Brisk, Subversive, Cleverly Plotted Action/Fun

The Kelpies books released by Floris, (an independent publishing company based in Edinburgh, Scotland), are, according to them, "a much-loved range of children's novels set in Scotland and suitable for 8 to 12 year olds". I've now read a number of Kelpies books, (the "Thorfinn the Nicest Viking" series, "Attack of the Giant Robot Chickens", "The Nowhere Emporium"), and I can say that Floris is being overly modest. These are some of the most creative, most unpredictable and deadpan funniest kid books out there.

This book is a fine example of what I mean. The plot is antic - weird superpowers, a steampunk amnesiac robot sidekick, a villain with robot goons that transform into modern art sculpture pieces when off duty. It goes on and on. But the main appeal isn't so much the nutsy antics. These books have tremendously engaging characters - the heros, the villains, and even the secondary and just passing through characters are memorable, appealing and entertaining.

And best of all the books are briskly paced and totally deadpan funny. Our heroine Megan is independent, resourceful and quick-witted. She is always ready with a frosty rejoinder or a snappy one-liner. Our hero Cam appears a bit more hesitant and reserved, but his passing comments and thoughts regarding the action are sneaky-funny. None of this is whacka-whacka humor. These are all zippy asides, sharp cross-talk, throwaway observations, and prickly commentary. Often the dialogue feels like that of a well rehearsed double-act.

You'd think that a "much-loved" imprint would be a bit warm and fuzzy. But a lot of the humor is child level edgy and just a bit astringent. Our heroes don't stand for nonsense or lollygagging and don't suffer fools gladly. As a result there is very much a gung-ho carry-on kid level feel to these books, with enough subversive humor to let kid readers in on the joke. (In other words, sometimes teachers, policemen, parents and other authority figures are the butt of the joke.)

So, I know this review sounds a bit effusive, but I really do think that the Kelpies imprint should be better known and appreciated. And if you want to try one, this charmer is a nice choice.

(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

An extremely readable story of a group of children who come together to fight an evil scientist., as their grandparents etc had done with the past.. It is set in Scotland and has a very natural and grounded feel despite the superpowers and the rather friendly robot. A great read for KS2 and good readers at KS1.