The Incredible Luck of Alfie Pluck

Building on his earlier series of GrizzlyTales, Rix has created a stand-alone novel with a plot and characters which remind us of the dysfunctional families, black humour and bizarre happenings typical of Dahl's children's fiction.

Working at Household Drudge for his repulsive aunts, Alfie’s only friends are his dog and a gang of young social misfits. He is the unluckiest boy alive - until he unwittingly eats the chicken which contains the highly-sought-after luck gene.

Even then he becomes the target of grasping scientists and politicians determined to improve their own luck, before finally finding his long-lost family.

Fast, funny and offbeat, making it ideal reading for older primary-phase boys, Rix’s novel also addresses serious issues about friendship, loyalty, family and responsibility.