Billy and the giant adventure by Jamie Oliver

Well-known celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, has produced with Billy and the giant adventure, a novel that he has long planned. It reads with the enthusiasm of a fond Dad who is narrating a story that includes every amazing and wonderful idea that he can cram within the pages of a children's novel. This book is also available with "immersive music and sound effects" as an audiobook. The whole marketing package is available. 

Jamie Oliver struggled at school with dyslexia, so he writes about something he knows by having the main character Billy also struggling with dyslexia. Jamie's hope in writing the book is that it will help children with dyslexia realise that they can find other wonderful skills just like Billy does. The printing and binding was done by Australian Griffin Press with attention to dyslexia friendly font 11.76/18.52pt times New Roman and 10.86/18.52pt Atkinson Hyperlegible. This and the text design by Janene Spencer, accompanied by the illustrations of the Spanish illustrator Monica Armino, are sensitive modifications for the dyslexic reader. Throughout the story, when Billy is faced with having to read difficult text, ways around are found and in the process, Billy finds that he has other skills to offer. Currently, in the world of children's books, there is an interest in presenting neurodiverse characters so that children can read about how others cope with the same problems that they have and that they are not alone. 

Billy and the giant adventure follows the well trod pattern of children finding portals into magical forests and saving someone who is suffering through feats of skill, bravery and teamwork. Very much like Enid Blyton's The enchanted wood, a magic tree figures prominently. Oliver adds magical sprites (named after different spices) and other bad creatures like the stinky Boonas to the mixture. Billy and the giant adventure is a very busy book with perhaps too many underdeveloped characters and so much constant, frenetic action that the buildup towards a climax and resolution does not really happen. Perhaps it is oversauced and may result in confusion for the young reader.

Throughout the book, there are references and descriptions of delicious food. This is a plus and to be expected from Jamie Oliver. At the back there are some recipes for young people to try.

Overall, Jamie has worked hard on this book. It contains many ingredients, worthwhile messages and a lovely, warm tone. On the plot level it falls short because of the busyness and haphazard action which interferes with the normal expected flow towards a resolution. Characterisation suffers at the expense of action which means that the reader may find it hard to engage on the emotional level.

The recipes are well worth a try!

Themes: Friendship, Dyslexia, Magic, Finding personal strengths, Environmental issues.

Wendy Jeffrey