Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you didn’t know already, I am a HUGE fan of Sam’s books! Charlie Changes into a Chicken was a brilliant series, which made me laugh out loud. Because of this, I was beyond excited to receive a copy of his new story: Uma and the Answer to Absolutely Everything.

First, can we just appreciate how b e a u t i f u l this proof is? If I wasn’t desperate to read it already, I certainly did after seeing this!

This book tells the story of Uma, whose mother has left both her and her dad behind, without her having any explanation. To make it worse, her dad had stopped talking ever since. He sits and plays with his train set and she often has to find her own way. Luckily, she has the help of her best friend, Alan Alan who is always there for her.

One day, when they’re out around the town, a drunk alpaca is hit by a black car. A car in which sits a woman who has a gun. Alan Alan makes a brave (well he thinks so anyway!) retreat, leaving Uma to face the woman alone. She finally leaves, which is when Uma finds a strange device on the ground…a device which can help her know the answer to absolutely everything.

Sam has a naturally funny way of writing – children (and adults!) will be in stitches with the gags included in his book. I particularly like his footnotes which are their own form of humour and really make his books stand out. Who wouldn’t laugh at the image of a drunk alpaca angrily storming around?

Despite the humour, though, is a meaningful storyline with poignant moments, allowing children to really begin feeling compassion for others. It shows that a book that features comedy doesn’t have to exclusively be this; it can have deeper plot lines as well which allow children to explore their emotions.

Uma and Alan Alan are a brilliant duo – I can picture them both being in my class! I love the dynamic they have, as well as the hijinks they get up to together. I think a lot of children who read this will be able to see part of themselves in either (or both) of the main characters.

Overall – when this book comes out in January, you need it!

Like the sound of this book? Buy it here: https://amzn.to/2UoAVS6

Emily x

📚 Book gifted by publisher.