Billy Wizard

Description

The first day at a new school is often tricky, and if the only person who befriends you claims to be a wizard you simply have to make the best of it! Joe is pretty certain that Billy has, as the teacher says, just got an over-active imagination but when he witnesses some pretty odd events at playtime, he's not quite so sure...This is a really engaging book for newly confident readers, which perfectly captures the way young children speak and behave, in the classroom, the playground and at home. It's a refreshing new take both on bullying and on magic.

Chris Priestley is the author of three successful historical mystery adventures, set in the eighteenth century and following the adventures of a young boy called Tom Marlowe. The first in the series, DEATH AND THE ARROW, was shortlisted for an 'Edgar' mystery-writers award in the USA. Chris's first-ever book, DOG MAGIC!, was published by Young Corgi and shortlisted for the Children's Book Award. He has also written historical non-fiction for young readers. Chris is also an accomplished illustrator and cartoonist, whose work often appears in high-profile publications including THE NEW STATESMAN. He is married, with a young son.

A sensitive story about finding your feet and coping with aggression, and particularly notable for the depiction of father-son bonding * TES Teacher * Author and illustrator Priestly explores sensitively, and with well judged humour, the developing friendship of Joe and Billy . . . This is a tale of evolving friendship told with warmth * Books for Keeps * Sure to strike a chord . . . [Chris Priestley's] wry observation that it's not just children who can be bashful hits home too * Junior Education * Entertaining and amusing * Carousel * An interesting, pacey story * Primary Times *