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The Boy Who Fooled the World
Cole is the odd one out at school: the other kids have the latest gadgets and trainers while his family struggles to make ends meet. Until the day one of his paintings is talent-spotted and sells for thousands of pounds at a posh London gallery. Suddenly, Cole is the toast of the international art world, the star guest on TV shows, rich beyond his wildest dreams, hailed as a boy genius! Being famous is FANTASTIC ... but Cole has a guilty secret that if exposed will bring everything crashing down around him ...
300 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2020
55 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 6, 2020
Yet another fantastic book from Lisa Thompson. She writes characters who are instantly believable and get under your skin. I felt so sorry for Cole in this story as he is caught up in impossible circumstances. I also loved the fact that poverty is being shown in another children's book, especially in such a warm way, with Cole's family at the heart of the book. Too often, poverty is skimmed over, when it is the reality for so many children growing up. As a child, I never came across a book that had the main characters struggling to make ends meet and it is important for children to be able to see themselves in books as well as develop empathy for others who may have a different experience.
I found myself almost more invested in the mystery of the museum storyline, rather than Cole creating art, especially when Mason and Isla got involved.
Another fantastic book which I cannot wait to add to the school library (there is already a queue of children behind me waiting to check it out...)
I found myself almost more invested in the mystery of the museum storyline, rather than Cole creating art, especially when Mason and Isla got involved.
Another fantastic book which I cannot wait to add to the school library (there is already a queue of children behind me waiting to check it out...)
January 6, 2020
Ok, it’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Lisa’s so you can probably guess the general vibe of this review already…
Lisa has
built up a massive fan base within schools (teachers and pupils alike) due to her fantastic previous books. It’s always nerve-racking when one of your favourites release a new book. The anticipation and excitement alongside the fear of being disappointed.built up a massive fan base within schools (teachers and pupils alike) due to her fantastic previous books. It’s always nerve-racking when one of your favourites release a new book. The anticipation and excitement alongside the fear of being disappointed.
Lisa has smashed it out of the park again! The Boy Who Fooled the World has it all. Superb characters, exciting plot, real world issues and a moral message too!
Quickly we learn that Cole and Mason are best friends who are like chalk and cheese. Mason seemingly has it all while Cole isn’t as lucky. Money is tight and the other kids at school don’t let him forget it!
Worried about his mum losing her job, Cole plots to solve an old mystery behind a painting from the local museum that has remained unsolved for a long time. Luckily for Cole, his lucky stars align and lead him to being talent spotted by a famous artist whilst she visits his school. Surely this is just what he needs and his life will take a positive turn…?
What follows is a story full of hope but also of crushing disappointment and some chapters that made me feel very anxious for poor Cole. The happy ending doesn’t come in the form that you’d expect, but I was satisfied and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lisa has dealt with many issues in previous books. Domestic violence, OCD, low self esteem and divorce. The Boy Who Fooled The World packs a punch dealing with poverty (especially the jealousy of seeing what others have), imposter syndrome, anxiety, fame and shame! I love that the book deals with some of the stigma that is attached to stay at home dads too. But ultimately the story is a reminder about how important family is and how those that we are jealous of, may not have everything! Which in a world dominated by social media is an important message to get out to children.
I know that this will appeal to other fans of Lisa’s but I’m sure that it will also create some new fans for her. So what are you waiting for? Run down to your local bookshop and get on it!
Lisa has
built up a massive fan base within schools (teachers and pupils alike) due to her fantastic previous books. It’s always nerve-racking when one of your favourites release a new book. The anticipation and excitement alongside the fear of being disappointed.built up a massive fan base within schools (teachers and pupils alike) due to her fantastic previous books. It’s always nerve-racking when one of your favourites release a new book. The anticipation and excitement alongside the fear of being disappointed.
Lisa has smashed it out of the park again! The Boy Who Fooled the World has it all. Superb characters, exciting plot, real world issues and a moral message too!
Quickly we learn that Cole and Mason are best friends who are like chalk and cheese. Mason seemingly has it all while Cole isn’t as lucky. Money is tight and the other kids at school don’t let him forget it!
Worried about his mum losing her job, Cole plots to solve an old mystery behind a painting from the local museum that has remained unsolved for a long time. Luckily for Cole, his lucky stars align and lead him to being talent spotted by a famous artist whilst she visits his school. Surely this is just what he needs and his life will take a positive turn…?
What follows is a story full of hope but also of crushing disappointment and some chapters that made me feel very anxious for poor Cole. The happy ending doesn’t come in the form that you’d expect, but I was satisfied and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lisa has dealt with many issues in previous books. Domestic violence, OCD, low self esteem and divorce. The Boy Who Fooled The World packs a punch dealing with poverty (especially the jealousy of seeing what others have), imposter syndrome, anxiety, fame and shame! I love that the book deals with some of the stigma that is attached to stay at home dads too. But ultimately the story is a reminder about how important family is and how those that we are jealous of, may not have everything! Which in a world dominated by social media is an important message to get out to children.
I know that this will appeal to other fans of Lisa’s but I’m sure that it will also create some new fans for her. So what are you waiting for? Run down to your local bookshop and get on it!
January 6, 2020
The Boy Who Fooled The World is a full on emotional rollercoaster that asks many questions; truth or lies? love or money? a quick win at any cost? Family, friendship and a barefaced lie are woven together to create a captivating story that catapults your emotions from hope to despair and back again.
April 14, 2020
Another charming and thought-provoking story from Lisa Thompson about the way a lie can spiral out of control ... (8+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
October 3, 2022
Ein Buch über Kunstbetrug oder auch die Frage was Kunst überhaupt ist? Kunst ist alterslos, wirklich? Kann es sein, dass wir uns alle an der Nase herumführen lassen? Hier wird die Künstlerwelt, wenn auch sicher nicht so beabsichtigt, ordentlich durch den Kakao gezogen. Zumindest passiert genau das, was sich bestimmt jeder schon einmal gedacht hat! Was? Selbst lesen!
Mit der Erwachsenendraufsicht gibt es nach der Lektüre sicher Redebedarf über das fragwürdige Verhalten der Erwachsenen in der Geschichte. Nichtsdestotrotz eine horizonterweiternde Lektüre für Kinder, die sich z.B. auch für Rätsel und Schnitzeljagden interessieren.
Mit der Erwachsenendraufsicht gibt es nach der Lektüre sicher Redebedarf über das fragwürdige Verhalten der Erwachsenen in der Geschichte. Nichtsdestotrotz eine horizonterweiternde Lektüre für Kinder, die sich z.B. auch für Rätsel und Schnitzeljagden interessieren.
January 1, 2020
Lisa Thompson never disappoints and this book was no exception.
A heartwarming tale of a boy and his family. The family are not well off and things are about to get worse, when he is discovered by the art world. But all is not as it seems, and a little white lie threatens to bring everything crashing back down, leaving them in an even worse situation. Cole is lucky to have two best friends to guide him out of the dark when he needs them. There's so many positive messages in this story for young readers, to inspire belief in oneself, and recognising that material possessions don't necessarily always bring happiness, and - that we should appreciate what we have and the people in our lives that love and respect us for who we are.
This will be a much loved addition to our primary school library :)
A heartwarming tale of a boy and his family. The family are not well off and things are about to get worse, when he is discovered by the art world. But all is not as it seems, and a little white lie threatens to bring everything crashing back down, leaving them in an even worse situation. Cole is lucky to have two best friends to guide him out of the dark when he needs them. There's so many positive messages in this story for young readers, to inspire belief in oneself, and recognising that material possessions don't necessarily always bring happiness, and - that we should appreciate what we have and the people in our lives that love and respect us for who we are.
This will be a much loved addition to our primary school library :)
December 22, 2019
Another delightful book from the wonderful Lisa Thompson. She creates such great characters and brilliant dilemmas for them; fun to read, humorous but also thoughtful. Can’t wait for more from this super-talented writer!
September 26, 2020
Gelezen: The boy who fooled the world (10+) 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Ik ben groot fan van @lisathompsonwrites daar maak ik geen geheim van. Maar het geduld om te wachten tot deze titel in het Nederlands verschijnt heb ik absoluut niet meer. En misschien komt die vertaling wel nooit 😱 Een tip van mij: GA HAAR BOEKEN LEZEN!
Cole Miller is arm. Nou ja… Zijn vader is fulltime Pap en zijn moeder werkt in een museum die dicht moet. Dat maakt Cole automatisch arm. Totdat de beroemdste kunstenaar van het land bij hem op school komt en zijn schilderij fantastisch vind! En dan heeft hij ineens wat geld. Maar er moet nog een schilderij komen… En dan is er ook nog dat schilderij in het museum.
Ik lees niet vaak in het Engels. Het fijne van het Nederlands vind ik dat ik niet nog eens een vertaalslag hoef te maken en dat ik even heerlijk kan verdwijnen in een boek. En de vertalingen van Anneke Bok vind ik waanzinnig gelukt. Hopelijk brengt @uitgeverijbillybones deze ook ooit uit. Uiteraard lees ik het dan nog eens! Maar wat vind ik nou van dit boek?
Het zijn eigenlijk twee verhalen in 1. Dat vind ik te gek maar ook ergens jammer. Hierdoor verdwijnt er wat verdieping in het verhaal wat ik bij Lisa haar boeken zo fantastisch vind. De karakters zijn daarentegen klassiek Lisa. Met weinig woorden kan ze een personage diepte geven. Kan ze mij laten voelen wat het karakter voelt. Kan ze de karakters mijn vrienden laten worden.
Ik leef mee met Cole. Zijn struggles voel ik en zijn wens op een beter leven gun ik hem van alle kanten. Zijn vriend Mason is ook gelaagd. Het gaat niet om hem maar met korte interacties en reacties van hem voel ik zijn pijn. De tekortkomingen binnen zijn gezin. Zijn wensen. Zelfs de kunstenares in het verhaal roept van alles bij me op. Ik vertrouw haar voor geen meter. Wat wil ze doen? Wil ze wat bewijzen? Waarom zo snel, zo groots en zonder onderzoek? Of dat terecht is moet je zelf maar lezen.
Wederom bewijst Lisa waarom ik fan van haar ben. Maar is die ene ster minder dan “normaal” omdat ik het in het origineel heb gelezen? Maar het is het eerste wat ik van haar lees in het origineel. Nu wil ik de rest ook lezen in het origineel.
Ik ben groot fan van @lisathompsonwrites daar maak ik geen geheim van. Maar het geduld om te wachten tot deze titel in het Nederlands verschijnt heb ik absoluut niet meer. En misschien komt die vertaling wel nooit 😱 Een tip van mij: GA HAAR BOEKEN LEZEN!
Cole Miller is arm. Nou ja… Zijn vader is fulltime Pap en zijn moeder werkt in een museum die dicht moet. Dat maakt Cole automatisch arm. Totdat de beroemdste kunstenaar van het land bij hem op school komt en zijn schilderij fantastisch vind! En dan heeft hij ineens wat geld. Maar er moet nog een schilderij komen… En dan is er ook nog dat schilderij in het museum.
Ik lees niet vaak in het Engels. Het fijne van het Nederlands vind ik dat ik niet nog eens een vertaalslag hoef te maken en dat ik even heerlijk kan verdwijnen in een boek. En de vertalingen van Anneke Bok vind ik waanzinnig gelukt. Hopelijk brengt @uitgeverijbillybones deze ook ooit uit. Uiteraard lees ik het dan nog eens! Maar wat vind ik nou van dit boek?
Het zijn eigenlijk twee verhalen in 1. Dat vind ik te gek maar ook ergens jammer. Hierdoor verdwijnt er wat verdieping in het verhaal wat ik bij Lisa haar boeken zo fantastisch vind. De karakters zijn daarentegen klassiek Lisa. Met weinig woorden kan ze een personage diepte geven. Kan ze mij laten voelen wat het karakter voelt. Kan ze de karakters mijn vrienden laten worden.
Ik leef mee met Cole. Zijn struggles voel ik en zijn wens op een beter leven gun ik hem van alle kanten. Zijn vriend Mason is ook gelaagd. Het gaat niet om hem maar met korte interacties en reacties van hem voel ik zijn pijn. De tekortkomingen binnen zijn gezin. Zijn wensen. Zelfs de kunstenares in het verhaal roept van alles bij me op. Ik vertrouw haar voor geen meter. Wat wil ze doen? Wil ze wat bewijzen? Waarom zo snel, zo groots en zonder onderzoek? Of dat terecht is moet je zelf maar lezen.
Wederom bewijst Lisa waarom ik fan van haar ben. Maar is die ene ster minder dan “normaal” omdat ik het in het origineel heb gelezen? Maar het is het eerste wat ik van haar lees in het origineel. Nu wil ik de rest ook lezen in het origineel.
January 18, 2021
Cole is 12 year old boy who was too poor to pay for the ticket to go to school trip to theme park.
He has one friend, Mason who is rich but his parents are too busy and signed the permission form too late.
So they are now helping out to clean out the art room for an important guest, a famous artist Marika.
Cole has a 3 year old sister and a full time dad and a mom working at the museum, that is going to be closed soon.
On the day of Markia visit, she wants the students to paint what they want. And Cole didn't know what to paint. He looked up and painted the sky. As he finished the painting, he accidentally put his own hand prints on wet paint. That make the painting interesting enough to got Marika attention and she brought the painting with her and put it on sale.
It sold for a thousand pounds. Enough to help Cole family to fix the boiler.
Cole was teased a lot for being poor, with ill fitting clothes and worn out shoes. Mason, while being rich, has parents who are so straight of keeping the house clean that they only allowed one guest to be invited to his birthday party.
A news of the museum closing sadden the family. Cole wants to help his family and he got noticed of the treasure hunt related to a painting in the museum. He is determined to solve the puzzle and get the treasure to help his family. He has already solved one clue by himself. He recruited Mason to help him looking for more clue. And found the talented Isla to their team.
His painting got all the attention after being sold. But he has very little idea how to make a second painting that could sell too. While having trouble, his little sister played with his paints and created another impression piece. One that looks even better than what he has done.
With all the pressure to produce another piece, Cole claimed his sister Marley's painting as his own. He fooled the world.
When he revealed this lie on live television, he was disgraced.
I think the world is a bit hard on this 12 year old boy.
He finally solved the puzzle and found the prize. It was a bit disappointing for him. But then it all worked out in the end.
It is quite a good story.
He has one friend, Mason who is rich but his parents are too busy and signed the permission form too late.
So they are now helping out to clean out the art room for an important guest, a famous artist Marika.
Cole has a 3 year old sister and a full time dad and a mom working at the museum, that is going to be closed soon.
On the day of Markia visit, she wants the students to paint what they want. And Cole didn't know what to paint. He looked up and painted the sky. As he finished the painting, he accidentally put his own hand prints on wet paint. That make the painting interesting enough to got Marika attention and she brought the painting with her and put it on sale.
It sold for a thousand pounds. Enough to help Cole family to fix the boiler.
Cole was teased a lot for being poor, with ill fitting clothes and worn out shoes. Mason, while being rich, has parents who are so straight of keeping the house clean that they only allowed one guest to be invited to his birthday party.
A news of the museum closing sadden the family. Cole wants to help his family and he got noticed of the treasure hunt related to a painting in the museum. He is determined to solve the puzzle and get the treasure to help his family. He has already solved one clue by himself. He recruited Mason to help him looking for more clue. And found the talented Isla to their team.
His painting got all the attention after being sold. But he has very little idea how to make a second painting that could sell too. While having trouble, his little sister played with his paints and created another impression piece. One that looks even better than what he has done.
With all the pressure to produce another piece, Cole claimed his sister Marley's painting as his own. He fooled the world.
When he revealed this lie on live television, he was disgraced.
I think the world is a bit hard on this 12 year old boy.
He finally solved the puzzle and found the prize. It was a bit disappointing for him. But then it all worked out in the end.
It is quite a good story.
August 26, 2021
Such a fun book. Different and exciting. Shows you that money really doesn't buy happiness
January 31, 2025
This book was very funny - there was a few times I found myself chuckling! Lisa Thompson is still one of my favourite children’s authors, she makes her books so entertaining and funny throughout. I would reccomend for people looking for a funny, mystery book filled with family and friend hardships and many many giggles along the way!
February 6, 2023
Book Review: "The Boy who Fooled the World"
By Raaghav Pilaniwala
The book, The Boy Who Fooled the World by Lisa Thompson author of the best selling book the goldfish book, showcases a few extraordinary events in the life of a boy named Cole Miller. In the book he was in a poor family with his mom who was working in a museum which was soon going to close and his dad didn't have a job either.
Soon we learn that Cole and Mason are the best of friends, while Mason has all the money that he wants in the world Cole is not as lucky as him and money is tight in many matters, and the others in school don't let him forget it as they keep teasing him.
Worried that his mom would lose her job he set out to solve an unsolved enigma called ‘An Enigma in Oil’ with his best friend Mason and the smartest kid in the school— they got to the third clue. But in between of their quest to solve the mystery came a very famous artist, Marika Loft who was a former student in coles school and was visiting his school spotted Cole's inner artist and sold his first painting ‘A sky in blue’ for a thousand pounds! Surely this is what his family needs for a positive turn in their lives?
At first the book was a bit boring because it was showing a normal life of a boy, Cole, and his friend, Mason, but in the middle when the famous artist came it became a bit more interesting and I started to wonder what was going to happen with Cole next.
My favorite part of this book was when the famous artist, Marika Loft, saw Coles painting
I would recommend this book to people in the age group 8-12 who love to read realistic fiction books! Adding to that my rating for this book is 4 out of 5 stars because I thought that the story line was a bit short.
I have loved reading this fabulous novel by LIsa Thompson, it has taught me how not to handle these difficult situations and overall this has been one of my most favorite books of all time!!
By Raaghav Pilaniwala
The book, The Boy Who Fooled the World by Lisa Thompson author of the best selling book the goldfish book, showcases a few extraordinary events in the life of a boy named Cole Miller. In the book he was in a poor family with his mom who was working in a museum which was soon going to close and his dad didn't have a job either.
Soon we learn that Cole and Mason are the best of friends, while Mason has all the money that he wants in the world Cole is not as lucky as him and money is tight in many matters, and the others in school don't let him forget it as they keep teasing him.
Worried that his mom would lose her job he set out to solve an unsolved enigma called ‘An Enigma in Oil’ with his best friend Mason and the smartest kid in the school— they got to the third clue. But in between of their quest to solve the mystery came a very famous artist, Marika Loft who was a former student in coles school and was visiting his school spotted Cole's inner artist and sold his first painting ‘A sky in blue’ for a thousand pounds! Surely this is what his family needs for a positive turn in their lives?
At first the book was a bit boring because it was showing a normal life of a boy, Cole, and his friend, Mason, but in the middle when the famous artist came it became a bit more interesting and I started to wonder what was going to happen with Cole next.
My favorite part of this book was when the famous artist, Marika Loft, saw Coles painting
I would recommend this book to people in the age group 8-12 who love to read realistic fiction books! Adding to that my rating for this book is 4 out of 5 stars because I thought that the story line was a bit short.
I have loved reading this fabulous novel by LIsa Thompson, it has taught me how not to handle these difficult situations and overall this has been one of my most favorite books of all time!!
March 25, 2022
A fascinating look at fame - and one of the reasons I was compelled to continue my unfinished novel that grew to be NLITM!!!! A great thing about this is it’s for a middle-grade audience but is still showing the negative effects of fame in an understandable way, which is a great place to start. I praise Lisa Thompson for confronting each topic for her books - every single book that she has written has a specific message and I love that about her. As someone who has worked in TV and radio, Lisa must know all too well about the dangers of fame and fortune. This book is very memorable and well-written, and not too long, the words are just big enough so you don’t need to squint to read them! I feel no pressure reading Lisa Thompson’s books so I will definitely be reading every book no matter how “old” I get - she’s just a fantastic writer.
December 29, 2019
This is another great story from Lisa Thompson. This is an adventure story about family and school relationships including bullying and the problems of having no money or having too much money. The characters are very believable and fallible, making big mistakes as normal people do, then having to go to great lengths to sort out the ensuing problems.
There is a mystery to solve and the dilemma of a family in poverty, falling on hard times and the effect on the son, Cole, who tries to win money to save the situation, but becomes entangled in lies.
If you enjoy this book, try some of Lisa Thompson's other stories or Ross Welford's books.
There is a mystery to solve and the dilemma of a family in poverty, falling on hard times and the effect on the son, Cole, who tries to win money to save the situation, but becomes entangled in lies.
If you enjoy this book, try some of Lisa Thompson's other stories or Ross Welford's books.
December 30, 2019
A page-turning mystery packed with imagination, resilience, sparkling characters and a brilliant plot.
Cole's family and friends are a superb supporting cast - especially Mabel.
Intriguing and informative with links to museum artefacts and music too - look out for the 'extra bits' at the end of the book.
I loved the reassurance that it's ok to make mistakes as you navigate through life, as long as you are true to yourself.
Excellent illustration and design work on the cover - the sprayed edges are awesome!
Cole's family and friends are a superb supporting cast - especially Mabel.
Intriguing and informative with links to museum artefacts and music too - look out for the 'extra bits' at the end of the book.
I loved the reassurance that it's ok to make mistakes as you navigate through life, as long as you are true to yourself.
Excellent illustration and design work on the cover - the sprayed edges are awesome!
April 26, 2020
The boy who fooled the world is a really shocking book. The boy sells a painting at a auction for 100,000 pounds but it wasn't him that did the painting it was his sister Mabel but everyone thought it was him the painted it.
When you find out what happened your really shocked and scared about what happens next. When I read this book I really wanted to find out what happens next. I was wondering if the book would even have a non-embarrassing ending and everything would just return to normal.
When you find out what happened your really shocked and scared about what happens next. When I read this book I really wanted to find out what happens next. I was wondering if the book would even have a non-embarrassing ending and everything would just return to normal.
April 5, 2023
Okay. I'm a HUGE fan of Lisa Thompson's books. I read Goldfish Boy and INSTANTLY fell in love with her writing style.
Cole is a very real feeling character, and I felt awful when he found himself in his problem, and it broke my heart the way the parents reacted.
This is an funny, emotional, AMAZING book. (per usual, you'd find all my reviews, especially ones for Lisa, are all 5 stars) Would recommend! (9+)
Cole is a very real feeling character, and I felt awful when he found himself in his problem, and it broke my heart the way the parents reacted.
This is an funny, emotional, AMAZING book. (per usual, you'd find all my reviews, especially ones for Lisa, are all 5 stars) Would recommend! (9+)
March 10, 2020
I was not expecting a side story about solving a painting. But I enjoyed the side story more than the actual plot. I kind of guessed that the main plot alone would not be sufficient to last 314 pages.
Still, important lessons learning to be true to yourself and making mistakes were covered. If it wasn't for this, I would have dropped my rating down by another star.
Still, important lessons learning to be true to yourself and making mistakes were covered. If it wasn't for this, I would have dropped my rating down by another star.
June 16, 2020
Having loved The Goldfish Boy, I was a bit disappointed in this one. The storyline just never grabbed me, the stakes were too small and I couldn't care about the characters.
September 24, 2022
I was lent this book by an 11 year old who had to read it at the start of high school. An interesting book and I can see why it has been selected as a set text. I liked it well enough to finish it, but it wasn't a book I was desperate to pick up between reading sessions. I'm very glad that the 'fooling didn't drag out. An interesting story about perceptions.
August 21, 2021
Honestly, a sincerely good book, hard to put down in fact. My only issue with it, not 100% realistic. Would he really send a picture of red blobs, artist being his 3 year old sister? But otherwise, a great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2022
Great character writing, and I enjoyed the social commentary around the rich/poor topic. However the two main stories were so unbelievable that this affected my enjoyment. Not Lisa Thompson's best but still a good read.
August 15, 2024
This is an amazing story!
Cole got himself into a REALLY BIG problem he was doing a painting for fun in art class. A famous artist thought she saw talent. the painting sold for a thousand pounds. I REPEAT THE PAINTING SOLD FOR ONE THOUSAND POUNDS!!!! What an achievement. But soon things went terribly wrong Cole did something different for the auction he took a painting from his sister. HER painting! And it didn't take long for the truth to claw its way to the surface as poor helpless Maple accidently told the whole world Coles secret.
Cole was a social outcast! Everyone who saw him jeered and made fun of him! He was back at square one only 1000 times worse!!! I have to admit I felt terribly sorry for him but he got what he deserved. I mean stealing his own little sisters work! She is a three-year old girl! Even though he felt terribly sorry in the end it didn't change the facts. The horrible horrible facts.
All is soon well, Mason , Isla and Cole solve Basils clues but then find a measly reward (it turns out old money though is worth a lot)and a note I love it! As it says, Love. Comes. First. (LCF)And Cole learns that money is not everything... But love is. Both kinds.
Life for Cole is okay(nice) now. He loves his family more than ever now... and is happy to play the butterfly game. xx
Love and a flock of doves
xxxxxx
Cole got himself into a REALLY BIG problem he was doing a painting for fun in art class. A famous artist thought she saw talent. the painting sold for a thousand pounds. I REPEAT THE PAINTING SOLD FOR ONE THOUSAND POUNDS!!!! What an achievement. But soon things went terribly wrong Cole did something different for the auction he took a painting from his sister. HER painting! And it didn't take long for the truth to claw its way to the surface as poor helpless Maple accidently told the whole world Coles secret.
Cole was a social outcast! Everyone who saw him jeered and made fun of him! He was back at square one only 1000 times worse!!! I have to admit I felt terribly sorry for him but he got what he deserved. I mean stealing his own little sisters work! She is a three-year old girl! Even though he felt terribly sorry in the end it didn't change the facts. The horrible horrible facts.
All is soon well, Mason , Isla and Cole solve Basils clues but then find a measly reward (it turns out old money though is worth a lot)and a note I love it! As it says, Love. Comes. First. (LCF)And Cole learns that money is not everything... But love is. Both kinds.
Life for Cole is okay(nice) now. He loves his family more than ever now... and is happy to play the butterfly game. xx
Love and a flock of doves
xxxxxx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2021
Hallo!
Ik denk wel dat ik via dit kanaal ook even kan aansluiten bij "sebastiaan"? Net als hij lees ik graag boeken van Lisa Thompson, en haar nieuwste - dat wordt dan: Het Raadsel van de Begraafplaats" vind ik echt ook té gaaf. Misschien tot dusver wel haar beste. Tja - tegenover The Boy Who Fooled the World! Ook goed ja, héél erg goed in elkaar gezet, maar met een naar mijn persoonlijke gevoel niet zo'n goed slot. Simpelweg hierom, dat het me net zo lekker leek, dat die jongen het Grote Gekkenhuis van de (Moderne) Kunstwereld voor schut had gezet, en dat hij over zijn zogenaamde bedrog absoluut geen berouw moest gaan tonen - toch? Lieden die zo makkelijk bereid zijn een Fortuin neer te tellen voor één of ander kunststuk, ZIJN gewoon gek, en die moet je ook zo maar houden. En laten! Net ook als Sebastiaan leef ik me totaal in de figuren en factoren in, en naar mijn gevoel is en blijft Cole Miller een Mooie Figuur - absoluut niet arm - nee, omdat zijn daad hem andere ideeën oplevert. Leuk ook, Sebastiaan, om in deze complete context ook nog eens dat ene stokoude sprookje van Hans Andersen te lezen - De Nieuwe Kleren van de Keizer!
Ik denk wel dat ik via dit kanaal ook even kan aansluiten bij "sebastiaan"? Net als hij lees ik graag boeken van Lisa Thompson, en haar nieuwste - dat wordt dan: Het Raadsel van de Begraafplaats" vind ik echt ook té gaaf. Misschien tot dusver wel haar beste. Tja - tegenover The Boy Who Fooled the World! Ook goed ja, héél erg goed in elkaar gezet, maar met een naar mijn persoonlijke gevoel niet zo'n goed slot. Simpelweg hierom, dat het me net zo lekker leek, dat die jongen het Grote Gekkenhuis van de (Moderne) Kunstwereld voor schut had gezet, en dat hij over zijn zogenaamde bedrog absoluut geen berouw moest gaan tonen - toch? Lieden die zo makkelijk bereid zijn een Fortuin neer te tellen voor één of ander kunststuk, ZIJN gewoon gek, en die moet je ook zo maar houden. En laten! Net ook als Sebastiaan leef ik me totaal in de figuren en factoren in, en naar mijn gevoel is en blijft Cole Miller een Mooie Figuur - absoluut niet arm - nee, omdat zijn daad hem andere ideeën oplevert. Leuk ook, Sebastiaan, om in deze complete context ook nog eens dat ene stokoude sprookje van Hans Andersen te lezen - De Nieuwe Kleren van de Keizer!
March 31, 2021
The Boy Who Fooled The World by Lisa Thompson
I read Goldfish Boy and The Day I was erased last year (I've read them at least a couple of times each) and then I leant them to my friend so I was excited when I found out about the boy who fooled the world.
Cole needs money for his family who don't have much. His nickname is "Poor Kid Cole" ever since his father came in to school for Parents Evening. Cole comes up with a plan and asks his best friend Mason for help. They were going to figure out the Enigma in Oil mystery from a painting to get a big reward. It turns out the reward isn't that big though now that time has passed. When a picture is bought by an artist and sold in a Public Auction, the family are on the verge of becoming richer than they could ever have dreamed but it all comes crashing down around them.
My favourite bit was when he fooled the world into believing a painting his little sister made was actually his. I wish my brothers could produce paintings I could sell for lots of money!!
I loved this book - it was so funny. And the side of the book was a continuation of the pattern on the cover which was really funky.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I read Goldfish Boy and The Day I was erased last year (I've read them at least a couple of times each) and then I leant them to my friend so I was excited when I found out about the boy who fooled the world.
Cole needs money for his family who don't have much. His nickname is "Poor Kid Cole" ever since his father came in to school for Parents Evening. Cole comes up with a plan and asks his best friend Mason for help. They were going to figure out the Enigma in Oil mystery from a painting to get a big reward. It turns out the reward isn't that big though now that time has passed. When a picture is bought by an artist and sold in a Public Auction, the family are on the verge of becoming richer than they could ever have dreamed but it all comes crashing down around them.
My favourite bit was when he fooled the world into believing a painting his little sister made was actually his. I wish my brothers could produce paintings I could sell for lots of money!!
I loved this book - it was so funny. And the side of the book was a continuation of the pattern on the cover which was really funky.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2021
This book follows the life of Cole who is desperate to help his family solve their financial problems.
He first sets out to solve the mystery of a painting at the museum where is mum works in hope of finding the hidden treasure.
But then when a famous artist sells one of his painting Cole finds himself under a huge amount of pressure to create a new masterpiece that will solve all of their problems.
But things don’t go as they should and Cole learns some hard and important life lessons along the way.
This book is an important look at the financial pressures on families and the impact and pressure on children even when adults try to protect them.
Highly recommend for age 9+ a great book
He first sets out to solve the mystery of a painting at the museum where is mum works in hope of finding the hidden treasure.
But then when a famous artist sells one of his painting Cole finds himself under a huge amount of pressure to create a new masterpiece that will solve all of their problems.
But things don’t go as they should and Cole learns some hard and important life lessons along the way.
This book is an important look at the financial pressures on families and the impact and pressure on children even when adults try to protect them.
Highly recommend for age 9+ a great book
April 3, 2023
At the start it seemed hopeless for the family but after some luck and failure they were back on track. The poor family got a chance but their son fooled the entire world except her younger sister and her friends.
The start seems hopeless but at the end it is really happy. The fact that they solved the Enigma In Oil is very fascinating since it has fooled everyone that has tried to solve it, even the best treasure hunters got fooled.
Overall speaking, I love this book since it has a lot of adventure, excitement and there is a puzzle. I have been touched by this book because I can't stop reading it.
The start seems hopeless but at the end it is really happy. The fact that they solved the Enigma In Oil is very fascinating since it has fooled everyone that has tried to solve it, even the best treasure hunters got fooled.
Overall speaking, I love this book since it has a lot of adventure, excitement and there is a puzzle. I have been touched by this book because I can't stop reading it.
February 23, 2026
I’m working my way through Lisa’s catalogue and each one I read becomes my new favourite. I’m halfway done so I have 4 new favourites to discover.
I think Isla deserves her own book, she was definitely my favourite character. I love the friendship that developed between Cole, Mason, and Isla. They each brought their own strengths to the table when trying to solve a puzzle left 100 years ago, with clues hidden in a painting and around a museum.
The story includes compassion, determination, persistence, love, and the consequences of dishonesty.
A great read for ages 8+
I think Isla deserves her own book, she was definitely my favourite character. I love the friendship that developed between Cole, Mason, and Isla. They each brought their own strengths to the table when trying to solve a puzzle left 100 years ago, with clues hidden in a painting and around a museum.
The story includes compassion, determination, persistence, love, and the consequences of dishonesty.
A great read for ages 8+
June 4, 2025
it made me cringe a little, but in a good way because I felt like i was there 😭 him being poor struck something in me and the way his father didn’t have a job and only the mom worked really left me with something. the fact that he felt like he had to carry the world on his shoulders (to pay for the boiler, so they could have hot water)….it’s really a reality for a lot of people, so yeah, it was a bit cringe in some parts but it was worth a read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2020
I read this with my 9 year old son - He chose it largely due to the sprayed edges and that his friend had read another book by this author . We enjoyed the 2 main storylines and found it amusing but also had some great messages regarding telling the truth and real friendship .
Overall a very good read and an author we will choose again .
Overall a very good read and an author we will choose again .
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