The first book in a hilarious, heart-warming series for children from Costa Award-winning author A. L. Kennedy, illustrated by Gemma Correll.

Badger Bill needs rescuing. He's been kidnapped by two nasty sisters who are about to make him fight a boxing match against three even nastier dogs.

The four most depressed llamas in the history of llamas need rescuing too. They are about to be turned into llama pies.

But never fear - Uncle Shawn is here! He loves rescuing things. He has a rescuing plan, which involves dancing, and a mole, and an electric fence. What could possibly go wrong?

About the Author

A.L. Kennedy was born in a small Scottish town far too long ago and has written books for adults and children, but mainly adults. Before that she made up stories to amuse herself. It has always surprised her that her job involves doing one of the things she loves most and she's very grateful to be a writer. She has won awards for her books in several countries. She has travelled all over the world and enjoyed it immensely. She plays the banjo badly, but makes up for this by never playing it anywhere near anyone else.
Gemma Correll is a cartoonist, writer, illustrator and all-round small person. She's the author of A Cat's Life (Te Neues, 2012), A Pug's Guide to Etiquette (Dog N Bone, 2013) and The Worrier's Guide to Life (Andrews McMeel, 2015) and the illustrator of Pugly Bakes a Cake (Nosy Crow, 2016) and Petunia Perry and the Curse of the Ugly Pigeon (Nosy Crow, 2015), both by Pamela Butchart. Her illustration clients include Hallmark, The New York Times, Oxford University Press, Knock Knock, Chronicle Books and The Observer.

Reviews
"Badger Bill and four depressed llamas are in trouble and need rescuing, will Uncle Shawn be able to save the day? Relish in some pure zany escapism." * Little London *
"Kennedy relishes her technicolour villains (Maude and Ethel McGloone could out-nasty Dahl's Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker) and shares David Walliam's knack for psychological observation (the sisters live in "a cottage full of failed knitting"). But the big delight here is the prose. Chapter books for younger readers are so often couched in bland language, but this brims with exhilarating imagery. [...] Highly recommended." * The Observer, Children's Book of the Week *
"[...] there are several belly laughs along the way - especially courtesy of Gemma Correll's wide-eyed illustrations." * The Guardian *
"It's a delightful hardback, illustrated with childlike glee by Gemma Correll. The pungent language, pointed names and uncompromisingly horrible adults are reminiscent of Roald Dahl." * Daily Record *
"Its tone and the quality of its illustrations make this a promising starter book for children who are reluctant readers." * Armadillo *
A witty, absurd attack on animal cruelty and zany adventure tale, it is like Roald Dahl on an energy drink. [...] There's still a sharp edge to Kennedy's fiction, but this is surprisingly daft and fun. Here she is letting rip, revelling in quirkiness and a children's story-telling voice - and it's irresistible. * The Herald *
"[...] a wonderfully daft caper with masses of child appeal" * The Bookseller *
"[...] a delight [...] A witty, absurd attack on animal cruelty and a zany adventure tale, it's like Roald Dahl after a hefty swig of Irn Bru. [...] Irresistible." * Sunday Herald *
"A very funny modern fable about friendship and bravery that had us laughing out loud." * Ollie and Toby, 8 and 6, LoveReading *



Book Information
ISBN 9781406378337
Author A. L. Kennedy
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Walker Books Ltd
Publisher Walker Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 189g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 13mm