The Person Controller

Name: William Joseph
Price range: $

by Jim Field, illustrated by Jim Field

Interest age: 8 to 12
Reading age: 7+

Published by HarperCollins Publishers, 2016

Chapter books
Funny
Science fiction

About this book

Twins Fred and Ellie are extremely close and like doing all the same things - video games, for one. However, they're lousy at games, invisible to the popular kids, and a target for school bullies (and fellow twins) Isla and Morris.

Everything changes when the duo meet the Mystery Man, who sends them a special video game controller. This device can help them win fights, score amazing goals and even change the way they look.

But do they really need these things to feel successful and popular? And what will happen when the Person Controller runs out of power…?

All of the characters in this wry, funny book are nicely observed, with little behavioural quirks. There is a sweet little moral here about self-belief and using your unique talents to stand out from the crowd.

There is also enough excitement and fantasy to keep children turning the pages - especially those who love video games and football.

About the author

Jim Field is a lead-driven, pencil-pushing, 25-frames-per-second, Led Zeppelin fan. He is also a hugely talented illustrator and animation director whose previous clients have included Waterstones, Sainsbury's, Oxfam, The Independent, The Guardian, The FT, Channel 4, Virgin Mobile, Nokia, GQ, Haymarket and BAC.

Cats Ahoy! was Jim's first picture book, and his vibrant, energetic style and witty detail delighted children and adults alike.