Do you love a good book? Our Children’s Librarians do! And we’re excited to share some great recommendations with you. This page gets updated regularly with reviews of the latest books we’ve been reading.

 

 The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge by Stephen Mangan 

 

Book cover - The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge by Stephen Mangan
Badge with Reviewed by Caroline, children's librarian

Cantankerous old King Chisel is a ruler without an heir. He is persuaded to 

create a competition called the Crown Duels, inviting the best kids from five regions of his country to vie with one another to become king or queen one day. This gruesome gang of children will compete in a multi-discipline game of knock-out to determine the overall winner. Chaos ensues, with pushy parents, morally questionable tactics, tantrums and an ultimate shock result. Will it be bellowing Gloria Squat-Further, the precise Huxley Beeline, the artistic Jonny Mould, the earthy Gossamer Fountain or will the underestimated Harry Sponge rise to the top? Who will triumph and survive the wild sabotaging, super saggy royal pants, the most disgusting meal ever invented, and a pair of frisky goats? This wildly funny, brilliantly silly adventure from the best-selling author and illustrator of Escape the Rooms and The Fart That Change the World.


Full of surreal, larger-than-life characters, sparkling dialogue, and just the right amount of anarchy, The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge is a great choice for even the most reluctant of readers. This book is perfect for comedy lovers, and is suitable for families to read-aloud,  or for independent readers aged 9-12.
 

Get a physical copy of the book here, or listen to the e-audiobook version here.

More Reviews

 

Be a Guest Reviewer

A star, a book, and the text "Reviewed by Your Name ~Star Reviewer~"

Do you have a book that you’re itching to share with others? Then share it with us!

  1. Think about what you liked about the story, the characters, its location— whatever made it enjoyable for you, and why you think others should read it too
  2. Write your review (100-150 words)
  3. Ask a grownup (parent or guardian) to help you submit it using the button below
     

Submit your review here

Other book-related things

Kids Reading Lists

Not sure what to read next? We’ve got all the book suggestions you need! Check out our themed book lists, they are updated every month. From physical books to e-books and e-audiobooks that you can download to your phone, computer or tablet, we’ve selected some fantastic titles for you to choose from.
 

Kids Reading Lists

 

Book Awards

What books, authors, and illustrators have won top honours? Take a look at the nationally and internationally recognised awards below to find out!

Australian Awards

CBCA logo

CBCA Awards

YABBA

Young Australian Best Book Awards

UK Awards

Medal awarded to the Carnegie winners

Carnegie Medal

The logo of the Children's Book Award UK

Children's Book Award

USA Awards

The gold medal presented to Caldecott winners

Caldecott Medal

The medal presented to National (US) book award winners

National Book Awards

 

Back to top