Summer holidays are over. Mr Mudge, their teacher again this year, is as crabby as ever and doesn’t want to hear a word about cricket. Although Davey and his mates are in the same class, they are scattered all over the place and bully Mo Clouter is next to Davey making his life miserable. On the first day Davey gets detention after Mo uses Davey’s ruler to fire spitballs. But this act leads to a light bulb moment for Davey, and he comes up with a way to win the next two critical cricket matches.
After many obstacles, repeated detentions, threats against Max, constant pestering by Mo, and a sprained ankle, can Davey and his mates use the big switch to win the last game?
I love the light-heartedness of the writing and the way that it encompasses both genders and all cultures. The story is geared to reflect the essence of cricket and how it brings people together, along with repetitive positive reinforcement on good things coming out of bad situations. It encourages all children to get out and play sport, to move and have fun. It teaches them to laugh at themselves and with others. The fact that the bully gets his comeuppance is greatly satisfying.
The book is well written with a terrific cast of cheeky but lovable characters and a strong story line. It makes me impatient to read the remaining books in the series.
The other books in the series are:
Kaboom Kid #2: Playing Up by David Warner and J S Black
Kaboom Kid #3: Keep it Down! by David Warner and J V McGee
Kaboom Kid #4: Hit for Six by David Warner and J S Black
Title: The Big Switch (Kaboom Kid #1)
Author: David Warner with J.V. McGee
Illustrator: Jules Faber
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, $14.99 RRP
Publication Date: December 2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925030785
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior Fiction
