Slime by David Walliams

Harper Collins 2020 ISBN: 9780008349141.
(Ages: 8+). Highly recommended. Slime is another humorous and entertaining read by bestselling children's author David Walliams. The frenetic energy and action conveyed in the story leave the reader racing through to the final, hopefully calm and happy, ending. Wheelchair bound Ned is the main character who suffers at the hands of his older extremely horrid and unkind sister Jemima. His birthday is coming up and she has devised the cruellest and most dastardly trick to play on him yet. However Ned is on to Jemima and beats her at her own game. The accidental creation of Slime leads to Ned exacting revenge on all those adults who have wronged the children of Mulch Isle. With Slime on his side Ned is able to payback Sir Walter Wrath, Headmaster of Mulch School for Revolting Children who delights in expelling children, Edmund and Edmond Envy, the toyshop owners who hate children and steal their money, Madame Solencio Sloth, the laziest and meanest piano teacher ever, Captain Pride, the park keeper who allows no child into the park, Glen and Glenda Glutton, the ice cream van owners who trick the children into handing over their money and drive away. The worst adult of all, Aunt Greta Greed owns Mulch Isle, has 101 cats all called Tiddles and is related to Ned.
Reminiscent of Roald Dahl, the adults all get what they deserve plus more in hilarious moments and very child appealing ways. Throughout the story are clever illustrations and bold words keeping the reader focused and engaged in this highly amusing tale. Themes: Humour, Siblings, Slime, Cruel Adults, Disability, Revenge.
Kathryn Beilby