Reviews
HIGHLIGHTS:
“Great adventure in wacky science” “Action-packed”
“So funny I couldn’t stop reading it” “Written with verve and pace”
“A roller-coaster of catastrophes” “Full of kid friendly humour”
“I really recommend it”
DETAILS – Second edition (2024):
HAPPY BOOK TO READ I found this book easy and fun to read. Found myself laughing out loud at some of the school antics. I can imagine children plotting how to shrink their science teacher. I liked the innovative approach. Would definitely recommend it. Moira Thomas Amazon November 2024
A VERY FUNNY STORY Good reading for young teenagers Ray Gil Amazon November 2024
SUCKED INTO THIS I bought this book to read to my grandchildren. Planned to read a few pages each night to calm them at bedtime. NO CHANCE! Straight through. They were fascinated. A great yarn. Stephen Reid Amazon November 2024
5 OUT Of 5 STARS Remarkable happenings. A whiff of the fantastical, redolent of Peter Pan or indeed Harry Potter. The book relates events in a school science lab as students attempt crazy experiments, then try to bring things back to normal, with compelling humour. Fiction for young people is rarely as fresh as this. Bernard Cartwright Amazon December 2024
A JOLLY GOOD READ Keep your eye on your microwaves, Mums! Entertaining from beginning to end. Barbara Baltrop WordPress Dec 2024
Earlier reviews (First Edition 2010)
GREAT ADVENTURE IN WACKY SCIENCE Can you imagine your teacher suddenly shrinking to the size of an Action Man? That’s what happens when crazy Jake conducts a mad experiment in the school science lab. A girl in the class, Annie, discovers the miniaturised teacher and she has to help him. They go through all sorts of scraps and things get a lot worse. It’s so funny. I couldn’t stop reading it. PalofPeter Amazon October 2010
BIG BIG FUN A story that 10-13 year olds will love – written with verve and pace that will carry readers along on a rollercoaster of catastrophes unwittingly set in motion by an ambitious and likeable science student. It is narrated by the appealing Annie, who finds herself with the cantankerous science teacher in the palm of her hand, literally! It is full of kid friendly humour as she attempts to deal with the tiny teacher, such as providing him with the only clothes she has that will fit him – a pink and orange Barbie outfit. It is a very accessible book, which at the same time offers a substantial and sustained read. I really recommend it. Highway27 Amazon December 2010
AN EASY TO READ, ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE A lot of fun, childish humour in the story – avoiding suspicious mothers and sniffing dogs. A very farcical feel to it. Children will enjoy the drama and humour of the grumpy teacher. Has a good pace. I especially liked the final chase scenes which felt exciting and fun. A good, fun read. Ruth Ng Good Reads October 2011
VERY FUNNY Exciting. Enjoyed reading it. Aleena Hasnat Good Reads November 2021
NEW REVIEWS – 2025:
YOU WILL ENJOY THIS THOROUGHLY An amusing adventure takes place in a school Science Laboratory when a crazy experiment goes horribly wrong. Can it be resolved? The pace of this book is swift, and there will be no spoilers here. I will be introducing this book to my Grandchildren. Grahame Leach WordPress January 2025
EXTRAORDINARY A funny, fantastical story involving two children in their ordinary and familiar world at school and at home. The humorous tale moves along at a fast pace with twists and turns along the way. Will hold young readers’ attention as the outcome remains in the balance until the end. Yet whilst the children’s adventure is the main theme, the book also highlights the benefits of co-operation and collaboration in an endeavour to overcome challenging circumstances. Your children and grandchildren should enjoy this amusing and light-hearted book. A fun read! Pat C WordPress January 2025
WHAT ON EARTH CAN HAPPEN NEXT? A fun and exciting read. Made me quite worn out keeping up with the twists and turns in Jake and Annie’s adventures. Sue B WordPress Jan 2025
HILARIOUS Adventure, action and just the right amount of peril thrown in. A great read with real laugh out loud moments. Who hasn’t wanted to shrink a teacher at some point in their lives? Hilary; Marden W.I. February 2025
AS A 14-YEAR OLD BOY this was a great book and an easy read . I really enjoyed the setting of the school lab and the characters especially Annie and how she steps up to solve the situation . I found this book very funny and the unexpected twists were very entertaining . This is a great book to read. Louis Hill March 2025
Background:
Robert first published this funny children’s story in 2010.
He produced a 2nd edition in the autumn of 2024 (merely a few words and phrases different from the first version).
And he’s currently endeavouring to promote the refreshed book.
Additionally, this year Robert has written a screenplay for Big BIG Secrets.
Huge thanks to the talented team of advisors on the script: Ben Jackson, Gil Jackson, Alan Jones, Peter Sutton and Moira Thomas.
The screenplay was entered in the Birmingham Film & TV Market competition as a family comedy AND VERY WELL RECEIVED.
The Readers Report considered the script: “A charming, fast-paced family sci-fi comedy that blends humour, adventure and heart.”
“Strong potential for visual comedy and physical gags.”
“The dynamic between the leads is engaging; escalating absurdity of their predicament keeps the story lively.”
Soon after this, the script was short-listed in the prestigious American PAGE screenplay event.
The PAGE judge reckoned: “It feels like the type of family film that Disney used to do so well. The characterisation of the people, notable set pieces and comedic moments will make for a good trailer and marketing.”
Now what? Sending out “begging letters” to producers in the UK, hoping to persuade them to read the script and champion this project.
In order to have control over interest in the title, subject and property, we are using this dedicated location for people to post their reviews, thoughts and advice.
Here’s what we have so far:
“As a retired Primary School Teacher, and mother of three boys, I found this book totally entertaining. I visualised the ‘Big Big Secrets’ story taking place in Worcester. It is written in a style which engages children’s imagination. I laughed out loud at the high jinks the children and their teacher experienced.
I THINK THIS STORY WOULD MAKE AN EXCELLENT FILM” Jan Russell
“WE all loved your book…
GREAT FOR A FILM, SO FUNNY.” Judy Page, Worcester Ladies Probus
(Meanwhile, check out details of this funny story set in Worcester within the Profile page)
You can reach Robert by e-mailing: splash-tv@tiscali.co.uk
Robert Arley 