Agatha Parrot and the Floating Head

by Kjartan Poskitt, David Tazzyman (Illustrator)

A hilarious new series—Clarice Bean meets Horrid Henry. Includes Agatha's report at the end, on Henry VIII! Hiya! This book is about Odd Street School where I go along with mad Ivy who always jumps down stairs four at a time WAHOO! And Martha who is big and can stand up to boys. The oddest teacher we have is Miss Barking who wears goggles and gloves to use a pencil sharpener. The story is about when she tried to execute Martha with a floppy cardboard axe, but instead Martha's head floated off and exploded! Don't worry. Martha ends up eating ice cream—but if you want to know how, then you'll have to read the insides, won't you?

Genres: Childrens, Humor

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

Kjartan Poskitt is an author and TV presenter who is best known for writing the Murderous Maths children's series of books. Poskitt was educated at Collingwood College, Durham. In addition to his popular science and maths books, which include books on Isaac Newton (Dead Famous: Isaac Newton and his Apple), puzzles, practical jokes and secred codes, Poskitt has written a book of magical tricks, a GCSE Maths support book and four Rosie and Jim annuals. In 2007, Poskit published the first in a new series of children's novels called Urgum the Axeman.

He also wrote the theme tune for the children's art program SMart, as well as the title theme and music for the first two series of Brum. He is also the creator of a logic puzzle, Kjarposko.

He has been a presenter for a number of (mostly BBC) educational children's TV shows.

Reviews

[Alys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually loved it. Hilarious book, about the right level for me as a learner (although there were some hard bits which I had to return to) absolutely loved the plot and characters though.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this years ago, but it’s the only book I can remember that has caused me to laugh out loud while reading by myself. I used to read this series out loud to my dad while we drove to the dump. Good times.

[Stargazer · Rating 2 out of 5]

not sure how to rate this, sure kids will like it, but as an adult i didn't get into it

[Andrew carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book my favorite chapter was Martha's bummy is a tallon

[Beth Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agatha Parrot is a brilliant character with a bright and witty voice. She narrates her own story (which is why the book is described as 'typed out neatly by Kjartan Poskitt' - Agatha is the author and Poskitt has just recorded her story for her). As a first-person story, Agatha introduces us to her friends before the story properly begins, and she is able to lead the reader through in quite an explicit way, which is good for newly independent readers as well as fitting with her quirky style.

The plot concerns Agatha's class, who are going to be taken on a special trip as a reward for all having full attendance for the half term. Agatha's friend Martha has an incident with a crazy pizza (octopus paste...) and gets sick. Naturally, Agatha has to pretend that Martha is not sick and is at school, with the help of a balloon, Martha's coat and some newspaper-stuffed trousers. Hilarity ensues as she battles to save the class trip.

This series is bound to be compared with Mr Gum, as they share an illustrator, but I would say that this book is somewhat gentler in its humour than Mr Gum. At the same time, although the main characters are girls, this is not a girly-girl book - Agatha is too feisty for sparkly pink princessy fluffiness, I should think! The plot is crazy and hilarious, but it isn't as far-fetched as Mr Gum, possibly due to its school setting. I felt it was more like Kes Gray's recent Daisy chapter books in tone and style.

Overall, I found this a really entertaining read, which had me laughing out loud in a couple of places. The plot is appropriately simple and linear and although I knew what was likely to happen, the delivery itself was so funny and well-delivered.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, fun read. It reminded me a little of You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum!, partly because of David Tazzyman's illustrations. The humour is less anarchic and gentler than Mr Gum. The story is told by Agatha Parrot (hence why it is "neatly typed out" by Kjartan Poskitt), about her and her friends' attempts to preserve their perfect attendance record and go on their trip to a museum to see Egyptian mummies. I particularly enjoyed it as I recognised the road in York and the school where the story is set; I even recognised Agatha's hair, as it was inspired by my friend's daughter's hair!

I'd recommend this book to fans of Lauren Child's Clarice Bean books, and other readers who enjoy funny stories that have a basis in reality. It is definitely one I'd recommend to reluctant readers of 7+, and I think it would be great fun to read aloud to classes Y2 and above.

[Sarah Hammerton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Agatha Parrot is a entertaining and witty character who has decided to write down her latest adventures. This story involves Agatha's attempts to cover up the fact that her friend Martha is sick so the class trip to the museum isn't cancelled.

The illustrations are from Mr Gum illustrator, David Tazzyman, which children will love. The book revolves around the school setting and has similarities to Lauren Child's older Clarice Bean titles. I have to say that I prefer Clarice but I think Agatha could develop well across more titles.

A nice touch at the end is Agatha's own take on listing the wives of Henry VIII, who she has learnt about in school. This is a good easy read for 6 - 8 year olds.

[Suzie Bookgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure about this one to start with. It is written in first person and seemed a little silly but by the end I was laughing along merrily. Agatha and her friends are desperate to go on a class trip to the museum to see the mummies. The trip will only happen if nobody has a day off school so when Martha gets sick from eating an octopus pizza Agatha has to think fast. Her solution is brilliant, funny and so very well described. (6-8 years)

[D.peabody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure about this one to start with. It is written in first person and seemed a little silly but by the end I was laughing along merrily. Agatha and her friends are desperate to go on a class trip to the museum to see the mummies. The trip will only happen if nobody has a day off school so when Martha gets sick from eating an octopus pizza Agatha has to think fast. Her solution is brilliant, funny and so very well described. (6-8 years)