The Genius Aged 8¼

Alfie's parents are rather surprised when they suddenly have a baby. They name him Squeaky Squawky Redface Splurp Bottom and play games with him like 'toss the baby over the pond'. In case you haven't worked it out, Alfie's parents are very, very silly and it's no time at all until young Alfie is showing common sense beyond his years.

His no-nonsense approach to everything means he ends up with a few extra jobs to do. Alfie is headteacher of his school, mayor of his town and prime minister of his country - all before his ninth birthday.

There are giggles and guffaws aplenty in this madcap mini-story from Barrington Stoke's colour-illustrated Little Gems series and bestselling comedy author Jeremy Strong. The neat format, cream paper and clear font make this suitable for readers with dyslexia, and encouraging to reluctant readers - but children everywhere will find the fun in this ridiculous story of foolish adults and one smart kid.