Bad News! I'm in Charge!

by Bruce Ingman

What would you do if you could rule the land?

List of Changes:
1. Stay up late
2. Chips with everything
3. Snacks all the time
4. Every Wednesday teachers wear funny hats . . .
IT'S OFFICIAL

One day, with the help of his superduper metal detector, Danny discovers an ancient treasure chest that gives him power to rule the land. He wastes no time making changes: pets in school, no dentists or hairdressers, and Mom and Dad in bed by eight o’clock. He even finds a way to delegate his most boring new responsibilities, like opening a toothbrush factory or kissing babies! With bold, inventive artwork and sly humor, Bruce Ingman captures the essence of every kid’s wildest dream come true.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Born in 1963, Bruce Ingman is a British picture-book author and illustrator. He was born in Liverpool, and studied fine art at Nottingham Trent University and illustration at the Royal College of Art, London. He has taught at a number of art colleges and has illustrated for magazines, including British Vogue and The Sunday Times. He published his first book, When Martha's Away, in 1995, and has gone on to illustrate a number of other authors' books, including multiple titles from the celebrated Allan Ahlberg. Ingman regularly gives talks and workshops in schools, theatres and at literary festivals, including Cheltenham, Edinburgh and Oxford, and he is a founding Ambassador for the House of Illustration, the world’s first dedicated home for the art of illustration.

Reviews

[Freddie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through a thoroughly unbelievable set of circumstances, a young child is deemed "ruler of the land" and sets about changing all the rules and bossing around his parents. It's funny and very silly, and the overall message - that with great power, comes great responsibility - is sound. But the illustrations are certainly the winning component for me. They are wacky and are made up of painted pictures and other collaged elements.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A role-reversal story where a child is in charge and the parents have to obey.

The child realizes how much non-fun stuff has to be done, so he appoints people to do that and remains the King of Fun.

My favorite picture if the adults reading books in bed under the covers by flashlight.

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funky story about child wish fulfillment.

The mixed media illustrations matched some of the bizarre out of this worlds happenings . Lots going on with the font as well :the dog sentences were written backwards and the font sizes changed size perhaps to convey emotion.

A very clear story arc (Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___) and strong character voice. It irked me that Ingham included his website on of the pages - it felt self promotion when it could have been used to add another subtle details to young readers.I'd like to see if this story could be used as example to teach point of view, since it has such a strong first person. Recommend for K-3.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title had me in such a fit of giggles I lost no time in devouring the story of Danny and his metal detector. The suit of armor and other delightful non-sequitors made this book ideal for weirdos like me. Ingman captures this child's voice perfectly. Some of my favorite rules include #2 Chips with everything!! and #10 Pets in school!!! AND THEN THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR FROM THE CENTRAL BUREAU!
5 stars and 1 billion cool points awarded to Bruce for being a mensch.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

bad news: it was kind of a weird story

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars