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The Boy With Wings: The laugh-out-loud, extraordinary adventure from Lenny Henry
An ordinary kid is about to become an EXTRAORDINARY hero in The Boy with Wings, an action-packed adventure by comedy legend Lenny Henry.Wings? Check.A super-cool, super-secret past? Check.An impossible mission to save the world from a fur-ocious enemy? Check.When Tunde sprouts wings and learns he’s all that stands between Earth and total destruction, suddenly school is the least of his problems. Luckily, his rag-tag group of pals have got his back, and with his new powers, Tunde is ready to fly in the face of danger.So what if he can’t even stand up to the school bully? He’s the boy with wings – this is his destiny.No pressure then. . .Lenny Henry's funny first novel is for readers of 9 to 12, illustrated throughout by Keenon Ferrell. Includes an exclusive comic book adventure illustrated by Mark Buckingham.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2021
About the author
Lenny Henry
39 books44 followersLenworth George "Lenny" Henry, CBE is an English actor, writer, comedian and occasional television presenter. Henry is known as the choleric chef Gareth Blackstock from the 1990s television comedy series Chef!, or from his 1999 straight-acting lead role in the BBC drama Hope And Glory. He was co-creator with Neil Gaiman and producer of the 1996 BBC drama serial Neverwhere.
His earliest television appearance was on the New Faces talent show, which he won in 1975 with an impersonation of Stevie Wonder. The following year he appeared with Norman Beaton in LWT's sitcom The Fosters, Britain's first comedy series with predominantly black performers. His formative years were spent in working men's clubs, where his act was as a young black man impersonating white characters such as the Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em character Frank Spencer (whom he impersonated on New Faces). He also made guest appearances on television programmes including Celebrity Squares, Seaside Special and The Ronnie Corbett Show.
He co-hosted the children's programme Tiswas from 1978 until 1981, and subsequently performed and wrote for the show Three of a Kind, with comedians Tracey Ullman and David Copperfield. Also in 1980, he teamed up with The Comic Strip where he met his wife, comedienne Dawn French. She encouraged him to move over to the fledgling alternative comedy scene, where he established a career as a stand-up comedy performer and character comedian. He introduced characters who both mocked and celebrated black British culture, such as Theophilus P. Wildebeeste (a homage to Teddy Pendergrass using the 'TP' initials), Brixton pirate radio disc jockey DJ Delbert Wilkins and Trevor MacDoughnut (a parody of Trevor McDonald). His stand-up material, which sold well on LP, owed much to the writing abilities of Kim Fuller.
The first series of The Lenny Henry Show appeared on the BBC in 1984. The show featured stand up, spoofs like his send up of Michael Jackson's Thriller video, and many of the characters he had developed during Summer Season, including Theophilus P. Wildebeeste and Delbert Wilkins. The Lenny Henry Show ran for a further 20 years in various incarnations.
In the early 1990s, Henry starred in the Hollywood film True Identity, in which his character pretended to be a white person (using make-up, prostheses, and a wig) in order to avoid the mob. The film was not commercially successful.
In 1991, he starred in a BBC drama alongside Robbie Coltrane called Alive and Kicking, in which he played a heroin addict, which was based on a true story.
In 2003, Henry was listed in The Observer as one of the fifty funniest acts in British comedy. In 2004, he was listed in The Sunday Times as the fifteenth funniest black performer of all time. Henry is associated with the British Comic Relief charity organisation, along with his former wife, comedienne Dawn French, and Griff Rhys Jones, and has hosted the show and also presented filmed reports from overseas on the work of the charity.
He was the voice of the "shrunken head" on the Knight Bus in the 2004 movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and read the audio book version of Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys.
He was introduced to Shakespeare when he made the 2006 Radio 4 series Lenny and Will. Which saw him going "in search of the magic of Shakespeare in performance." In February 2009 Henry appeared in the Northern Broadsides production of Othello. He received widespread critical acclaim in the role.
Henry graduated in English Literature, (BA Hons), with the Open University in 2007. Henry studied for an MA at Royal Holloway, University of London in screenwriting for television and film, where he received a distinction and where he is now studying for a PhD on the role of black people in the media. Henry was made a CBE in the New Years Honours list in 1998 for his services to comedy drama and Comic Relief.
His earliest television appearance was on the New Faces talent show, which he won in 1975 with an impersonation of Stevie Wonder. The following year he appeared with Norman Beaton in LWT's sitcom The Fosters, Britain's first comedy series with predominantly black performers. His formative years were spent in working men's clubs, where his act was as a young black man impersonating white characters such as the Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em character Frank Spencer (whom he impersonated on New Faces). He also made guest appearances on television programmes including Celebrity Squares, Seaside Special and The Ronnie Corbett Show.
He co-hosted the children's programme Tiswas from 1978 until 1981, and subsequently performed and wrote for the show Three of a Kind, with comedians Tracey Ullman and David Copperfield. Also in 1980, he teamed up with The Comic Strip where he met his wife, comedienne Dawn French. She encouraged him to move over to the fledgling alternative comedy scene, where he established a career as a stand-up comedy performer and character comedian. He introduced characters who both mocked and celebrated black British culture, such as Theophilus P. Wildebeeste (a homage to Teddy Pendergrass using the 'TP' initials), Brixton pirate radio disc jockey DJ Delbert Wilkins and Trevor MacDoughnut (a parody of Trevor McDonald). His stand-up material, which sold well on LP, owed much to the writing abilities of Kim Fuller.
The first series of The Lenny Henry Show appeared on the BBC in 1984. The show featured stand up, spoofs like his send up of Michael Jackson's Thriller video, and many of the characters he had developed during Summer Season, including Theophilus P. Wildebeeste and Delbert Wilkins. The Lenny Henry Show ran for a further 20 years in various incarnations.
In the early 1990s, Henry starred in the Hollywood film True Identity, in which his character pretended to be a white person (using make-up, prostheses, and a wig) in order to avoid the mob. The film was not commercially successful.
In 1991, he starred in a BBC drama alongside Robbie Coltrane called Alive and Kicking, in which he played a heroin addict, which was based on a true story.
In 2003, Henry was listed in The Observer as one of the fifty funniest acts in British comedy. In 2004, he was listed in The Sunday Times as the fifteenth funniest black performer of all time. Henry is associated with the British Comic Relief charity organisation, along with his former wife, comedienne Dawn French, and Griff Rhys Jones, and has hosted the show and also presented filmed reports from overseas on the work of the charity.
He was the voice of the "shrunken head" on the Knight Bus in the 2004 movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and read the audio book version of Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys.
He was introduced to Shakespeare when he made the 2006 Radio 4 series Lenny and Will. Which saw him going "in search of the magic of Shakespeare in performance." In February 2009 Henry appeared in the Northern Broadsides production of Othello. He received widespread critical acclaim in the role.
Henry graduated in English Literature, (BA Hons), with the Open University in 2007. Henry studied for an MA at Royal Holloway, University of London in screenwriting for television and film, where he received a distinction and where he is now studying for a PhD on the role of black people in the media. Henry was made a CBE in the New Years Honours list in 1998 for his services to comedy drama and Comic Relief.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 30, 2021
Great fun read. Lenny Henry has smashed the “all inclusive” as not only a mix of culture and race, but disabilities too. Listened on audiobook narrated by author.
December 28, 2022
Reflections and lessons learned:
“…the blackbird, remember him from the prologue?”
Not the usual type of story that I’d enjoy, but it was the childhood, child friendly voice that I was after, and this just worked nicely. A great empowering book that reminds all that it’s not always a predictable route through childhood
“…the blackbird, remember him from the prologue?”
Not the usual type of story that I’d enjoy, but it was the childhood, child friendly voice that I was after, and this just worked nicely. A great empowering book that reminds all that it’s not always a predictable route through childhood
March 11, 2022
Bullying turns to sci-fi Ender's Game... interesting debut from Henry.
3.5 stars.
Adopted son Tunde is picked on at school. Black skin, hooked nose. But he does at least have a great group of supportive (and diverse) friends, and his birthday is coming up. His parents may be quite strict about some things (with terrible taste in birthday cakes) but they love him.
About to turn 12, Tunde's parents forbid him to take part in sports at school, mystified, he tries to follow this but doesn't understand why.
The story is not what I was expecting from Henry. Seeing the first few chapters focusing on bullying, I was both hopeful of a good tale of overcoming bullies and looking at diversity/tolerance/racism issues, with a good Neverending Story-style ending.
But partway through it became more of an Ender's Game fantasy adventure, a little too complex for my listening 4-year-old, but perfectly suited to my 11-year-old who eats that stuff for breakfast.
There was potential to add more to the story about the bullies I thought, that plot could still have been added to the end as a coda, as the bullies are especially awful to Tunde in one scene, and even seeing one bully's own home life challenges could also have been followed through.
Oh well. Eldest Son enjoyed this. I was slightly disappointed that Lenny Henry wasn't a more engaging narrator of his own book, it didn't feel as spirited as other 'celebrity' readers we have heard. I'd be quite interested to see if he can 'write funny' for kids, this didn't showcase that side of him, which is no bad thing, branching out, but I'd like to see if children respond to his humour.
As a Black Country woman, I did chuckle to see a small dig at my home town of Wolverhampton included in there (thanks Lenny). And I did like the fact that it wasn't just Tunde who got to be a hero through this - team of friends together was needed.
A little complex maybe for the same market as Walliams and Baddiel (the cover would suggest ages 7-8 and above), so I'd say ages 9-12 will want to give this a go.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.
3.5 stars.
Adopted son Tunde is picked on at school. Black skin, hooked nose. But he does at least have a great group of supportive (and diverse) friends, and his birthday is coming up. His parents may be quite strict about some things (with terrible taste in birthday cakes) but they love him.
About to turn 12, Tunde's parents forbid him to take part in sports at school, mystified, he tries to follow this but doesn't understand why.
The story is not what I was expecting from Henry. Seeing the first few chapters focusing on bullying, I was both hopeful of a good tale of overcoming bullies and looking at diversity/tolerance/racism issues, with a good Neverending Story-style ending.
But partway through it became more of an Ender's Game fantasy adventure, a little too complex for my listening 4-year-old, but perfectly suited to my 11-year-old who eats that stuff for breakfast.
There was potential to add more to the story about the bullies I thought, that plot could still have been added to the end as a coda, as the bullies are especially awful to Tunde in one scene, and even seeing one bully's own home life challenges could also have been followed through.
Oh well. Eldest Son enjoyed this. I was slightly disappointed that Lenny Henry wasn't a more engaging narrator of his own book, it didn't feel as spirited as other 'celebrity' readers we have heard. I'd be quite interested to see if he can 'write funny' for kids, this didn't showcase that side of him, which is no bad thing, branching out, but I'd like to see if children respond to his humour.
As a Black Country woman, I did chuckle to see a small dig at my home town of Wolverhampton included in there (thanks Lenny). And I did like the fact that it wasn't just Tunde who got to be a hero through this - team of friends together was needed.
A little complex maybe for the same market as Walliams and Baddiel (the cover would suggest ages 7-8 and above), so I'd say ages 9-12 will want to give this a go.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.
April 28, 2022
My thanks to Macmillan Audio U.K. for an review copy of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘The Boy with Wings’ by Lenny Henry, who also narrates the audiobook. I accompanied my listening with reading its digital edition.
This is the story of Tunde, who has just turned twelve. Tunde gets picked on a lot due to the colour of his skin. He has three close friends who likewise are the target of bullies.
Given the title and cover art, it is no spoiler that Tunde suddenly finds that he has wings! In addition, Tunde appears to attract the interest of members of the local bird population. As the novel progresses the reasons for the above are revealed and much more.
Lenny Henry was the perfect narrator for his own novel and I felt that he brought a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to his reading.
I found this a fun science fiction adventure that was inclusive with respect to difference. Alongside the SF themes the story also addresses bullying.
I appreciated the digital edition’s illustrations by Keenon Ferrell and the exclusive comic book adventure illustrated by Mark Buckingham as these added another dimension to the novel.
While intended for readers aged 9-11 it’s the kind of book that is bound to appeal to older readers as well.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
This is the story of Tunde, who has just turned twelve. Tunde gets picked on a lot due to the colour of his skin. He has three close friends who likewise are the target of bullies.
Given the title and cover art, it is no spoiler that Tunde suddenly finds that he has wings! In addition, Tunde appears to attract the interest of members of the local bird population. As the novel progresses the reasons for the above are revealed and much more.
Lenny Henry was the perfect narrator for his own novel and I felt that he brought a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to his reading.
I found this a fun science fiction adventure that was inclusive with respect to difference. Alongside the SF themes the story also addresses bullying.
I appreciated the digital edition’s illustrations by Keenon Ferrell and the exclusive comic book adventure illustrated by Mark Buckingham as these added another dimension to the novel.
While intended for readers aged 9-11 it’s the kind of book that is bound to appeal to older readers as well.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
November 8, 2022
This is a brilliant childrens story that teaches many life lessons in its easy to read and understand prose.
The central characters are wonderfully created and are completely realistic in their interactions with each other and in their own actions, with even the aliens seeming to be relatable. The main locations used could be a town anywhere in the world and it is easy to picture each scenario in detail as the story progresses.
The whole story is very well put together and will appeal to many children. It is an excellent introduction to the world of fantasy/sci-fi and also a great teaching aid for children to learn the niceties of acceptance and tolerance.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone of any age who likes a good, clean and simple alien encounter!
I borrowed an e-copy of this book from my local library
The central characters are wonderfully created and are completely realistic in their interactions with each other and in their own actions, with even the aliens seeming to be relatable. The main locations used could be a town anywhere in the world and it is easy to picture each scenario in detail as the story progresses.
The whole story is very well put together and will appeal to many children. It is an excellent introduction to the world of fantasy/sci-fi and also a great teaching aid for children to learn the niceties of acceptance and tolerance.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone of any age who likes a good, clean and simple alien encounter!
I borrowed an e-copy of this book from my local library
November 26, 2023
Took longer to read because I read other books in between but overall a good read 😊📚
3.5 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️
February 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book although I found the fight to quick but I think all children would really enjoy otherwise
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
What a fun story. It is so full of adventure and jokes, which are even more fun in the audiobook version, which is narrated by Lenny Henry himself. I love the support Tunde receives from his friends - they are a fantastic group of characters, who provide strength in the face of adversity. The book brings up issues of racism amongst young people, highlighting how young black boys like Tunde can be poorly treated. I love how Tunde processes big issues like race adoption, friendship, bullying, etc through the eyes of a young boy with so much innocence, hope, love and kindness.
September 27, 2021
A funny superhero story with amazing illustrations and comic panels.
November 1, 2021
Don't waste your time.
June 28, 2023
6/24/2023 3.5 stars rounded up. Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
6/28/2023 with illustrations by Keenon Ferrell and Mark Buckingham (yes, THAT Mark Buckingham!)
Tunde has always felt a little out of place in his primarily white school district. While his Black adoptive parents Ron and Ruth have been nothing but loving and kind, it's hard being the beaky-nosed Black nerd who's an easy butt of jokes, especially from school bully Quinn. It doesn't help that Ron and Ruth have barred him from sports, and would stop him from doing any physical activity more strenuous than walking if they could possibly help it. They claim that he doesn't have the physique for it, and since they're both scientists at the nearby Facility, he doesn't have a lot of basis from which to argue back.
At least he has friends! Jiah is even nerdier than he is, and Kylie is often spouting advice cribbed from her relationship counselor mother. While Tunde loves them both, he's really relieved when he also makes friends with new kid Nev. It's a little embarrassing for a twelve-year old boy to only have friends who are girls, so when he hits it off with cool, athletic Nev, it feels like he's finally finding his people.
A disastrous birthday party, however, persuades him that he needs to spread his metaphorical wings, especially when it comes to standing up to Quinn. At first, this only means taking part in his school's Sports Day. His stellar performance there, however, soon has him joining Nev, Quinn and cool new girl Dembe on the school soccer team. Despite Quinn's bullying, everything seems to be going great... until something unimaginable happens at their very first competitive match.
Soon Tunde is trying to figure out not only his new powers but all these strange people around him, as well as the expectations they're placing on him to, oh, end an intergalactic war. Will he be able to save the day and the lives of millions of people, while sticking to the principles of kindness and leadership that Ron and Ruth have done their best to instill in him?
This is a middle grade book, so the answer is "of course!" But Tunde shoulders all his new-found responsibilities with a humor and kindness that is only elevated by Keenon Ferrell's charming illustrations. I also really enjoyed the diversions into calling on Kylie's mom, as well as the seemingly mystifying reasons why the equally Black and beaky Dembe was so popular while Tunde struggled (hint: it's because she cares less and walks tall.)
Interestingly, the story that comes across so well in text with illustrations sounds a lot stiffer in the bonus comic book format at the end. I've loved Mark Buckingham's work dating back to when he was inking Chris Bachalo's extraordinary pencils for Generation X (#TeamChrucky all the way) so it was weird how jarringly preachy the comic came across in comparison to the book that preceded it. I get that it's tough to distil 200 pages into a 5-page comic, and it's a nice bonus for reluctant readers, but it's also not my favorite shift in tone.
Regardless, this is an engaging children's book written by one of Britain's most beloved comedians. It's perfect for any nerdy, sci-fi-loving kid (or kid at heart.)
The Boy With Wings by Lenny Henry was published yesterday June 27 2023 by Andrews McMeel Publishing and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
6/28/2023 with illustrations by Keenon Ferrell and Mark Buckingham (yes, THAT Mark Buckingham!)
Tunde has always felt a little out of place in his primarily white school district. While his Black adoptive parents Ron and Ruth have been nothing but loving and kind, it's hard being the beaky-nosed Black nerd who's an easy butt of jokes, especially from school bully Quinn. It doesn't help that Ron and Ruth have barred him from sports, and would stop him from doing any physical activity more strenuous than walking if they could possibly help it. They claim that he doesn't have the physique for it, and since they're both scientists at the nearby Facility, he doesn't have a lot of basis from which to argue back.
At least he has friends! Jiah is even nerdier than he is, and Kylie is often spouting advice cribbed from her relationship counselor mother. While Tunde loves them both, he's really relieved when he also makes friends with new kid Nev. It's a little embarrassing for a twelve-year old boy to only have friends who are girls, so when he hits it off with cool, athletic Nev, it feels like he's finally finding his people.
A disastrous birthday party, however, persuades him that he needs to spread his metaphorical wings, especially when it comes to standing up to Quinn. At first, this only means taking part in his school's Sports Day. His stellar performance there, however, soon has him joining Nev, Quinn and cool new girl Dembe on the school soccer team. Despite Quinn's bullying, everything seems to be going great... until something unimaginable happens at their very first competitive match.
Soon Tunde is trying to figure out not only his new powers but all these strange people around him, as well as the expectations they're placing on him to, oh, end an intergalactic war. Will he be able to save the day and the lives of millions of people, while sticking to the principles of kindness and leadership that Ron and Ruth have done their best to instill in him?
This is a middle grade book, so the answer is "of course!" But Tunde shoulders all his new-found responsibilities with a humor and kindness that is only elevated by Keenon Ferrell's charming illustrations. I also really enjoyed the diversions into calling on Kylie's mom, as well as the seemingly mystifying reasons why the equally Black and beaky Dembe was so popular while Tunde struggled (hint: it's because she cares less and walks tall.)
Interestingly, the story that comes across so well in text with illustrations sounds a lot stiffer in the bonus comic book format at the end. I've loved Mark Buckingham's work dating back to when he was inking Chris Bachalo's extraordinary pencils for Generation X (#TeamChrucky all the way) so it was weird how jarringly preachy the comic came across in comparison to the book that preceded it. I get that it's tough to distil 200 pages into a 5-page comic, and it's a nice bonus for reluctant readers, but it's also not my favorite shift in tone.
Regardless, this is an engaging children's book written by one of Britain's most beloved comedians. It's perfect for any nerdy, sci-fi-loving kid (or kid at heart.)
The Boy With Wings by Lenny Henry was published yesterday June 27 2023 by Andrews McMeel Publishing and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
January 16, 2023
A great 9-12, middle grade fantasy fiction with themes of bullying, racism, teamwork and friendship.
Tunde loves his adopted parents and has found his tribe with his small number of great friends. But just as he turned 12 his parents got oddly strict - he suddenly wasn't allowed to do any sports or even run around! Tunde is trying to follow the rules that make no sense but when the BEST footballer in school asks him to play on their team how can he turn that down?!
When some very unexpected things happen to Tunde at a football match the answers might be found at his parent's work: A very secretive Government research site known locally as The Facility.
This story could be the start of a series (I hope it is) as there were several things left up in the air -such as what will happen for Tunde's bully? Who we find out is bullied himself, by his own family. Or what is in the future for the peace treaty between the alien species? Yeah. There are aliens!
This story reminded me of Terry Pratchett's "Only You Can Save Mankind" and it is just as entertaining with a great mix of silly and serious.
Tunde loves his adopted parents and has found his tribe with his small number of great friends. But just as he turned 12 his parents got oddly strict - he suddenly wasn't allowed to do any sports or even run around! Tunde is trying to follow the rules that make no sense but when the BEST footballer in school asks him to play on their team how can he turn that down?!
When some very unexpected things happen to Tunde at a football match the answers might be found at his parent's work: A very secretive Government research site known locally as The Facility.
This story could be the start of a series (I hope it is) as there were several things left up in the air -such as what will happen for Tunde's bully? Who we find out is bullied himself, by his own family. Or what is in the future for the peace treaty between the alien species? Yeah. There are aliens!
This story reminded me of Terry Pratchett's "Only You Can Save Mankind" and it is just as entertaining with a great mix of silly and serious.
June 25, 2023
This was a laugh out loud kid book. Sir Henry absolutely captured the voice and thoughts of a middle school kid — adopted, a different skin color than most of his school, but surrounded by a wonderfully diverse, small group of friends. Tunde’s journey as a shy and normal school kid discovering secrets is fun, fast-paced and world shaking. Always extra fun when kids get to show adults how to behave better. Clever typography makes each page beg to be read aloud.
Did the author telegraph every plot reveal? Yes. It’s not a bad thing, even allows a kid to say “I saw that coming!” Was the sci-fi story component the weakest part? Yes, but you’re already invested in the story. We’re the magpies underutilized? Absolutely. Maybe other volumes will be forthcoming to help flesh out what happens next.
All in all, highly recommend for those just getting good at reading. Super fun. Plus, some perfectly spaced, expressive illustrations by Kennon Ferrell.
Did the author telegraph every plot reveal? Yes. It’s not a bad thing, even allows a kid to say “I saw that coming!” Was the sci-fi story component the weakest part? Yes, but you’re already invested in the story. We’re the magpies underutilized? Absolutely. Maybe other volumes will be forthcoming to help flesh out what happens next.
All in all, highly recommend for those just getting good at reading. Super fun. Plus, some perfectly spaced, expressive illustrations by Kennon Ferrell.
January 20, 2023
A fun, laugh out loud, space adventure romp. Lots of laughs, lots of acceptance/tolerance/lessons to be learned, about a boy, Tunde, who is very different in a unique way. Not just that he's adopted but he discovers he has WINGS! And he learns is the Son-Foreseen, who must negotiate a treaty between two warring planets. His group of friends each have unique qualities which make up a strong squad who are there for each other. The story is written with some words that are emphasized with eye-catching fonts, plus there are illustrations scattered throughout the story. A bonus comic is included at the end of the book. Kids who enjoy sci-fi and stories about outers pace will enjoy this book.
Read
October 2, 2022Een beetje BB Alstons 'Amari' meets Jenny Pearsons 'De superwonderlijke reis van Freddy': toegankelijk geschreven en fijn divers. Tunde, geadopteerd en op school het buitenbeentje, blijkt een buitenaards buitenbeentje: als jongen met vleugels vindt hij een missie en leert hij zich thuis voelen. Warm en grappig!
July 19, 2023
As Tunde approaches his 12th birthday, his friends encourage him to take up soccer just when his adoptive parents forbid him from doing physical activities. They are afraid his true nature will be revealed. It turns out Tunde is from another dimension and his parents’ fears are realized when he suddenly sprouts wings in the middle of a soccer game. Includes a bonus chapter in graphic novel form.
November 3, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised when Lenny Henry's first (?) venture into children's fiction turned out to be a sci-fi, superhero adventure story. At last -an engaging, entertaining book for children that reflects the diverse society we enjoy in Britain today. More please!
Read
November 27, 2021It's interesting that it had a comic at the end as the whole thing felt like it should have been a graphic novel.
April 1, 2023
A funny read that I enjoyed
March 14, 2024
Really good book for teenagers who love fantasy
October 19, 2021
I’m not YA and bought this for my (50yo) husband as the main character is his namesake - Tunde - as he’d not seen a character in a book with his name before. Plus he’s a huge admirer of Sir Lenny. Who isn’t? The man is a LEGEND.
The book is charming. The characters are nicely exaggerated for young readers and Sir Lenny’s language and hyperbole is fun, you can totally hear his voice reading it. (No I didn’t get the audiobook). He uses lots of London-kid phrases and colloquialisms, and whilst some aspects of the story are a bit unusual - maybe shades of Dahlian or Walliamsian grossness - it’s largely Henryan random!!
Of course Henry is inclusive and his euphemism of “looking like me” is lovely, knowing how hard it is to find role models and fit in when you aren’t white when growing up, from my husbands experience. Lenny Henry of course being one of the first BIG names of British Black television!
The story is nutsy sweet and fun. I think exactly what a young adult (boy) might enjoy. The random fonts in the book don’t do anything for me but as artistic choice they add a bit of emphasis and make the story a little more zany to read. Which fits exactly with Henry’s voice in the words.
His narration is so much what a young boy might think, the birds are lovely, but I guess I was a little bit disappointed when he met Aan… the picture told more of the emotion than the text, I thought that was glossed over a bit, and meeting Juma as well… was there enough shock there? Perhaps things happened fast. No time!!
Overall a totally fab book. Really enjoyed and I hope it does well for Sir Lenny, will we hear more from Tunde, I wonder?? I hope so.
The book is charming. The characters are nicely exaggerated for young readers and Sir Lenny’s language and hyperbole is fun, you can totally hear his voice reading it. (No I didn’t get the audiobook). He uses lots of London-kid phrases and colloquialisms, and whilst some aspects of the story are a bit unusual - maybe shades of Dahlian or Walliamsian grossness - it’s largely Henryan random!!
Of course Henry is inclusive and his euphemism of “looking like me” is lovely, knowing how hard it is to find role models and fit in when you aren’t white when growing up, from my husbands experience. Lenny Henry of course being one of the first BIG names of British Black television!
The story is nutsy sweet and fun. I think exactly what a young adult (boy) might enjoy. The random fonts in the book don’t do anything for me but as artistic choice they add a bit of emphasis and make the story a little more zany to read. Which fits exactly with Henry’s voice in the words.
His narration is so much what a young boy might think, the birds are lovely, but I guess I was a little bit disappointed when he met Aan… the picture told more of the emotion than the text, I thought that was glossed over a bit, and meeting Juma as well… was there enough shock there? Perhaps things happened fast. No time!!
Overall a totally fab book. Really enjoyed and I hope it does well for Sir Lenny, will we hear more from Tunde, I wonder?? I hope so.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews