Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Genre: Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Humor

Book Review:
David Baddiel, the bestselling author of ''The Parent Agency'' and ''The Person Controller,'' is back with another brilliantly funny and imaginative book: ''Animalcolm.'' This time, we meet Malcolm, a boy who simply cannot stand animals. Unfortunately for him, his family is obsessed with them, and their house is a zoo of furry, feathered, and scaly creatures. Malcolm's only dream is to get a laptop for his birthday, away from all the chaos.

But fate has other plans. His Year Six school trip is to... a farm. Yes, a place full of even more animals. Malcolm's misery seems complete until something extraordinary happens. He begins to experience life from the inside of different animals! One moment he's a sheep, the next a horse, then a cow. This bizarre adventure forces him to see the world through their eyes—and noses, and eating habits.

Baddiel's genius lies in taking a simple, relatable premise (a kid who doesn't like animals) and turning it into a hilarious exploration of empathy and identity. Malcolm's transformations are utterly entertaining. Watching him graze in a field, try to communicate as a horse, or deal with the social structure of the farmyard will have young readers in stitches. The book is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, especially as Malcolm's human habits clash with his animal instincts.

But beneath the humor, there's a genuine heart. Malcolm's journey teaches him—and the reader—about understanding others who are different from us. It's a clever lesson in empathy, delivered without being preachy. The story also touches on the theme of self-acceptance. As Malcolm bounces from one animal to another, he begins to appreciate who he is and where he belongs.

The illustrations, though not credited here, are typical of Baddiel's books—fun, expressive, and perfectly complementing the chaotic comedy. The chapters are short and punchy, making it ideal for readers aged 8-12, especially those who might be a bit reluctant to pick up a book.

''Animalcolm'' is a roaring success. It's funny, thoughtful, and wildly imaginative. Fans of David Baddiel will love it, and new readers will be eager to explore his other books. A wonderful story about how sometimes, the hardest thing to become is yourself. Highly recommended for family read-alouds or independent reading.