Boffin Brainchild
by Jill Jennings
Complex ideas such as free will, and how we all learn and develop as people, are explored sensitively and in ways which will both appeal to and inspire young readers.
‘Just like a human child,’ the blurb reads, ‘Boffin Brainchild learns by looking, listening and copying those around him.’ The reader is quickly drawn into a powerful and funny journey where naive Boffin develops and grows, all the time facing unexpected dangers and problems.
Determined to be a boy, and not something to be stared at in a museum, Boffin causes endless dilemmas for Tom – and the reader – in a sequence of rouses to hide the robot’s true identity.
This book has bite and will appeal to reluctant readers – especially boys interested in machines and computers. Reading this book aloud is a treat. The robot’s funny repetitious phrases and quirky dialogue work well with younger children and help underpin the character. The fast pace and flow of narrative twists and turns will keep any primary aged pupil engaged throughout. A satisfying ending and lots of possibilities for a sequel round off an ideal book for Year 5.
Boffin Brainchild is our book of the month for February 2014.
