Charlie and the War against the Grannies

Charlie and the War against the Grannies is funny from the start. 

I didn't want Mrs Cyclopolos to explode.
I just wanted a paper round.

Which is what I expected from comedian Alan Brough, best known to Australians for his role on the long running but now sadly defunct Spicks and Specks, a music quiz show that most commonly was hysterical. 

Charlie Duncan is  your average 11 year old kid. He hangs out with his best friend Hils, and he wants a paper round. Alan has created a brilliant twist on the classic orphan tale, as young Charlie is a digital orphan, a child "completely ignored by his parents because they are always on their iPhones". 

My parents don't love me. They can only 'like' things now. 

Charlie's desires for a paper round is being blocked by the Grannies who control all deliveries in his neighbourhood. There is a war, there are evil Grannies, there are fart jokes. There are Secret Tunnels and weird happenings and a Lurker. It's silly. It's funny. It's very often laugh out loud funny, and it's a great page turner. Alan Brough has solidly launched himself into the Dahl, Walliams tradition. 

Listen to Alan talking on the radio or see Alan speaking on tele about Charlie and the War against the Grannies where he tells us he has a 2 book deal! YAY. I can't wait. Alan Brough's Top Shelf picks. 

And you heard it here first folks! Over a year ago I made a label Comedians are the New Children's Writers. This week The Guardian caught up.