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A World Book Day Author 2019
Frank Cottrell Boyce is an accomplished, successful and award-winning author and screenwriter. His books have been shortlisted for a multitude of prizes, including the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Children's Fiction Award (now the Costa Book Award) and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and Millions, his debut children's novel, won the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2004.
Millions was was later turned into a film by Danny Boyle and it features in the Book Trust’s 100 Best Books List for 9-11 year olds.
Frank is also a successful writer of film scripts and was the official scriptwriter for the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Olympics, playing an important role devising the ceremony with Danny Boyle. He is also a judge for the BBC Radio 2 500 Words competition. You can read a great interview with Frank and one of his fellow judge, Francesca Simon here!
He has also created a fantastic trilogy, written with his trademark wit, warmth and sense of story, based upon Ian Fleming's novel, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, comprising Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Race Against Time and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Over the Moon.
His novel The Unforgotten Coat won the 2012 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.
On winning the prize Frank Cottrell Boyce said: “It would be amazing to win this award with any book I'd written but it is a special joy to win it with The Unforgotten Coat, which started life not as a published book at all, but as a gift. Walker gave away thousands of copies in Liverpool - on buses, at ferry terminals, through schools, prisons and hospitals - to help promote the mighty Reader Organisation. We even had the book launch on a train. The photographs in the book, were created by my friends and neighbours - Carl Hunter and Claire Heaney. The story was based on a real incident in a school in Bootle. So everything about it comes from very close to home - even though it's a story about Xanadu!
“Being shortlisted for the Guardian Prize gives you a particularly warm glow because it is awarded by a panel of your fellow authors. Past winners include my childhood heroes - Alan Garner, Leon Garfield, Joan Aiken - and contemporary heroes like Mark Haddon, Geraldine McCaughrean and Meg Rosoff.”
He lives with his family in Liverpool.
You can find out a bit more about him and his Chitty Chitty Bang Bang triology at uk.chittyfliesagain.com
And see the video below for some top tips for writing your own story, taken from the BBC Radio 2 500 Words web page.
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | No matter how exciting, zany and surprising the action, you can always be sure that Frank Cottrell-Boyce will build his stories on real human emotions, and that’s as true of this brilliantly funny, original and touching novel as of any of its predecessors. Alfie ‘swerves’ both school and the Limb Lab, where he should be going to learn how to control his state-of-the-art new hand, by hanging out at the airport. But everything changes when, through various happy accidents, he finds an enormous robot called Eric in Lost Property. Eric holds the Allen key to the book’s mysteries, both a generations-old legend, and the secrets that Archie is keeping from the reader and himself. Beautifully told and full of characters readers will love, this book will have you laughing out loud one minute, in tears the next. Robot Eric, unfailingly polite, kind and helpful and trying to explain himself through misremembered jokes is an iron man for our time. Unmissable. Once readers have finished this, point them in the direction of Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s other books including The Astounding Broccoli Boy and books by Ross Welford. Peter Brown’s story The Wild Robot is another great automaton adventure.
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | May 2019 Book of the Month | No matter how exciting, zany and surprising the action, you can always be sure that Frank Cottrell-Boyce will build his stories on real human emotions, and that’s as true of this brilliantly funny, original and touching novel as of any of its predecessors. Alfie ‘swerves’ both school and the Limb Lab, where he should be going to learn how to control his state-of-the-art new hand, by hanging out at the airport. But everything changes when, through various happy accidents, he finds an enormous robot called Eric in Lost Property. Eric holds the Allen key to the book’s mysteries, both a generations-old legend, and the secrets that Archie is keeping from the reader and himself. Beautifully told and full of characters readers will love, this book will have you laughing out loud one minute, in tears the next. Robot Eric, unfailingly polite, kind and helpful and trying to explain himself through misremembered jokes is an iron man for our time. Unmissable. Once readers have finished this, point them in the direction of Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s other books including The Astounding Broccoli Boy and books by Ross Welford. Peter Brown’s story The Wild Robot is another great automaton adventure. **Head over to our LoveReading4KidsLoves Channel to find out more about Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Author of the Month.
April 2019 Book of the Month | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month April 2019 | Award-winning author Frank Cottrell Boyce has created a wonderful illustrated version of Richard Adams’s classic story by drawing on the scripts from the BBC/Netflix mini-series. His simple story telling style, perfectly matched by the vivid illustrations captures the essence of the original with all its excitement, warmth and insight of this animal saga of survival. You might also like the Watership Down Colouring Book, which accompanies the series.
Laika and her fellow street dogs are being trained up for the greatest adventure in history - a trip to the moon! But Laika can't wait to see the stars - so she hatches a plan with her friends to get her there all on her own . . . Join Laika and friends in The Great Rocket Robbery by Carnegie Medal-winning author Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton - final destination: adventure!
Framed was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Prize 2007 'The Book I Couldn't Put Down.' and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal | Framed has been chosen as a favourite book by our Guest Editors Philip Ardargh and Joanna Nadin. Philip Ardagh: Reviewing children's books for a national newspaper on a fairly regular basis means that I have to read a goodly number of books I might never otherwise have made the time to do. Stumbling upon books such as Framed is one of the perks of the job. I could tell you that it's about the redemptive power of art but I'm not absolutely sure how to spell 'redemptive' and, anyway, what it's really about is a boy and his dad... and families, and what makes them tick, stop ticking and then tick again. Frank Cottrell Boyce is a craftsman. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Joanna Nadin: Frank Cottrell Boyce writes boys with humour, irony and compassion. Although best known for Millions, it is his second novel, Framed, that I go back to time and time again: the laugh-out-loud funny and try-not-to-cry story of nine-year-old Dylan Hughes, man of the house, boss of the failing family business, and the only boy left in Manod.
Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2008 and the Carnegie Medal 2008 | Comic and cosmic, this is a roller coaster adventure that takes Liam Digby up into space with a handful of other children and their parents. It’s an hilarious journey of discovery as Liam hurtles around the world finding out exactly what makes children and adults different.
Winner of the 2004 CILIP Carnegie Medal | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month March 2019 | When a bag stuffed full of money falls out of a train and into their camp, Damian and Anthony are suddenly rich. Very, very rich, to be precise. But, there is a problem. They only have a few days in which to spend the money. When the Euro arrives, it’ll be worthless. A thrilling story about the real value of money but Millions is more than an adventure as the boys have recently lost their mother and their search for happiness is tinged with the sadness that, however much money they have, they’ll never be able bring her back
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2016 Best Story | This is Frank Cottrell Boyce’s first standalone novel since Cosmic in 2008 and it’s been well worth the wait. The smallest and weakest boy in his class, Rory Rooney makes an unlikely superhero. But all that seems set to change when he suddenly and inexplicably turns green, surely the markings of a superhero. Stuck in a hospital isolation ward with two other remarkably green children – including his nemesis, school bully Grim Kommissky – Rory discover his superpowers and becomes Astounding. The adventure that follows is by turns hilarious and heart-warming, further proof if it were needed that Cottrell Boyce is one of the wittiest, warmest and most inventive children’s authors of today.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 | Longlisted for the UKLA 2017 Book Award | With all the invention, originality and insight that is typical of his writing for children, Frank Cottrell Boyce takes the sad story of Laika, the first living creature to orbit Earth, and uses it as inspiration for a story about the importance of home. As ever, it’s both brilliantly funny and extraordinarily moving. Prez is living with a temporary foster family when he opens the door to Sputnik. Prez sees an alien – in a kilt – everyone else sees a dog. Over the course of the summer Prez and Sputnik have some amazing adventures and break a lot of laws, including some of the laws of physics, but in the process they save the world, and reunite Prez with his grandfather. As wild as a cartoon strip, this wonderful story pinpoints all the best things about life on Earth. No-one writes like Frank Cottrell Boyce, and readers who enjoy this will also love his books Cosmic and The Astounding Broccoli Boy. Jamie Thomson’s Dark Lord books are also very funny, and just as good on human nature as is My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 | Longlisted for the UKLA 2017 Book Award | With all the invention, originality and insight that is typical of his writing for children, Frank Cottrell Boyce takes the sad story of Laika, the first living creature to orbit Earth, and uses it as inspiration for a story about the importance of home. As ever, it’s both brilliantly funny and extraordinarily moving. Prez is living with a temporary foster family when he opens the door to Sputnik. Prez sees an alien – in a kilt – everyone else sees a dog. Over the course of the summer Prez and Sputnik have some amazing adventures and break a lot of laws, including some of the laws of physics, but in the process they save the world, and reunite Prez with his grandfather. As wild as a cartoon strip, this wonderful story pinpoints all the best things about life on Earth.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 | Longlisted for the UKLA 2017 Book Award | One of our Books of the Year 2016 | April 2016 Book of the Month With all the invention, originality and insight that is typical of his writing for children, Frank Cottrell Boyce takes the sad story of Laika, the first living creature to orbit Earth, and uses it as inspiration for a story about the importance of home. As ever, it’s both brilliantly funny and extraordinarily moving. Prez is living with a temporary foster family when he opens the door to Sputnik. Prez sees an alien – in a kilt – everyone else sees a dog. Over the course of the summer Prez and Sputnik have some amazing adventures and break a lot of laws, including some of the laws of physics, but in the process they save the world, and reunite Prez with his grandfather. As wild as a cartoon strip, this wonderful story pinpoints all the best things about life on Earth. No-one writes like Frank Cottrell Boyce, and readers who enjoy this will also love his books Cosmic and The Astounding Broccoli Boy. Jamie Thomson’s Dark Lord books are also very funny, and just as good on human nature as is My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons. ~ Andrea Reece
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2016 Best Story | Andrea Reeces's Pick of the Year 2015 This is Frank Cottrell Boyce’s first standalone novel since Cosmic in 2008 and it’s been well worth the wait. The smallest and weakest boy in his class, Rory Rooney makes an unlikely superhero. But all that seems set to change when he suddenly and inexplicably turns green, surely the markings of a superhero. Stuck in a hospital isolation ward with two other remarkably green children – including his nemesis, school bully Grim Kommissky – Rory discover his superpowers and becomes Astounding. The adventure that follows is by turns hilarious and heart-warming, further proof if it were needed that Cottrell Boyce is one of the wittiest, warmest and most inventive children’s authors of today.
Interest Age 5-8 Frank Cottrell Boyce is one of our funniest, most inventive writers for children and his readers should always be ready to expect the unexpected; that’s certainly the case here. Ted’s birthday starts quietly – he finds his parents fast asleep on the sofa after staying up all night to watch the election. He buys himself a consoling packet of Hula Hoops from the new supermarket at the end of his road, and that’s where things start to go properly weird. There seems to be a link between what he says in the supermarket, and the new prime minister’s policies – could she have some special connection to Ted? The explanation when it comes is very funny! This is a wonderful story that makes you see our world in a different, somehow nicer way. Cate James’s illustrations add to the fun too. ~ Andrea Reece One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2015 About the Little Gems series: Little Gems are in a gorgeous new chunky format, with high-spec production including coloured endpapers and jacketed flaps with activities. Additional features include high quality cream paper, Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page. They are perfect for 5-8's. These quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers.
Winner of the 2004 CILIP Carnegie Medal | When a bag stuffed full of money falls out of a train and into their camp, Damian and Anthony are suddenly rich. Very, very rich, to be precise. But, there is a problem. They only have a few days in which to spend the money. When the Euro arrives, it’ll be worthless. A thrilling story about the real value of money but Millions is more than an adventure as the boys have recently lost their mother and their search for happiness is tinged with the sadness that, however much money they have, they’ll never be able bring her back. Reading Guide available to download for this title. This book was selected by Marcus Sedgwick, July 2010 Guest Editor, as: "Another book I would be very proud to have written - I think comic writing is the hardest thing to do well, and this book is not only funny, it's a very happy book too, and we could all do with a few more of those in the world."
One of our Books of the Year 2015 - Andrea Reeces's Pick of the Year 2015 - Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2016 Best Story - April 2015 Book of the Month This is Frank Cottrell Boyce’s first standalone novel since Cosmic in 2008 and it’s been well worth the wait. The smallest and weakest boy in his class, Rory Rooney makes an unlikely superhero. But all that seems set to change when he suddenly and inexplicably turns green, surely the markings of a superhero. Stuck in a hospital isolation ward with two other remarkably green children – including his nemesis, school bully Grim Kommissky – Rory discover his superpowers and becomes Astounding. The adventure that follows is by turns hilarious and heart-warming, further proof if it were needed that Cottrell Boyce is one of the wittiest, warmest and most inventive children’s authors of today. ~ Andrea Reece
Comic and cosmic, this is a roller coaster adventure that takes Liam Digby up into space with a handful of other children and their parents. It’s an hilarious journey of discovery as Liam hurtles around the world finding out exactly what makes children and adults different. The Lovereading Comment: This is the eagerly awaited third novel from an author who has already won and been shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards including the Carnegie with his debut novel Millions and his second novel Framed. This latest triumph is both bittersweet and hilariously down-to-earth. It’s a heart-warming exploration of a father-son relationship in a world where everyone wants to grow up fast, and then stay young forever. A wonderful story about life’s ups and downs.
Framed has been chosen as a favourite book by our Guest Editors Philip Ardargh and Joanna Nadin. Philip Ardagh: Reviewing children's books for a national newspaper on a fairly regular basis means that I have to read a goodly number of books I might never otherwise have made the time to do. Stumbling upon books such as Framed is one of the perks of the job. I could tell you that it's about the redemptive power of art but I'm not absolutely sure how to spell 'redemptive' and, anyway, what it's really about is a boy and his dad... and families, and what makes them tick, stop ticking and then tick again. Frank Cottrell Boyce is a craftsman. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Joanna Nadin: Frank Cottrell Boyce writes boys with humour, irony and compassion. Although best known for Millions, it is his second novel, Framed, that I go back to time and time again: the laugh-out-loud funny and try-not-to-cry story of nine-year-old Dylan Hughes, man of the house, boss of the failing family business, and the only boy left in Manod. Framed was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Prize 2007 'The Book I Couldn't Put Down.' and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. The judges said: Cottrell Boyce’s second children’s novel is original, charming and funny. Reading Guide available to download for this title.
Winner of the 2004 CILIP Carnegie Medal | When a bag stuffed full of money falls out of a train and into their camp, Damian and Anthony are suddenly rich. Very, very rich, to be precise. But, there is a problem. They only have a few days in which to spend the money. When the Euro arrives, it’ll be worthless. A thrilling story about the real value of money but Millions is more than an adventure as the boys have recently lost their mother and their search for happiness is tinged with the sadness that, however much money they have, they’ll never be able bring her back.
Interest Age 9+, Reading Age 8+. A delicious comedy in which geeky George whose passion for Warhammer games has long made him a social outcast, is transformed by some past its sell by date after shave. Suddenly everyone wants to be George’s friend. Can he escape? A humorous look at the pitfalls of popularity. Without exception dyslexia-friendly books published by Barrington Stoke get off to an exciting start and maintain the impetus throughout, with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. The plot is clear, the characters appealing and there are plenty of visual clues, as dyslexics like to run a story like a video in their heads. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Interest Age 9+, Reading Age 8+. A delicious comedy in which geeky George whose passion for Warhammer games has long made him a social outcast, is transformed by some past its sell by date after shave. Suddenly everyone wants to be George’s friend. Can he escape? A humorous look at the pitfalls of popularity. Without exception dyslexia-friendly books published by Barrington Stoke get off to an exciting start and maintain the impetus throughout, with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. The plot is clear, the characters appealing and there are plenty of visual clues, as dyslexics like to run a story like a video in their heads. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Interest Age 8-11 Reading Age 8+. A delicious comedy in which geeky George, whose passion for Warhammer games has long made him a social outcast, is transformed by some past its sell by date after shave. Suddenly everyone wants to be George’s friend. Can he escape? A humorous look at the pitfalls of popularity. ~ Julia Eccleshare Without exception dyslexia-friendly books published by Barrington Stoke get off to an exciting start and maintain the impetus throughout, with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. The plot is clear, the characters appealing and there are plenty of visual clues, as dyslexics like to run a story like a video in their heads. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Interest Age 8-11 Reading Age 8+. A delicious comedy in which geeky George, whose passion for Warhammer games has long made him a social outcast, is transformed by some past its sell by date after shave. Suddenly everyone wants to be George’s friend. Can he escape? A humorous look at the pitfalls of popularity. ~ Julia Eccleshare Without exception dyslexia-friendly books published by Barrington Stoke get off to an exciting start and maintain the impetus throughout, with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. The plot is clear, the characters appealing and there are plenty of visual clues, as dyslexics like to run a story like a video in their heads. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
A hilarious comedy from award-winning Frank Cottrell Boyce. When George gets an out-of-date aftershave for his birthday, he isn't particularly impressed. But the aftershave seems to have developed some extra properties...and George is now irresistible to every girl around! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
A hilarious comedy from award-winning Frank Cottrell Boyce. When George gets an out-of-date aftershave for his birthday, he isn't particularly impressed. But the aftershave seems to have developed some extra properties...and George is now irresistible to every girl around! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
When a bag stuffed full of money falls out of a train and into their camp, Damian and Anthony are suddenly rich. Very, very rich, to be precise. But, there is a problem. They only have a few days in which to spend the money. When the Euro arrives, it’ll be worthless. A thrilling story about the real value of money but Millions is more than an adventure as the boys have recently lost their mother and their search for happiness is tinged with the sadness that, however much money they have, they’ll never be able bring her back. The bestselling novel from Frank Cottrell Boyce - screenwriter and writer of the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony - now with a fantastic new cover to celebrate its ten year anniversary.
June 2014 Book of the Month Time-travelling Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the best-loved car in fiction, has been stolen! It is now in the hands of Tiny Jack, the biggest criminal in history, and its owners, the Tootings, are stranded in the past. Its 1966 and the World Cup is about to be played at Wembley Stadium. While Dad loves reliving the heroics of the game and the excitement of being in the swinging sixties, the kids are searching for the missing car. Just as well because, when Big Ben is stolen, the Tootings, who are now friends with the Queen!, know that they will only be able to get it back with the help of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Master story-teller Frank Cotrell Boyce brilliantly propels Chitty Chitty Bang Bang into a riotous new adventure.
The third official sequel to Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, written by one of the country's favourite authors. There's time travel, good versus evil, child kidnapping and much more besides in this brilliant adventure inspired by the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The second official sequel to Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, written by one of the country's favourite authors, Frank Cottrell Boyce jumps into the driving seat with his trademark wit, warmth and sense of story to bring a new generation. More fun, fast, feel-good adventure with the world's greatest car ...driven by the world's most hapless family. The first official sequel to Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2012.
Winner of 2012 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize | Based on a true story this is an unforgettable and moving account of one girl's vivid memories of two Mongolian brothers briefly at her school.
The second official sequel to Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, written by one of the country's favourite authors, Frank Cottrell Boyce jumps into the driving seat with his trademark wit, warmth and sense of story to bring a new generation. More fun, fast, feel-good adventure with the world's greatest car ...driven by the world's most hapless family. The first official sequel to Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2012.
Shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2012. Award winning Frank Cottrell Boyce breathes new life into the classic story of a flying car originally conceived by James Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming. When Mr Tooting loses his job he embarks on an exciting new project to restore a broken down VW camper van so that the whole Tooting family can enjoy some thrilling new holidays. Adding a bit of this and bit of that and a racing car engine the van – with the family inside – are soon off on an unpredictable trip of a life time! Frank Cottrell Boyce: "The very first film I saw in the cinema was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I remember two things about the occasion – one was that we were taken to the pick ’n’ mix in Woolies and actually allowed to choose our own sweets (I went for Cherry Lips). The other was the moment when Chitty drove off the edge of the cliff and the whole building rang with howls, first of fear and then frustration as the image froze and the word ‘Intermission’ blazed across the screen. I sat through the next ten minutes not even looking at the sweets I’d so carefully picked and mixed, just waiting for the film to start up again. It was the day I discovered that a story could be even better than Cherry Lips!" STOP PRESS: An audiobook download is now available from iTunes - click here. Actor David Tennant has been chosen by the family of Ian Fleming as the voice of fiction’s most famous flying car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. David has recorded the audiobook of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again, by Frank Cottrell Boyce, which is available to download in time for Christmas. Lucy Fleming, niece of Ian Fleming, says: ‘We are thrilled that David agreed to read the audiobook. He is such a talented actor and his voice brings Frank Cottrell Boyce’s story to life with a wry humour and great characterisation. Chitty could not have been in safer hands with him behind the wheel!’
Interest Age 9+, Reading Age 8+. A delicious comedy in which geeky George whose passion for Warhammer games has long made him a social outcast, is transformed by some past its sell by date after shave. Suddenly everyone wants to be George’s friend. Can he escape? A humorous look at the pitfalls of popularity. Without exception dyslexia-friendly books published by Barrington Stoke get off to an exciting start and maintain the impetus throughout, with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. The plot is clear, the characters appealing and there are plenty of visual clues, as dyslexics like to run a story like a video in their heads. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Interest Age 8-11 Reading Age 8+. A delicious comedy in which geeky George, whose passion for Warhammer games has long made him a social outcast, is transformed by some past its sell by date after shave. Suddenly everyone wants to be George’s friend. Can he escape? A humorous look at the pitfalls of popularity. ~ Julia Eccleshare Without exception dyslexia-friendly books published by Barrington Stoke get off to an exciting start and maintain the impetus throughout, with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. The plot is clear, the characters appealing and there are plenty of visual clues, as dyslexics like to run a story like a video in their heads. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
A hilarious comedy from award-winning Frank Cottrell Boyce. When George gets an out-of-date aftershave for his birthday, he isn't particularly impressed. But the aftershave seems to have developed some extra properties...and George is now irresistible to every girl around! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2012. Award winning Frank Cottrell Boyce breathes new life into the classic story of a flying car originally conceived by James Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming. When Mr Tooting loses his job he embarks on an exciting new project to restore a broken down VW camper van so that the whole Tooting family can enjoy some thrilling new holidays. Adding a bit of this and bit of that and a racing car engine the van – with the family inside – are soon off on an unpredictable trip of a life time!
Award winning Frank Cottrell Boyce breathes new life into the classic story of a flying car originally conceived by James Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming. When Mr Tooting loses his job he embarks on an exciting new project to restore a broken down VW camper van so that the whole Tooting family can enjoy some thrilling new holidays. Adding a bit of this and bit of that and a racing car engine the van – with the family inside – are soon off on an unpredictable trip of a life time! Frank Cottrell Boyce: "The very first film I saw in the cinema was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I remember two things about the occasion – one was that we were taken to the pick ’n’ mix in Woolies and actually allowed to choose our own sweets (I went for Cherry Lips). The other was the moment when Chitty drove off the edge of the cliff and the whole building rang with howls, first of fear and then frustration as the image froze and the word ‘Intermission’ blazed across the screen. I sat through the next ten minutes not even looking at the sweets I’d so carefully picked and mixed, just waiting for the film to start up again. It was the day I discovered that a story could be even better than Cherry Lips!" STOP PRESS: An audiobook download is now available from iTunes - click here. Actor David Tennant has been chosen by the family of Ian Fleming as the voice of fiction’s most famous flying car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. David has recorded the audiobook of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again, by Frank Cottrell Boyce, which is available to download in time for Christmas. Lucy Fleming, niece of Ian Fleming, says: ‘We are thrilled that David agreed to read the audiobook. He is such a talented actor and his voice brings Frank Cottrell Boyce’s story to life with a wry humour and great characterisation. Chitty could not have been in safer hands with him behind the wheel! We hope that this audio book will add some extra sparkle as families embark on their own magical adventure this Christmas.’
Winner 2012 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize "The judges read extensively and intensely in their search for the winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize this year, but decided unanimously that The Unforgotten Coat's great immediacy and humour really set it apart."With his brilliant depiction of two brothers from Mongolia trying to adapt to school in Liverpool while haunted by a fear from home, Frank Cottrell Boyce never preachers to the reader, and judges felt that he writes with such credibility and warmth that his readers will be left wiser when they have finished the story." Titles shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize were The Abominables by Eva Ibbotson Greyhound of a Girl by Roddy Doyle Soonchild by Russell Hoban Bullet Boys by Ally Kennen The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter 'Book I Couldn't Put Down' Award. Comic and cosmic, this is a roller coaster adventure that takes Liam Digby up into space with a handful of other children and their parents. It’s an hilarious journey of discovery as Liam hurtles around the world finding out exactly what makes children and adults different. Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2008 and the Carnegie. The Lovereading Comment: This is the eagerly awaited third novel from an author who has already won and been shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards including the Carnegie with his debut novel Millions and his second novel Framed. This latest triumph is both bittersweet and hilariously down-to-earth. It’s a heart-warming exploration of a father-son relationship in a world where everyone wants to grow up fast, and then stay young forever. A wonderful story about life’s ups and downs. What the Carnegie Award judges said: 'Frank Cottrell Boyce has a wonderful ear for dialogue and is a master of comic pathos. The off-the-wall humour and comic language he employs here makes this a very funny book. He manages to make a bizarre premise seem quite plausible, the characters develop well and the result is an astute and profound book about childhood and the father-son relationship.'
Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter 'Book I Couldn't Put Down' Award, the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2008, the Carnegie Medal and for the Independent Booksellers' Book Prize 2010. Comic and cosmic, this is a roller coaster adventure that takes Liam Digby up into space with a handful of other children and their parents. It’s an hilarious journey of discovery as Liam hurtles around the world finding out exactly what makes children and adults different. The Lovereading Comment: This is the eagerly awaited third novel from an author who has already won and been shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards including the Carnegie with his debut novel Millions and his second novel Framed. This latest triumph is both bittersweet and hilariously down-to-earth. It’s a heart-warming exploration of a father-son relationship in a world where everyone wants to grow up fast, and then stay young forever. A wonderful story about life’s ups and downs. The shortlisted titles for the 2010 Independent Booksellers' Award were: Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo Dog Loves Books by Louise Yates Auslander by Paul Dowswell Dogs by Emily Gravett The Unfinished Angel by Sharon Creech Henderson’s Boys: The Escape by Robert Muchamore Ostrich Boys by Keith Gray What’s for Dinner Mr Gum? by Andy Stanton Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce The Last Leopard by Lauren St John Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick The Silver Blade by Sally Gardner
Comic and cosmic, this is a roller coaster adventure that takes Liam Digby up into space with a handful of other children and their parents. It’s an hilarious journey of discovery as Liam hurtles around the world finding out exactly what makes children and adults different. Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2008 and the Carnegie. The Lovereading Comment: This is the eagerly awaited third novel from an author who has already won and been shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards including the Carnegie with his debut novel Millions and his second novel Framed. This latest triumph is both bittersweet and hilariously down-to-earth. It’s a heart-warming exploration of a father-son relationship in a world where everyone wants to grow up fast, and then stay young forever. A wonderful story about life’s ups and downs. What the Carnegie Award judges said: 'Frank Cottrell Boyce has a wonderful ear for dialogue and is a master of comic pathos. The off-the-wall humour and comic language he employs here makes this a very funny book. He manages to make a bizarre premise seem quite plausible, the characters develop well and the result is an astute and profound book about childhood and the father-son relationship.'
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Prize 2007 'The Book I Couldn't Put Down.'9 - 12 years. Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. What the judges said: Cottrell Boyce’s second children’s novel is original, charming and funny. A choice of Guest Editors Philip Ardargh and Joanna Nadin.It is a poignant and pacey adventure with a tightly structured plot full of humour, wisdom and excitement. Even the most minor characters are portrayed with effortless depth and accuracy. May 2010 Guest Editor Philip Ardagh: Reviewing children's books for a national newspaper on a fairly regular basis means that I have to read a goodly number of books I might never otherwise have made the time to do. Stumbling upon books such as Framed is one of the perks of the job. I could tell you that it's about the redemptive power of art but I'm not absolutely sure how to spell 'redemptive' and, anyway, what it's really about is a boy and his dad... and families, and what makes them tick, stop ticking and then tick again. Frank Cottrell Boyce is a craftsman. I can't recommend this book highly enough. September 2009 Guest Editor Joanna Nadin on Framed by FRANK COTTRELL BOYCE Frank Cottrell Boyce writes boys with humour, irony and compassion. Although best known for Millions, it is his second novel, Framed, that I go back to time and time again: the laugh-out-loud funny and try-not-to-cry story of nine-year-old Dylan Hughes, man of the house, boss of the failing family business, and the only boy left in Manod. Reading Guide available to download for this title.
Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. What the judges said: Cottrell Boyce’s second children’s novel is original, charming and funny. It is a poignant and pacey adventure with a tightly structured plot full of humour, wisdom and excitement. Even the most minor characters are portrayed with effortless depth and accuracy.
When a bag stuffed full of money falls out of a train and into their camp, Damian and Anthony are suddenly rich. Very, very rich, to be precise. But, there is a problem. They only have a few days in which to spend the money. When the Euro arrives, it’ll be worthless. A thrilling story about the real value of money but Millions is more than an adventure as the boys have recently lost their mother and their search for happiness is tinged with the sadness that, however much money they have, they’ll never be able bring her back. Reading Guide available to download for this title. This book was selected by Marcus Sedgwick, July 2010 Guest Editor, as: "Another book I would be very proud to have written - I think comic writing is the hardest thing to do well, and this book is not only funny, it's a very happy book too, and we could all do with a few more of those in the world."
When a bag stuffed full of money falls out of a train and into their camp, Damian and Anthony are suddenly rich. Very, very rich, to be precise. But, there is a problem. They only have a few days in which to spend the money. When the Euro arrives, it’ll be worthless. A thrilling story about the real value of money but Millions is more than an adventure as the boys have recently lost their mother and their search for happiness is tinged with the sadness that, however much money they have, they’ll never be able bring her back.
Winner of 2012 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize | Based on a true story this is an unforgettable and moving account of one girl's vivid memories of two Mongolian brothers briefly at her school.
How are great turning points in history experienced by individuals? As Britain pulls away from Europe great British writers come together to give voice to their innermost feelings. These writers include novelists, writers of books for children, of comic books, humourists, historians, biographers, nature writers, film writers, travel writers, writers young and old and from an extraordinary range of backgrounds. Most are famous perhaps because they have won the Booker or other literary prizes, written bestsellers, changed the face of popular culture or sold millions of records. Others are not yet household names but write with depth of insight and feeling. There is some extraordinary writing in this book. Some of these pieces are expressions of love of particular places in Europe. Some are true stories, some nostalgic, some hopeful. Some are cries of pain. There are hilarious pieces. There are cries of pain and regret. Some pieces are quietly devastating. All are passionate. Conceived as a love letter to Europe, this book may also help reawaken love for Britain. It shows the unique richness and diversity of British cultures, a multitude of voices in harmony. Contributors include: Hugh Aldersey-Williams, Philip Ardagh, Jake Arnott, Patricia Atkinson, Paul Atterbury, Richard Beard, Mary Beard, Don Boyd, Melvyn Bragg, Gyles Brandreth, Kathleen Burke, James Buxton, Philip Carr, Brian Catling, Shami Chakrabarti, Chris Cleave, Mark Cocker, Peter Conradi , Heather Cooper, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Roger Crowley, David Crystal, William Dalrymple, Lindsey Davies, Margaret Drabble, Mark Ellen, Richard Evans, Michel Faber, Sebastian Faulks, Ranulph Fiennes, Robert Fox, James Fox, Neil Gaiman, Evelyn Glennie, James Hanning, Nick Hayes, Alan Hollinghurst, Gabby Hutchinson-Crouch, Will Hutton, Robert Irwin, Holly Johnson , Liane Jones, Ruth Jones, Sam Jordison, Kapka Kassabova, AL Kennedy, Hermione Lee, Prue Leith, Patrick Lenox, Roger Lewis, David Lindo, Penelope Lively, Beth Lync, Richard Mabey, Sue MacGregor, Ian Martin, Frank McDonough, Jonathan Meades, Andrew Miller, Deborah Moggach, Ben Moor, Alan Moore, Paul Morley, Jackie Morris, Charles Nicholl, Richard Overy, Chris Riddell, Adam Roberts, Tony Robinson, Lee Rourke, Sophie Sabbage, Marcus Sedgwick, Richard Shirreff, Paul Stanford, Isy Suttie, Sandi Toksvig, Colin Tudge, Ed Vulliamy, Anna Whitelock, Kate Williams, Michael Wood, Louisa Young
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | No matter how exciting, zany and surprising the action, you can always be sure that Frank Cottrell-Boyce will build his stories on real human emotions, and that’s as true of this brilliantly funny, original and touching novel as of any of its predecessors. Alfie ‘swerves’ both school and the Limb Lab, where he should be going to learn how to control his state-of-the-art new hand, by hanging out at the airport. But everything changes when, through various happy accidents, he finds an enormous robot called Eric in Lost Property. Eric holds the Allen key to the book’s mysteries, both a generations-old legend, and the secrets that Archie is keeping from the reader and himself. Beautifully told and full of characters readers will love, this book will have you laughing out loud one minute, in tears the next. Robot Eric, unfailingly polite, kind and helpful and trying to explain himself through misremembered jokes is an iron man for our time. Unmissable. Once readers have finished this, point them in the direction of Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s other books including The Astounding Broccoli Boy and books by Ross Welford. Peter Brown’s story The Wild Robot is another great automaton adventure.
Great writers, artists, musicians and thinkers in British life say what Europe means to them: an outpouring of love and sadness. With pieces from Frank Cottrell Boyce, Melvyn Bragg, Margaret Drabble, Alan Hollinghurst, Will Hutton, Holly Johnson, Penelope Lively, Jonathan Meades, Deborah Moggach, Alan Moore, Jackie Morris, Cathy Rentzenbrink, Chris Riddle, Tony Robinson, Pete Townshend, Kate Williams, Michael Wood and many more... As Britain pulls away from Europe great British writers come together to give voice to their innermost feelings. Contributing essays that contain some of their finest writings and perspectives very different to the ones given in news outlets. The creative community here has its say on Brexit. Novelists, artists, comedians, historians, biographers, nature writers, film writers, travel writers, people young and old and from an extraordinary range of backgrounds. Most are famous perhaps because they have won the Booker or other literary prizes, written bestsellers, changed the face of popular culture or sold millions of records. Others are not yet household names but write with depth of insight and feeling. There is some extraordinary writing in this book. Some of these pieces are expressions of love of particular places in Europe. Some are true stories, some nostalgic, many hopeful. There are hilarious pieces. There are cries of pain and regret. Some pieces are quietly devastating. All are passionate. They show how Europe has helped us to expand our emotional, intellectual and artistic bandwidth, and hopefully will continue to do just that. Contributors include: Mary Beard, Jeffrey Boakye, Melvyn Bragg, Simon Callow, B. Catling, Shami Chakrabarti, Chris Cleave, Frank Cottrell Boyce, William Dalrymple, Lindsey Davis, Margaret Drabble, Tracey Emin, Michel Faber, Sebastian Faulks, Neil Gaiman, Evelyn Glennie, Alan Hollinghurst, Will Hutton, Holly Johnson, Ruth Jones, A.L. Kennedy, Hermione Lee, Prue Leith, Roger Lewis, Penelope Lively, Richard Mabey, Jonathan Meades, Andrew Miller, Deborah Moggach, Alan Moore, Paul Morley, Jackie Morris, Charles Nicholl, Irenosen Okojie, Onjali Q. Rauf, Chris Riddell, Tony Robinson, J.K. Rowling, Rhik Samadder, Isy Suttie, Sandi Toksvig, Pete Townshend, Kate Williams and Michael Wood.
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | May 2019 Book of the Month | No matter how exciting, zany and surprising the action, you can always be sure that Frank Cottrell-Boyce will build his stories on real human emotions, and that’s as true of this brilliantly funny, original and touching novel as of any of its predecessors. Alfie ‘swerves’ both school and the Limb Lab, where he should be going to learn how to control his state-of-the-art new hand, by hanging out at the airport. But everything changes when, through various happy accidents, he finds an enormous robot called Eric in Lost Property. Eric holds the Allen key to the book’s mysteries, both a generations-old legend, and the secrets that Archie is keeping from the reader and himself. Beautifully told and full of characters readers will love, this book will have you laughing out loud one minute, in tears the next. Robot Eric, unfailingly polite, kind and helpful and trying to explain himself through misremembered jokes is an iron man for our time. Unmissable. Once readers have finished this, point them in the direction of Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s other books including The Astounding Broccoli Boy and books by Ross Welford. Peter Brown’s story The Wild Robot is another great automaton adventure. **Head over to our LoveReading4KidsLoves Channel to find out more about Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Author of the Month.
Alfie likes hanging out at the airport - it looks like everyone has someone waiting for them and they all seem so happy when they arrive back from their holidays . . . he wishes he had someone as excited to see him. So when he finds Eric, a one-legged robot in need of a friend, at the airport Lost Property counter, he decides to take him home with him. Runaway Robot is a hilarious and heartwarming tale of friendship from Carnegie medal-winning author, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton.
April 2019 Book of the Month | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month April 2019 | Award-winning author Frank Cottrell Boyce has created a wonderful illustrated version of Richard Adams’s classic story by drawing on the scripts from the BBC/Netflix mini-series. His simple story telling style, perfectly matched by the vivid illustrations captures the essence of the original with all its excitement, warmth and insight of this animal saga of survival. You might also like the Watership Down Colouring Book, which accompanies the series.
Laika and her fellow street dogs are being trained up for the greatest adventure in history - a trip to the moon! But Laika can't wait to see the stars - so she hatches a plan with her friends to get her there all on her own . . . Join Laika and friends in The Great Rocket Robbery by Carnegie Medal-winning author Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton - final destination: adventure!
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