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The Time Machine Next Door: Scientists and Stripy Socks

Book Synopsis

A page-turning, laugh-out-loud historical adventure by comedian and podcaster Iszi Lawrence, perfect for fans of Horrible Histories.

Time flies when you’re having fun. But what does it do when you’re not?

Sunil and his extraordinary Auntie Alex are back for another hilarious adventure as they whizz through time. But Auntie Alex’s time machine has started behaving strangely and using it has become even more unpredictable and dangerous than ever. From the dark and gloomy heights of the Tower of London to the tropical Galápagos islands, will Sunil and Alex be able to get home? And can they avoid the sinister Mr Shaykes and his pet kiwi?!

The Time Machine Next Door is an exciting new series of quirky historical chapter books for readers aged 7-9. Written by comedian, podcaster and children’s author Iszi Lawrence, these books bring lesser-known parts of history to life with hilarious plots, real-life characters, fascinating facts and fantastic illustrations.

Our Review Panel says...

Sunil’s parents are nervous about leaving him with Alex, their somewhat unconventional neighbour, due to the presence of, the even more eccentric, Mr Shaykes in her front garden. Sunil knows to wait for the bump from next door to herald Alex’s return and can’t wait to return to his babysitter for another adventure. The question isn’t where that adventure will take them, but when…

The text is easy to access while also being witty and charming. Just the right side of ridiculous and peppered with facts – from famous scientists, to earthworms, to James Bond, to the original name for Uranus – who knew?

The larger font size and relatively short story mean that the book will appeal instantly to a younger audience, but in my opinion would brilliantly come into its own for older reluctant readers or children in older years for whom reading can be harder to access due to additional needs. The content and style are really attractive for an older child while remaining accessible for everyone. Sometimes even the most able reader enjoys a story they can read in one sitting. Add into that some glorious illustrations and you are in for a super fun treat for KS2.