The Worst Class in the World Dares You!

Name: William Joseph
Price range: $

by Joanna Nadin, illustrated by Rikin Parekh

Interest age: 7 to 10
Reading age: 7+

Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2022

Funny

About this book

This is the third book in a hilarious series about the disorderly pupils of Class 4B, labelled 'the worst class in the world' by their brusque headteacher, Mrs Bottomley-Blunt. It features two side-splittingly funny short stories, which will delight mischievous children, and strike fear into all teachers.

Determined to avoid Tuesday's maths test, Class 4B are thrilled to learn that the school has a nit epidemic and devise a foolproof plan to infect themselves so they will be sent home. The second story sees the arrival of new girl, Bridget Pickersgill, who introduces her classmates to the concept of dares, challenging them to undertake some truly revolting tasks, with riotous results.

There are lots of repeated phrases to engage the reader, and the capitalisation of particular words emphasises key elements of the text, making it a fun book to read. With well-spaced text and entertaining black-and-white illustrations, which inject much hilarity into the riotous tales, it is ideal for young, independent readers. A list of the 125 school rules is printed in full at the end, along with a quiz for children to see if they have what it takes to be an honorary member of Class 4B.

About the author

Joanna Nadin grew up in the small Essex town of Saffron Walden. Before becoming a writer she was a lifeguard, a newsreader on the radio, and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister. Joanna continues to freelance as a political speechwriter. Joanna now lives in Bath and spends her spare time with her daughter. Her 'plan B' job would be to run a vintage clothing shop with a tearoom attached!

About the illustrator

Rikin has a foundation degree from Camberwell College of Arts and a degree in illustration from the University of Westminster. After graduating, he worked as a production illustrator/creature designer, freelancing in the film industry, mainly working with monsters. He is a proud member of SCBWI-UK and has 300+ Spider-Man comics to his name. When Rikin isn’t drawing you’ll find him listening to the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, munching away at pizza whilst watching a movie, trying to talk to the birds and stray cats in his garden — or working at a primary school as a Year 6 learning support assistant.

His illustrations are predominately geared towards children from ages three up. The themes of his work revolve around friendships and dreams; he feels it’s very important for children to understand that dreams are something that can become a reality, no matter how big or small. Rikin lives in Wembley, London.

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