Tim Harris (text) and James Hart (illustrator), Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables Join Forces, Penguin Random House, March 2022, 240 pp., RRP $14.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781761044557
Everyone’s favourite teacher, the magical unicycle riding Mr Bambuckle initiates new adventures in Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables Join Forces. Like in all the Remarkables series, this fifth book is filled with crazy plans, fun, shenanigans, and absurdity at Blue Valley School. The villain is Principal Sternblast, who is plotting to change Blue Valley School into an elite selective school and force the current students to move to other schools. Four new students Chip Radar, Veer Patel, Fern Shepherd, and Twirl Thompson join class 12B at Blue Valley School, from their old private school that had to close. These students are pivotal to saving the school.
While there is the overarching story of saving Blue Valley School, Tim Harris’ style is punchy and varied. Within the novel is a collection of entertaining stories from the new students, that reveal their characters and dreams for their future. Interspersed with the narrative, Tim Harris adds even more quirkiness through formats including ‘Totes Notes’, email tables, ‘21 Ridiculous Uses for a Cardboard Box’ list, and ‘How to send a love letter’ to an on-line chat.
While a funny book, with unbelievable and at times magical romps, the underlying theme is Mr Bambuckle’s belief that kids can solve problems. He empowers them to take responsibility for saving their school, which they do.
The black and white comic illustrations by the talented James Hart, add more humour and energy to the playfulness of the story. My favourite cartoon has to be the ferocious Canteen Carol.
A fun read. Suitable for primary school readers.
Reviewed by Susanne Gervay
