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The Incredible Record Smashers
A record-smashing, feel-good adventure packed with heart, humour and Guinness World Records from Costa Award-shortlisted JENNY PEARSON, and Kid Normal illustrator Erica Salcedo
Lucy is a fixer of broken things. But there's one thing she can't fix and that's her unhappy mum. Until she comes up with an INCREDIBLE plan. Along with her best friend, Sandesh, Lucy is going to SMASH a world record.
Because she's convinced that starry Paul Castellini - Record Smashers TV host and singing legend - is the answer to her mum's problems. But breaking a world RECORD when watermelons, kumquats, two baddies and a 30 cm shatter-resistant school ruler are involved isn't quite as easy as Lucy thought. Can she learn that sometimes happiness doesn't come with a plan?
"Breaks records for funny and touching storytelling." David Baddiel
"One of the juiciest ideas for a story you've ever seen and super-miraculously Jenny Pearson makes it every bit as funny and tender as it could ever be." Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Lucy is a fixer of broken things. But there's one thing she can't fix and that's her unhappy mum. Until she comes up with an INCREDIBLE plan. Along with her best friend, Sandesh, Lucy is going to SMASH a world record.
Because she's convinced that starry Paul Castellini - Record Smashers TV host and singing legend - is the answer to her mum's problems. But breaking a world RECORD when watermelons, kumquats, two baddies and a 30 cm shatter-resistant school ruler are involved isn't quite as easy as Lucy thought. Can she learn that sometimes happiness doesn't come with a plan?
"Breaks records for funny and touching storytelling." David Baddiel
"One of the juiciest ideas for a story you've ever seen and super-miraculously Jenny Pearson makes it every bit as funny and tender as it could ever be." Frank Cottrell-Boyce
- GenresChildrens
330 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2021
4 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Pearson
36 books101 followersJenny Pearson is a technical writer and an artist who loves to write and draw. She enjoys working with kids, whether it's engaging them with arts and crafts activities, helping them learn basic concepts, or just inspiring cute moments. With loads of patience, sunny smiles, and a healthy dose of kindness, almost any day can be a great day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 14, 2021
I loved this book and read it in a couple of days. It was really funny. It was about Lucy who wants to make her mum happy by meeting Paul Castellini, who presents the TV show record smashers. Lucy has lots of hilarious adventures trying to smash records.
June 3, 2021
This was just as good as her first book, and believe me I love Freddie Yates.
This deals with adult depression and we see this through the child's eyes.
There are some funny moments.
Absolutely fantastic book.
Can't wait for the next one.
This deals with adult depression and we see this through the child's eyes.
There are some funny moments.
Absolutely fantastic book.
Can't wait for the next one.
January 27, 2025
I LOVED this book. I like how it has such a good message and the characters are just really friendly and it teaches what good friendships and happiness is really about. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do not hesitate recommending this one. At the begging of every chapter it tells you a world record. I Google them every time and learn something incredible. I like the world records and they always relate to the rest of the chapter (eg: the biggest car park in the world is in Canada. Lucy, Sandesh, Lucy’s mam and Auntie Sheila had to do an important job in a car park that chapter).
This was an extra special book because I met this author who I really enjoyed learning about. I can’t wait to read another one of her books.
This was an extra special book because I met this author who I really enjoyed learning about. I can’t wait to read another one of her books.
September 12, 2023
A good book but I like sandesh because he ended up forgetting about Paul and setting a new record on the record smashers !! He helped Lucy's mum because they failed in the kumquat throwing which they practised for !💖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2021
I loved Jenny Pearson’s debut book, The Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, that was released last year - it was one of my top fiction reads of 2020. So you can imagine my utter joy when I was given early access to her brand new book…The Incredible Record Smashers.
Lucy loves fixing things, it is one of her favourite things to do when she gets to spend time with her ‘aunty’ Sheila. Lately, Lucy has been spending quite a lot of time at aunty Sheila’s as her mum is often sad and is not able to care for her. It is the most recent of these bouts of sadness that sees Lucy back with her not-real-aunty for the start of the summer holidays. Lucy is desperate to ‘fix’ her mum and the opportunity presents itself after she finds a photo of a smiley mum and a pop heartthrob from the 80’s. The pop-star is none other than Paul Castellini, the head judge on new TV talent show Record Smashers. All Lucy needs to do is come up with a record-breaking attempt that is worthy of a TV appearance and then she can ask Paul round for tea and then mum will be happy again. And Lucy, with the help of friend Sandesh, is determined to do whatever it takes to make it happen…
Jenny Pearson is a primary school teacher and her knowledge of what gets kids reading shines through in what is another heart-warming, funny and eventful read. It is big on adventure, big on laughs, big on world record-breaking attempts and explores very big issues. Pearson seamlessly weaves emotional moments into a fast-paced and funny read that had me smiling from start to finish and will help all readers to understand that it is one-hundred percent OK to not feel OK.
Amidst record attempts involving kumquat catching and hurdling in flippers, Pearson sensitively looks at the effects on a child of a parent who is battling a mental health issue, in this case depression. Through Lucy, she explores feelings, confused emotions and efforts to help. Conversations on mental health are becoming more prevalent in primary school classrooms and books like this are the perfect stimulus for opening up discussions. Children need to see themselves and their situations represented in books and I’m sure that many readers will find comfort and strength from Lucy and her mum.
The supporting cast of characters are some of my absolute favourites. Aunty Sheila is a bright beacon of hope - both in the clothes that she wears and her larger than life personality. And Sandesh is the friend that everyone needs. Despite dealing with his own issues - he is missing that close to connection to his parents who work away a lot - he is an endless bundle of positivity and helps Lucy understand what the true meaning of friendship is.
Full of heart, laughs and plenty of record breaking attempts. Jenny Pearson has nailed it!
Recommended for 9+.
With thanks to Jenny Pearson and Usborne for the advanced reader copy that was received via Netgalley. The Incredible Record Smashers is due for publication on 29th April 2021.
Lucy loves fixing things, it is one of her favourite things to do when she gets to spend time with her ‘aunty’ Sheila. Lately, Lucy has been spending quite a lot of time at aunty Sheila’s as her mum is often sad and is not able to care for her. It is the most recent of these bouts of sadness that sees Lucy back with her not-real-aunty for the start of the summer holidays. Lucy is desperate to ‘fix’ her mum and the opportunity presents itself after she finds a photo of a smiley mum and a pop heartthrob from the 80’s. The pop-star is none other than Paul Castellini, the head judge on new TV talent show Record Smashers. All Lucy needs to do is come up with a record-breaking attempt that is worthy of a TV appearance and then she can ask Paul round for tea and then mum will be happy again. And Lucy, with the help of friend Sandesh, is determined to do whatever it takes to make it happen…
Jenny Pearson is a primary school teacher and her knowledge of what gets kids reading shines through in what is another heart-warming, funny and eventful read. It is big on adventure, big on laughs, big on world record-breaking attempts and explores very big issues. Pearson seamlessly weaves emotional moments into a fast-paced and funny read that had me smiling from start to finish and will help all readers to understand that it is one-hundred percent OK to not feel OK.
Amidst record attempts involving kumquat catching and hurdling in flippers, Pearson sensitively looks at the effects on a child of a parent who is battling a mental health issue, in this case depression. Through Lucy, she explores feelings, confused emotions and efforts to help. Conversations on mental health are becoming more prevalent in primary school classrooms and books like this are the perfect stimulus for opening up discussions. Children need to see themselves and their situations represented in books and I’m sure that many readers will find comfort and strength from Lucy and her mum.
The supporting cast of characters are some of my absolute favourites. Aunty Sheila is a bright beacon of hope - both in the clothes that she wears and her larger than life personality. And Sandesh is the friend that everyone needs. Despite dealing with his own issues - he is missing that close to connection to his parents who work away a lot - he is an endless bundle of positivity and helps Lucy understand what the true meaning of friendship is.
Full of heart, laughs and plenty of record breaking attempts. Jenny Pearson has nailed it!
Recommended for 9+.
With thanks to Jenny Pearson and Usborne for the advanced reader copy that was received via Netgalley. The Incredible Record Smashers is due for publication on 29th April 2021.
April 22, 2021
Looks like Jenny Pearson’s done it again. And by ‘it’, I mean create a book that is effortlessly entertaining, packed with charm and huge dollops of laugh-aloud humour.
The Incredible Record Smashers is told by Lucy – a girl with no friends and a hobby of fixing broken things, who really, really wants to fix her mum. But how do you fix someone who is so sad? Lucy doesn’t really talk about it – she’s a bit of a closed book, not given to sharing her own emotions, and with a temper to boot – but a new friendship with classmate, Sandesh, changes everything. Sandesh’s optimism and desire to see Lucy achieve her goal sets them both on an adventure that takes them from the garden shed to the stage of a tv studio. It’s a personal and emotional journey for both of them, but particularly Lucy, who is forced to do things she never thought she would (head-smashing a watermelon, hurdling sardine boxes in flippers… that sort of thing), and encouraged to lift the lid and take a look at her own inner-workings.
The story, as you might have guessed, is about trying to break a World Record – and the book is sprinkled with ridiculous, hilarious and hair-brained record-breaking attempt facts, all real. But although the World Record trip is fun and fresh, it’s the relationship between Lucy and Sandesh that really smashes it. Sandesh, eternally up-beat and polite (and you can just hear his voice so clearly) is the perfect partner for Lucy, who is dead-pan, cynical and a smidgen grumpy. Their little dance around friendship and their absolute adoration for each other is just glorious – I defy anyone to read the dialogue without grinning. The rest of the cast is pretty special, too. The narcissistic ageing pop star, the loveable rogues, the catastrophizing Aunt, the Indian wedding party, Wilbur the watermelon. Oh yes, he definitely deserves a mention, even if he is a little on the turn.
It’s Bend It Like Beckham meets About A Boy meets Guinness Book of World Records meets a fruit bowl. The result: a fun-packed caper of a story with plenty of interesting facts, and not a single lull or dull moment.
While this book touches on some issues and life lessons – mental health, pent-up emotions, choosing your own path, friendship, bravery, dubious relationships with large rotund fruits – the writing is light as a feather. Not a word out of place, with neat reappearances and perfectly tied-up plot strands … and it’s FUNNY. So funny, and so full of heart. The same ingredients that made The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates brilliant (if you haven’t read that, then you absolutely must!).
If Jenny can keep producing adventures like these, then I, and many, many children, will be very happy indeed. No pressure, Jenny, I know happiness comes from within.
The Incredible Record Smashers is told by Lucy – a girl with no friends and a hobby of fixing broken things, who really, really wants to fix her mum. But how do you fix someone who is so sad? Lucy doesn’t really talk about it – she’s a bit of a closed book, not given to sharing her own emotions, and with a temper to boot – but a new friendship with classmate, Sandesh, changes everything. Sandesh’s optimism and desire to see Lucy achieve her goal sets them both on an adventure that takes them from the garden shed to the stage of a tv studio. It’s a personal and emotional journey for both of them, but particularly Lucy, who is forced to do things she never thought she would (head-smashing a watermelon, hurdling sardine boxes in flippers… that sort of thing), and encouraged to lift the lid and take a look at her own inner-workings.
The story, as you might have guessed, is about trying to break a World Record – and the book is sprinkled with ridiculous, hilarious and hair-brained record-breaking attempt facts, all real. But although the World Record trip is fun and fresh, it’s the relationship between Lucy and Sandesh that really smashes it. Sandesh, eternally up-beat and polite (and you can just hear his voice so clearly) is the perfect partner for Lucy, who is dead-pan, cynical and a smidgen grumpy. Their little dance around friendship and their absolute adoration for each other is just glorious – I defy anyone to read the dialogue without grinning. The rest of the cast is pretty special, too. The narcissistic ageing pop star, the loveable rogues, the catastrophizing Aunt, the Indian wedding party, Wilbur the watermelon. Oh yes, he definitely deserves a mention, even if he is a little on the turn.
It’s Bend It Like Beckham meets About A Boy meets Guinness Book of World Records meets a fruit bowl. The result: a fun-packed caper of a story with plenty of interesting facts, and not a single lull or dull moment.
While this book touches on some issues and life lessons – mental health, pent-up emotions, choosing your own path, friendship, bravery, dubious relationships with large rotund fruits – the writing is light as a feather. Not a word out of place, with neat reappearances and perfectly tied-up plot strands … and it’s FUNNY. So funny, and so full of heart. The same ingredients that made The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates brilliant (if you haven’t read that, then you absolutely must!).
If Jenny can keep producing adventures like these, then I, and many, many children, will be very happy indeed. No pressure, Jenny, I know happiness comes from within.
May 16, 2021
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Usborne in return for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by this author, so I went into it not quite knowing what to expect. What I discovered was a story that is funny, realistic and painfully (in a good way, if that makes sense) accurate in its depiction of living with a parent who has depression. I'm so pleased there are books like this available which sensitively discuss mental health and reach children who might not feel ready to talk about what is going on in their lives but will appreciate knowing they are not alone.
The book follows the story of Lucy and her best friend Sandesh. Lucy has a talent for fixing things and loves tinkering around with broken objects to make them work again. Her patient and loyal friend Sandesh knows pretty much every World Record there is and can provide obscure facts and information for pretty much any situation. When Lucy finds out about the Record Smashers TV show, she sees the perfect opportunity to combine these skills and find a way to fix her mum. Along the way, Lucy and Sandesh discover that somethings aren't quite as simple to fix as others and even the best laid plans can go wrong!
As someone who grew up with a mum that had depression, I thought the character of Lucy was spot on. The reluctance to let others know that your family is struggling, the guilt that it's somehow your fault and the anger (immediately followed by more guilt) that the person you love can't just be happy. All of these things were beautifully represented, but nothing was overplayed so that every action and emotion felt genuine. With all the heavy subject matter, this could have been a very serious and sombre book, but actually it's incredibly sweet and funny. The characters of Sandesh and Aunty Sheila bring excitement and joy to the story and Lucy's interal thoughts and commetary are also often hilarious. I also loved the inclusion of bizarre World Record facts to start every chapter.
As I was reading along, I was concerned about how the ending would be handled. I didn't want it to seem like there was a quick fix for something as compex as depression but equally, I didn't want the ending to be more sadness and frustration. I needn't have worried. The ending is perfect. It made me cry. It said everything that needed to be said and I hope that anyone who is going through a situation like Lucy's will have the opportunity to say those words and have those words said to them.
This book should be read by people who like funny stories, heart-warming stories, realistic stories that tackle real issues. It should be available in all KS2 classrooms because you never know what someone is really going through and who might need to hear what this book has to say.
This is the first book I have read by this author, so I went into it not quite knowing what to expect. What I discovered was a story that is funny, realistic and painfully (in a good way, if that makes sense) accurate in its depiction of living with a parent who has depression. I'm so pleased there are books like this available which sensitively discuss mental health and reach children who might not feel ready to talk about what is going on in their lives but will appreciate knowing they are not alone.
The book follows the story of Lucy and her best friend Sandesh. Lucy has a talent for fixing things and loves tinkering around with broken objects to make them work again. Her patient and loyal friend Sandesh knows pretty much every World Record there is and can provide obscure facts and information for pretty much any situation. When Lucy finds out about the Record Smashers TV show, she sees the perfect opportunity to combine these skills and find a way to fix her mum. Along the way, Lucy and Sandesh discover that somethings aren't quite as simple to fix as others and even the best laid plans can go wrong!
As someone who grew up with a mum that had depression, I thought the character of Lucy was spot on. The reluctance to let others know that your family is struggling, the guilt that it's somehow your fault and the anger (immediately followed by more guilt) that the person you love can't just be happy. All of these things were beautifully represented, but nothing was overplayed so that every action and emotion felt genuine. With all the heavy subject matter, this could have been a very serious and sombre book, but actually it's incredibly sweet and funny. The characters of Sandesh and Aunty Sheila bring excitement and joy to the story and Lucy's interal thoughts and commetary are also often hilarious. I also loved the inclusion of bizarre World Record facts to start every chapter.
As I was reading along, I was concerned about how the ending would be handled. I didn't want it to seem like there was a quick fix for something as compex as depression but equally, I didn't want the ending to be more sadness and frustration. I needn't have worried. The ending is perfect. It made me cry. It said everything that needed to be said and I hope that anyone who is going through a situation like Lucy's will have the opportunity to say those words and have those words said to them.
This book should be read by people who like funny stories, heart-warming stories, realistic stories that tackle real issues. It should be available in all KS2 classrooms because you never know what someone is really going through and who might need to hear what this book has to say.
January 14, 2021
After the success of The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates last year, primary-teacher-turned-author Jenny Pearson is back with a new and hilarious tale of ordinary children on extra-ordinary adventures.
Life isn't easy for Lucy. Her mum has depression and is difficult to care for, often being unwell for long periods that leave Lucy needing the help of a family friend. Lucy is great at fixing broken objects, but wishes more than anything that she knew how to fix her mum. It becomes clear that mum might need some time to stay at a place that can help her, and Lucy goes to stay with Aunty Sheila for a while.
Aunty Sheila loves car boot sales and is larger than life, always treating Lucy with kindness and a sense of fun, but life there is not the same as being with mum. With the help of friendly neighbour Sandesh, Lucy comes up with a way to make things right again. It's an ambitious plan that involves meeting an 80s pop icon who was once acquainted with Mum, appearing on a TV show and smashing a world record - but as far as Lucy is concerned, no aim is too high when it comes to making her mum happy again. What follows is a humorous romp as Lucy and Sandesh search for a world record to smash with a range of hilarious consequences.
The humour is perfect for Key Stage 2 and the story also explores the subject of parental mental health issues in an age-appropriate way. This is a smasher of a story; the author knows her audience extremely well and pitches both the comic and more serious elements at just the right level. The relationships that Lucy forms with Aunty Sheila and Sandesh are lovely, and demonstrate how - while nothing can replace the closeness that Lucy craves with her mum - the warmth and loyalty of others can make the world of difference during hard times. This strand of the plot may serve as a valuable encouragement to children affected by similar issues that reaching out for or accepting support from others is sometimes the very best course of action.
Many thanks to the publisher for our review copy. Featured as a Spring 2021 Ones to Watch: https://www.booksfortopics.com/post/o....
Life isn't easy for Lucy. Her mum has depression and is difficult to care for, often being unwell for long periods that leave Lucy needing the help of a family friend. Lucy is great at fixing broken objects, but wishes more than anything that she knew how to fix her mum. It becomes clear that mum might need some time to stay at a place that can help her, and Lucy goes to stay with Aunty Sheila for a while.
Aunty Sheila loves car boot sales and is larger than life, always treating Lucy with kindness and a sense of fun, but life there is not the same as being with mum. With the help of friendly neighbour Sandesh, Lucy comes up with a way to make things right again. It's an ambitious plan that involves meeting an 80s pop icon who was once acquainted with Mum, appearing on a TV show and smashing a world record - but as far as Lucy is concerned, no aim is too high when it comes to making her mum happy again. What follows is a humorous romp as Lucy and Sandesh search for a world record to smash with a range of hilarious consequences.
The humour is perfect for Key Stage 2 and the story also explores the subject of parental mental health issues in an age-appropriate way. This is a smasher of a story; the author knows her audience extremely well and pitches both the comic and more serious elements at just the right level. The relationships that Lucy forms with Aunty Sheila and Sandesh are lovely, and demonstrate how - while nothing can replace the closeness that Lucy craves with her mum - the warmth and loyalty of others can make the world of difference during hard times. This strand of the plot may serve as a valuable encouragement to children affected by similar issues that reaching out for or accepting support from others is sometimes the very best course of action.
Many thanks to the publisher for our review copy. Featured as a Spring 2021 Ones to Watch: https://www.booksfortopics.com/post/o....
November 28, 2020
In this fun, laugh out loud story follow the Lucy and her friend Sandesh as they hatch a crazy plan to try and get on the top TV show “Record Smashers” in the hope that by meeting the host will help fix Lucy’s mum. As with plans made by children who don’t know the full story of the problem they are trying to solve, they get the wrong end of the stick. This makes it even funnier, but very touching at the same time. As the story unfolds we learn of the problem that Lucy is trying to fix for her mum. Readers are able to read and understand at different levels, but it is great introduction to discussions on mental health and depression in adults. Hopefully children who identify with Lucy or Sandesh will realize that they are not alone with their problems and is dealt with in a sensitive way.
As well as dealing with the sensitive topic of depression, the story is also a powerful one of friendships and family. Lucy is so wrapped up in her own problems, that she does not see what a great friend Sandesh is being to her and that he also is suffering from lack of parental support as he is staying with his grandparents as his own parents are travelling for work.
A great book filled with humour and super interesting Guiness Book of Record facts.
As well as dealing with the sensitive topic of depression, the story is also a powerful one of friendships and family. Lucy is so wrapped up in her own problems, that she does not see what a great friend Sandesh is being to her and that he also is suffering from lack of parental support as he is staying with his grandparents as his own parents are travelling for work.
A great book filled with humour and super interesting Guiness Book of Record facts.
December 23, 2020
I loved Freddie Yates but I think I enjoyed this even more.
Lucy’s mum is suffering from depression and is unable to look after Lucy for a while, so she goes to stay with mum’s best friend, Aunty Sheila. Sheila’s neighbours have their grandson Sandesh staying for the summer so the two children become friends.
Lucy’s greatest desire is to make mum happy and when she finds an old photo of her mum with an ageing pop star she thinks this might be the answer. Getting in touch with him is harder than she imagined though. However when they discover that he is to be the host of a new TV show showcasing world record breakers, the pair set out on a mission to find a world record to break in order to get themselves onto the show.
The book has just the right amount of humour and emotion. The author tackles the subject of mental health sensitively and whilst it is the motivating factor in the children’s adventure, it is the characters themselves who take centre stage. I particularly loved Aunty Sheila who is endearing and bonkers in equal measure.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lucy’s mum is suffering from depression and is unable to look after Lucy for a while, so she goes to stay with mum’s best friend, Aunty Sheila. Sheila’s neighbours have their grandson Sandesh staying for the summer so the two children become friends.
Lucy’s greatest desire is to make mum happy and when she finds an old photo of her mum with an ageing pop star she thinks this might be the answer. Getting in touch with him is harder than she imagined though. However when they discover that he is to be the host of a new TV show showcasing world record breakers, the pair set out on a mission to find a world record to break in order to get themselves onto the show.
The book has just the right amount of humour and emotion. The author tackles the subject of mental health sensitively and whilst it is the motivating factor in the children’s adventure, it is the characters themselves who take centre stage. I particularly loved Aunty Sheila who is endearing and bonkers in equal measure.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2023
Onko jokin selitys sille, että erityisesti brittikirjailijat osaavat yhdistää tragediaa ja komediaa näin hyvin? Kutosluokkalainen Lucy osaa korjata kaiken, joten osaisiko hän korjata myös masentuneen äitinsä? Vanha valokuva saa Lucyn uskomaan, että hänen äitinsä on ollut onnellinen laulaja Paul Castellinin kanssa. Siispä Lucyn pitää päästä Castellinin juontamaan Ennätystenrikkojat-ohjelmaan, jotta hän pääsee kysymään tältä tärkeän kysymyksen: tuletko meille syömään lasagnea ja tekemään äidin taas iloiseksi? Eli ei muuta kuin ennätyksiä rikkomaan, sehän on helppo homma!
Kirja on täydellinen yhdistelmä absurdia huumoria, vaarallisen huvittavia ennätysyrityksiä, epäpäteviä taidevarkaita, yllättäviä juonenkäänteitä ja vaikeita tunteita. Joidenkin lukijoiden mielestä kirja voi olla turhan paksu, mutta tapahtumat etenevät kyllä niin hengästyttävää vauhtia, ettei kirjan lukeminen tunnu työläältä. Suosikkihenkilöni on Sheila-täti, jolla on pinkit hiukset, jolla on takapihalla säilykkeitä täynnä oleva selviytymismaja ja jonka luona Lucy saa nukkua kanootissa :) Kiinnyin kovasti myös Wilbur-vesimeloniin. Vinkkauksiin luokille 3–5 :)
Kirja on täydellinen yhdistelmä absurdia huumoria, vaarallisen huvittavia ennätysyrityksiä, epäpäteviä taidevarkaita, yllättäviä juonenkäänteitä ja vaikeita tunteita. Joidenkin lukijoiden mielestä kirja voi olla turhan paksu, mutta tapahtumat etenevät kyllä niin hengästyttävää vauhtia, ettei kirjan lukeminen tunnu työläältä. Suosikkihenkilöni on Sheila-täti, jolla on pinkit hiukset, jolla on takapihalla säilykkeitä täynnä oleva selviytymismaja ja jonka luona Lucy saa nukkua kanootissa :) Kiinnyin kovasti myös Wilbur-vesimeloniin. Vinkkauksiin luokille 3–5 :)
July 29, 2021
This book is just as fantastic as Freddie Yates - the previous book from this author. They are not connected so no need to worry if you haven’t read the other one. But the message is an equally powerful one.
In this book we follow Lucy who is desperate to find a way to make her mum happy again. This is a heartfelt and also very funny look at adult depression and the impact it has on children.
Throughout the story we follow Lucy and Sandesh as they attempt to break a wide range of world records in order to make it on to the newest TV show - Lucy is positive this will be the key to her mind happiness. However a host of mishaps and a slight encounter with some criminals lead to the realisation that happieness doesn’t depend on others and sometimes it’s ok to be a bit broken.
A fantastic read for children in upper KS2 and above. Would make a great class read also.
This book had me laughing along with the characters but also feeling their pain. The message is not lost in the humour.
In this book we follow Lucy who is desperate to find a way to make her mum happy again. This is a heartfelt and also very funny look at adult depression and the impact it has on children.
Throughout the story we follow Lucy and Sandesh as they attempt to break a wide range of world records in order to make it on to the newest TV show - Lucy is positive this will be the key to her mind happiness. However a host of mishaps and a slight encounter with some criminals lead to the realisation that happieness doesn’t depend on others and sometimes it’s ok to be a bit broken.
A fantastic read for children in upper KS2 and above. Would make a great class read also.
This book had me laughing along with the characters but also feeling their pain. The message is not lost in the humour.
September 3, 2024
Lucy is striving to make her troubled mom happy. Together with her friend Sandesh, they formulated a plan to star in a show Record Smashers and make her Mom happy like she used to be.
“You can’t hinge your happiness on one thing. Happiness comes from a lot of different places. You just have to notice them.”
“Just because you want to fix something, it doesn’t mean you can; and it doesn’t mean you should”.
—-
Adulting is hard. Sometimes children are given the early responsibility of taking the family helm.
If and when the parent lose themself, is it the child’s responsibility to pick up the pieces and make them whole again?
This is an easy-to-read book. The story line is simplistic but the emotional issues are complex. For a middle-age book, this is highly recommended.
“You can’t hinge your happiness on one thing. Happiness comes from a lot of different places. You just have to notice them.”
“Just because you want to fix something, it doesn’t mean you can; and it doesn’t mean you should”.
—-
Adulting is hard. Sometimes children are given the early responsibility of taking the family helm.
If and when the parent lose themself, is it the child’s responsibility to pick up the pieces and make them whole again?
This is an easy-to-read book. The story line is simplistic but the emotional issues are complex. For a middle-age book, this is highly recommended.
October 18, 2020
'Freddie Yates' was one of the standout children's books of 2020 and 'Record Smashers' will follow suit in 2021.
Heartbreaking, hopeful, and record breakingly funny, it reminds us all that it's okay to not be okay and that happiness can be found in the least expected places & moments. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to put googly eyes on a watermelon called Norriss and look up wether there's a world record for how many fruit pastilles you can eat in a minute....
Thank you to Usborne and NetGalley UK for the ebook to review.
Heartbreaking, hopeful, and record breakingly funny, it reminds us all that it's okay to not be okay and that happiness can be found in the least expected places & moments. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to put googly eyes on a watermelon called Norriss and look up wether there's a world record for how many fruit pastilles you can eat in a minute....
Thank you to Usborne and NetGalley UK for the ebook to review.
November 14, 2020
This is the story of Lucy, who is living with her Mum's friend Sheila as her mum is getting support for mental health. Lucy is desperate to make her mum happy and there begins an adventure with Sandesh to break a world record and meet the person she believes can make her mum happy.
This is a wonderful story, touching and relevant whilst also being very funny. I loved the relationships throughout the story, bit particularly Lucy and Sandesh. I read this with my 9yo son, who said he didn't like it, he LOVED it!
This is a wonderful story, touching and relevant whilst also being very funny. I loved the relationships throughout the story, bit particularly Lucy and Sandesh. I read this with my 9yo son, who said he didn't like it, he LOVED it!
October 8, 2020
I recently completed it and what an amazing read it was. Filled with adventures and action which kept me engaged throughout. I started it with high hopes and I am so happy it was exactly what I expected it to be, extremely enjoyable and fast paced. Filled with few illustrations which just add up to the story so well, reading it was absolutely fun and adventurous. Definitely recommended.
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Rating: 4.25🌟
January 20, 2023
Jenny Pearson has such a way with words and addresses real-life issues -such as depression in this story- in a way that can help children understand and sympathise.
I really enjoyed reading this story and, as always, Jenny juggles humour and sensitivity excellently!
A great read for children aged 9+
I really enjoyed reading this story and, as always, Jenny juggles humour and sensitivity excellently!
A great read for children aged 9+
May 10, 2021
OMG!!! Jenny has done it again! She’s taken some hard topics and made it in to a funny and heart touching journey. I couldn’t put it down. Didn’t think she could top her first book but I think she’s managed it. Well done Jenny...well done 👏👏👏
April 4, 2021
A fast paced wee book full of great dialogue and the unlikely but exciting way a young girl copes with and tries to deal with her mother's depression. Highly entertaining.
July 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book with my 9 year old daughter. She wanted to award it 5 stars. I'd probably rate 4 but it is a children's book so I'm going with her rating. It's good fun.
December 19, 2021
Loved this for so many reasons. It is a beautiful story about friendship and hope with lots of funny moments in between.
November 22, 2023
Middle grade. Friendship. Parent with mental illness.
Very fun and entertaining read with clear message in the last chapter.
Very fun and entertaining read with clear message in the last chapter.
August 4, 2024
Koskettava ja hauska kirja Lucystä joka haluaa että masennusta sairastava äiti voisi paremmin.
May 15, 2025
so funnn
October 31, 2023
Parempi kuin kannen perusteella odotin. Tarinassa aika isossa osassa oli äidin paha masennus ja lapsen yritys tehdä äidistä taas iloinen, joten ei ehkä kaikkein kepeintä luettavaa.
Tekniikasta ja esineiden korjailusta kiinnostunut tyttö joutuu koulussa tappeluun, kun kiusaajat kehoittavat häntä korjaamaan äitinsä, jos kerran hän on niin kätevä korjailemaan asioita. Tappelun myötä asiat alkavat purkaantua, huono kotitilanne paljastuu ja äiti otetaan sisään sairaalaan. Tyttö taas joutuu muuttamaan kesäloman aluksi äidin hyvän ystävän luo. Kaikesta huolestunut täti rakastaa kyllä tyttöä, mutta luomuruokineen ja toistuvine pelastautumisharjoituksineen hän ei ehkä ole se tavallisin ja turvallisin lastenkasvattaja, eikä aina muutenkaan oikein ajan tasalla. Tytön yllätykseksi tädin naapurissa asuu Guinessin ennätyksistä kiinnostunut luokkatoveri ja yhdessä lapset päättävät tehdä uuden maailmanennätyksen jotta äiti saadaan taas kuntoon. Matkalla sattuu ja tapahtuu ja opitaan yhtä ja toista ystävyydestä ja perheiden onnellisuudesta.
Vinkkaukseen nelosesta ylöspäin.
Tekniikasta ja esineiden korjailusta kiinnostunut tyttö joutuu koulussa tappeluun, kun kiusaajat kehoittavat häntä korjaamaan äitinsä, jos kerran hän on niin kätevä korjailemaan asioita. Tappelun myötä asiat alkavat purkaantua, huono kotitilanne paljastuu ja äiti otetaan sisään sairaalaan. Tyttö taas joutuu muuttamaan kesäloman aluksi äidin hyvän ystävän luo. Kaikesta huolestunut täti rakastaa kyllä tyttöä, mutta luomuruokineen ja toistuvine pelastautumisharjoituksineen hän ei ehkä ole se tavallisin ja turvallisin lastenkasvattaja, eikä aina muutenkaan oikein ajan tasalla. Tytön yllätykseksi tädin naapurissa asuu Guinessin ennätyksistä kiinnostunut luokkatoveri ja yhdessä lapset päättävät tehdä uuden maailmanennätyksen jotta äiti saadaan taas kuntoon. Matkalla sattuu ja tapahtuu ja opitaan yhtä ja toista ystävyydestä ja perheiden onnellisuudesta.
Vinkkaukseen nelosesta ylöspäin.
April 20, 2022
3.8**
This book is so lovely, the story of Lucy is great. I really liked how the author show a lot of characters with mental illness that people can know more about it.
I love the plot twist at the end. I would love to share with you what i have learned from this book:
1- I cant say follow your dream, because it wasn’t a dream for Lucy to get on RECORD SMASHERS, it was an idea that came up to her mind that she loved trying. The point is that she worked really hard on getting to the program and because she did work hard she could.
2- Happiness comes a lot of different places.
You just have to notice them.
This is my first Jenny Pearson’s book and I totally loved and would try read another book of hers.
I recommend this book and hope you will enjoy reading as much as i did. In the end i would ask you to please excuse me for my -not so good- English, it isn’t my first language.
This book is so lovely, the story of Lucy is great. I really liked how the author show a lot of characters with mental illness that people can know more about it.
I love the plot twist at the end. I would love to share with you what i have learned from this book:
1- I cant say follow your dream, because it wasn’t a dream for Lucy to get on RECORD SMASHERS, it was an idea that came up to her mind that she loved trying. The point is that she worked really hard on getting to the program and because she did work hard she could.
2- Happiness comes a lot of different places.
You just have to notice them.
This is my first Jenny Pearson’s book and I totally loved and would try read another book of hers.
I recommend this book and hope you will enjoy reading as much as i did. In the end i would ask you to please excuse me for my -not so good- English, it isn’t my first language.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
The cover of this book shouts funny to me. While it follows an absurd storyline, it packs a lot of sadness into its pages too. Lucy loves to fix things, but her mum suffering from depression is a tricky problem to solve. When she finds an old photo of her mum smiling with a tv celebrity, she and best/only friend Sandesh, develop a crazy plan to appear on his show and reunite him with her mother. But how do you find a record beating talent, escape a criminal kidnapping and get to the audition in time to save the day?
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