Jamie McFlair and the Boyband Generator by Luke Franks and Sean Thorne

 

This story begins with a snoring pug, a forgetful grandma, and the hero of this adventure in a really bad mood. There is also a goose on the loose. We just wanted to warn you.

Jamie McFlair’s favourite band got a slot performing on the country’s biggest talent show, but it went wrong thanks to Barry Bigtime (in an ‘incident’ involving a chocolate milkshake and worn underpants – don’t ask).

Barry is a music big shot, all round nasty man…and Jamie’s Uncle. The next day, he launches his own massive new band and Jamie smells a rat. With the help of three trusty best friends – popular Daisy, no-nonsense Jenners, and timid Mel – Jamie vows to uncover Barry’s dastardly plan.

But Jamie doesn’t know about BARRY’S SECRET. A secret that is TERRIBLE and SHOCKING and VERY STRANGE. There’s something hidden in Barry’s basement – a machine that is the key to his musical success. But what happens when the boyband generator goes wrong? We’ll give you a clue: it is NOT GOOD and THE ENTIRE WORLD is at risk. Can Jamie stop Barry Bigtime before it’s too late?

---

This is a brilliantly funny book. It's such a clever idea, as it does occasionally seem that someone must be building these bands in a basement somewhere. (I'm curious, though; did Barry never think of branching into girl groups?) I love the way the text is used, with some words bigger, smaller, or angled differently to emphasise certain things. Kids will love the way it's laid out. 

I love the illustrations; they're so funny and they really add to the story. I did notice one picture where a character who was currently bald had a lovely head of hair, but that's a minor thing and could be fixed in the final copies.

The characters are wonderful, especially Jamie's friends who she DOES NOT deserve but might deserve in the future, she did acknowledge her mistakes after all, and I love where the book ends up. I can't wait to see what other adventures they get up to.



Jamie McFlair and the Boyband Generator publishes on the 4th of March, 2021.