Childish

By Morris Gleitzman

Reviewed by Jenny Ruge

Morris Gleitzman has for many years been one of Australia’s best-loved authors for children. With 45 books to his credit, he’s never afraid to tackle difficult subjects, with relatable characters often caught in sticky situations and important messages couched in laugh-out-loud humour. His latest novel, Childish, continues this tradition and is sure to become a reader favourite.

Eleven-year-old Arkie Lumsden is staying in the city with Nan, waiting for his parents to sell the family farm. This might take a while, however, as it needs to rain first and it hasn’t rained in Arkie’s lifetime. When new friend Dot Chen suffers a gruesome injury courtesy of a pothole caused by a sunken manhole cover, Arkie springs into action. Who is responsible for fixing the manhole covers (a.k.a. AAICs – Access and Inspection Covers): the local council or the utility companies? When he sets out to find the answer, Arkie discovers bureaucracy can be a paralysing barrier to common sense and timely action. But with his country-boy pragmatism and can-do attitude, Arkie’s determined to find a solution. With Dot’s help, and some ingenious use of plasticine, can they prove that being ‘childish’ isn’t such a bad thing?  And when Arkie accidentally goes viral, can the support of friends and family silence the social media trolls?

This novel is filled with Gleitzman’s trademark humour, although presented in a more subtle way than some of his previous books. At only 150 pages, Childish is perfect for reading aloud in upper primary classrooms, and well-suited to discussions about the workings of government. With Arkie new to the city, having only ever attended ‘satellite school’, he provides a new perspective on many of the things we take for granted. The positive portrayal of the school principal and teachers, all of whom support Arkie’s efforts, was an unexpected but welcome twist.

This novel is rich with themes of friendship, resilience and the importance of positive thinking. At a time when the world is changing dramatically and children may feel helpless, Gleitzman’s story will instil a belief that action is always possible, and even small achievements count. For, as Arkie so poignantly asks: ‘What hope is there for us all … in this troubled world, if we can’t even fix a few potholes?’ (p.94).

Highly recommended for readers 9+.

Penguin  2025

Morris Gleitzman