living by helping the lion tamer with his show. Unfortunately, the one bad thing about living on the road is that he never has time to make any friends his own age. During one particular stop, Fizzlebert finds a library book and attempts to return it himself, not knowing that this trip would change his life forever.
The best thing about this book is its pure outlandishness. Most kids have joined a library, but who would ever think of running away from the circus? My favorite part was when Fizzlebert’s mother and father, a circus clown and a strongman, venture out in town to look for their lost son. Since I don’t want to spoil this great story you’ll have to read it yourself, so run down to your local library (or circus) and pick up a copy!
The best thing about this book is its pure outlandishness. Most kids have joined a library, but who would ever think of running away from the circus? My favorite part was when Fizzlebert’s mother and father, a circus clown and a strongman, venture out in town to look for their lost son. Since I don’t want to spoil this great story you’ll have to read it yourself, so run down to your local library (or circus) and pick up a copy!
December 18, 2025
3,75⭐
Fizzlebert lives in the circus with his parents (the very strong man and one of the clowns) and likes that his life is like that (even when reflects if it wasn't). But, when the boy finds a library book on the floor, he decides to see what this place is and ends up in big, big trouble!
I find it so fun when the author talks to the readers and comments the words he uses, the things that are happening! Very crazy (and disgusting when you get to the old folks' house) story! Kids will have a great time reading for sure!
"Tattoos are like drawings, but done by people who can't find any paper.
Fizzlebert lives in the circus with his parents (the very strong man and one of the clowns) and likes that his life is like that (even when reflects if it wasn't). But, when the boy finds a library book on the floor, he decides to see what this place is and ends up in big, big trouble!
I find it so fun when the author talks to the readers and comments the words he uses, the things that are happening! Very crazy (and disgusting when you get to the old folks' house) story! Kids will have a great time reading for sure!
"Tattoos are like drawings, but done by people who can't find any paper.
March 5, 2021
Not at all what I was expecting, this book follows Fizzlebert Stump who lives at the circus, an interesting concept to start. His Mum is a clown, his Dad is a strongman and he has lots of adult friends, who teach him all kinds of things, but no other children. One day, he leaves to return a book to the library and doesn’t return... This was laugh-out-loud funny but also dealt with some more serious issues in a lighthearted way, including stranger danger and embracing being different.
August 12, 2023
An amusing read that followed the life of Fizzlebert Stump that lived day to day at a Circus with his family and close friends. On an adventure, he leaves the circus encountering problems due to being unfamiliar with every day society outside his usual circus environment. In this book I liked how the author narrated at the end of chapters in a light hearted manner and created excitement for the next chapter.
November 16, 2020
I loved this book and would give it 10 stars I could even a googleplex.
I liked it when there were mushrooms growing on the Stinkthrottles sink -yuk. I also liked when Fizzlebert put his head in the Lion's mouth. My favourite character was Fizz.
I liked it when there were mushrooms growing on the Stinkthrottles sink -yuk. I also liked when Fizzlebert put his head in the Lion's mouth. My favourite character was Fizz.
May 8, 2017
A cautionary tale with a humorous plot. Who knew library membership could be so hazardous?
December 30, 2017
we did a great Literacy unit in school on this book and Ashley came for an author visit - he was completely engaging and bonkers!
January 6, 2018
Simply brilliant! I loved everything about this book. It's almost like the author is reading it to you himself.
July 14, 2018
An amusing and entertaining tale about Fizzlebert Stump, a child of the circus and his brush with the dreadful Stinkbottles and the unending joyful prospects that comes with owning a library card.
July 8, 2020
It's just a bit dull really. Not a massive fan. Wouldn't use.
February 18, 2023
An excellent 'read aloud' for children aged 7-9. A well-written, humorous story with echoes of Roald Dahl.
May 16, 2023
3 1/2 stars
August 15, 2023
Very nasty.
January 5, 2025
Hilarious, I thoroughly enjoyed this story full of fun, adventure and happy ending
March 22, 2013
Fizzlebert (Fizz) stump has the life that many children dream of. He lives in a travelling circus with his Mum (a clown) and his Dad (the strong man), and is home Schooled by some of some of the circuses more eccentric performers, including his psychic French teacher who does not even speak French! But there is one thing missing – friends his own age.
One day after a performance (which involves him putting his head in the mouth of a lion with rubber dentures) Fizz meets some local kids who initially want to be his friends, but turn mean once they hear his name is Fizzbert. Before they leave one of them drops a Library book that is due for return, and Fizz decides to return it.
His visit to the local Library turns into an adventure which includes smelly pretend Grandparents, kidnapping, and a bloodhound sea lion!
I liked this book, but more importantly my 11 year old son liked it. The story is fast moving, interesting, and the author’s comedic commentary makes it fun to read. I enjoyed the illustrations by Sarah Horne and thought they complimented the story well. My son and I are both looking forward to reading the second book in this series, Fizzlebert Stump and the Bearded Boy.
I would gladly recommend this book for 8-12 year olds.
One day after a performance (which involves him putting his head in the mouth of a lion with rubber dentures) Fizz meets some local kids who initially want to be his friends, but turn mean once they hear his name is Fizzbert. Before they leave one of them drops a Library book that is due for return, and Fizz decides to return it.
His visit to the local Library turns into an adventure which includes smelly pretend Grandparents, kidnapping, and a bloodhound sea lion!
I liked this book, but more importantly my 11 year old son liked it. The story is fast moving, interesting, and the author’s comedic commentary makes it fun to read. I enjoyed the illustrations by Sarah Horne and thought they complimented the story well. My son and I are both looking forward to reading the second book in this series, Fizzlebert Stump and the Bearded Boy.
I would gladly recommend this book for 8-12 year olds.
September 21, 2013
So let's just be clear, I didn't give this book five stars just because it's about a boy wanting to join the library (although that whole episode was pretty funny). I loved the writing style and the humour, particularly the way the author is quite transparent about the conventions that writers use to keep kids hooked using cliff-hangers and suspsense. He makes a point of flagging this up to the them all the way through by saying things like 'I know it's the oldest trick in the book but I hope it still works'. His style is very much like Philip Ardagh (Grubtown Tales) Andy Stanton (Mister Gumm)or Roddy Doyle (The Meanwhile Adventures). I've just given this to my Chatterbooks group and have a hunch they'll like it. I'll have to rewrite this review if they didn't though! But when I handed it out I got a slight feeling that the parents thought it might be a bit lightweight and silly. But if you can't enjoy a bit of humour when your're nine, when can you? Anyway it was Comic Relief week and I was trying to encourage them to read something funny for money.
February 26, 2013
This book is probably what would have happened if 'The Twits' and 'James and the Giant Peach' had met at a circus, and been smooshed together in some sort of daring act. I like the way this story was told, with the narrator also having his own personality, but some of the copious description did make my eyes flutter across the page for something more exciting to happen. overall, this is a pretty good story for kids to read, and it's kinda educational in its own peculiar way.
November 19, 2012
I think this book would please readers from 8 to 10. It does have expressions and vocabulary that are not common in North America like sat instead of sitting and biro (ballpoint pen) and tip (landfill). The author offers much advice on writing a novel. It had a good plot, interesting characters and some suspense. The librarian was quite amusing. I didn't care for the illustrations. Even though the Stinkthrottles were nasty, I still feel sorry for them at the end.
October 25, 2012
A third graders delight! Can you imagine living in a circus? Well it's not all fun and games. And when you're named Fizzelbert, you find out that maybe you're different.
So when Fizz, sneaks into town to see the library, he's not prepared for what and who he meets.
Very silly writing style with British wording making it extra fun.
So when Fizz, sneaks into town to see the library, he's not prepared for what and who he meets.
Very silly writing style with British wording making it extra fun.
November 24, 2013
This is fun book with the author using end of chapter opportunities to address the reader and keep them hooked. Fizzlebert has his head in a lion's mouth one minute, encountering a librarian for the first time the next before encountering a seemingly kind old couple and having to clean the world's dirtiest bathroom while being sworn at by a parrot. Plenty to keep a younger reader interested,
March 5, 2014
2.5. Not sure I can call it a lovely book... as it's full of horrible things! But it was definitely an interesting adventure, definitely pro-libraries (thank you Mr Harrold!) Makes me want to read the Enid Blyton circus stories now. :)
July 27, 2013
I can imagine this being very funny for children as the author breaks the fourth wall a lot to address the reader directly, plus the storyline is very appealing to the age group it is aimed at. I thought the message it was aiming to get across to children was also pretty well done.
December 21, 2014
MissMarkey gave me this to read while I'm at her place as the author is one of the authors doing a talk at the Oxford convention. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and it reminded me a bit of 'The Twits'!
December 17, 2025
Year 4 readers
We enjoyed listening to all of the tricks the people in the circus did. Also, it was lovely to see Fizz had made a new friend who shared stories with each other!
It made us feel lots of emotions all the way through, like a rollercoaster!
We enjoyed listening to all of the tricks the people in the circus did. Also, it was lovely to see Fizz had made a new friend who shared stories with each other!
It made us feel lots of emotions all the way through, like a rollercoaster!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews