MR BAMBUCKLE'S REMARKABLES BY TIM HARRIS ILLUSTRATED BY JAMES HART
Sometimes I think it’s a great idea to revisit old favourites. It doesn’t matter when a book is published, if its a goodun its worth reading again. So, this time I’m looking back at Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables by Tim Harris and illustrated by James Hart.
The children of Class 12B are worried about their new teacher. Their old one, Miss Schlump, a cranky woman, had luckily for them, fallen in love and moved to Switzerland.
Who would replace her?
When they arrive in their classroom, there, balancing on a unicycle was Mr Bambuckle and from that moment onwards their lives were going to change. This marvellous teacher, with methods never witnessed before, was simply wonderful.
Sadly, the principal, Mr Sternblast is not impressed and tries daily to find a replacement for Mr Bambuckle. And every day he left fuming at his failure.
The children, in the meantime, grow in confidence and camaraderie under his tutelage. Evie works through her terror of the evil washing machine in her basement. Harold tells the tale of his Rent-a-Parent experience and the wonder of the Kilt Dance. Ren gets to experiment with detective work and Carrot Grigson wins the drone competition with a little help from his faithful homing pigeon, Jones. Even the class bully, Vex, with Mr Bambuckle’s help, comes to realise that he doesn’t need to be mean to be noticed.
Tim Harris was, in a previous life, a primary school teacher so he knows his audience well. This story of wonder, excitement and overcoming fears, captures a kind of joyousness that will engage even the most reluctant reader.
The illustrations of James Hart and the unusual formatting bring to life the student’s stories and make the adventure even more exciting.
For Ages: 8-11 years
Number of Pages: 240 in paperback form.
Published: August 2017
Themes: Overcoming challenges and embracing adventure
Rating: 3.5/5
I wish: t: Mr Bambuckle could teach me how to ride a unicycle. I would kind of like to see the Kilt Dance too.