Carnegie Medal shortlisted author Phil Earle’s first novel for younger readers, Demolition Dad is Danny the Champion of the World in Spandex – a hilarious, warm-hearted story about family, friends and wrestling, illustrated by Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlisted artist, Sara Ogilvie, and perfect for fans of David Walliams.
This is the story of Jake Biggs and his dad, George. George spends all week knocking down buildings … and all weekend knocking down wrestlers. He’s the Demolition Man, and Jake couldn’t be prouder. But when Jake hears about a pro-wrestling competition in the USA, and persuades his beloved dad to apply, things don’t quite turn out the way he expected…
(P) Orion Children’s Books 2017
This is the story of Jake Biggs and his dad, George. George spends all week knocking down buildings … and all weekend knocking down wrestlers. He’s the Demolition Man, and Jake couldn’t be prouder. But when Jake hears about a pro-wrestling competition in the USA, and persuades his beloved dad to apply, things don’t quite turn out the way he expected…
(P) Orion Children’s Books 2017
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Reviews
A heart-warming story with a very happy ending. The multiple award-winning Sara Ogilvie and her scratchy comic drawings make a perfect foil for this lively and affectionate story.
The writing is laugh-aloud funny, as are the antics ... this book has jokes that will appeal to adults and kids alike
A warm, funny and genuinely touching story of family relationships, in a lycra wrapping
Masses of humour, heart, some cracking jokes and moments of real poignancy
A light-hearted, funny story with a nail-biting conclusion ... The story whizzes along, while Sarah Ogilvie's humorous line drawings are a perfect complement to the text. The first of a promised series, Demolition Dad will be enjoyed by even the most reluctant of readers
This book was so fun my parents got angry I wasn't coming to eat lunch!
Underneath the high-octane humour and silliness, Earle weaves in powerful themes of father/son relationships, bullying, depression, self-esteem, failure and even frustrated career women. But mostly of love. This is a gloriously life-affirming novel: funny, sensitive, intelligent and with a heart as big as George's waistline.
The author creates a chatty relationship with the reader, with nifty asides and jokey puns as he weaves a quirky and frankly ridiculous story ... a very funny book for 8-10 year olds, who, I'm sure, will love it
