Fred: Wizard in Trouble
Fred may look ordinary, but sometimes people who look ordinary turn out to be not veryordinary at all ... because it just so happens that Fred is a Wizard!
The only problem is that Fred is completely, mind-boggingly TERRIBLE at magic...
And now he's training with the amazing Merlin, hoping to transform from the worst wizard around to a magical marvel. But when an ancient magical book is stolen and Merlin goes missing, Fred discovers that sometimes magic isn't the answer and that he has other talents that can help him solve the mystery that's got everyone else stumped!
Illustrated by Sheena Dempsey
Published by Simon & Schuster Children’s UK, April 2020
ISBN: 9781471169090
Look inside…
Reviews
“Although there are plenty of spells and magic in this funny and exciting adventure story, it is Fred’s determination, bravery, clever thinking and loyalty that ultimately lead to success. Witty, energetic, black and white illustrations complement every chapter, bringing the characters to life and adding an extra dimension for independent readers.”
“Fred: Wizard in Trouble combines meaningful realisations about self-worth, with puzzle-solving, and sparkling humour. Despite its magical setting, the author has snuck in jokes about our own world, and even a dig at standardised testing. His critique of children’s value being measured by arbitrary criteria, rather than unique abilities, runs throughout the story. Sheena Dempsey’s illustrations add a splash of magic, giving shape to the characters and adding delightful detail to every scene.It is great to see Dempsey’s diverse depiction of characters, including a protagonist of colour. This book would suit anyone interested in magic, mystery, and humour. It speaks to any child, and adult, that struggles with anxiety and living up to the expectations of others. And anyone who enjoys a crisp sandwich”
— Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan, Children’s Books Ireland
