Jamie X. Oliver

* reviewed from free copy provided by the publisher *

children's fantasy adventure fiction, 1st in potential series (~3rd/4th grade or younger as a readaloud), featuring a dyslexic but creative/smart boy (Billy) and his brave and loyal crew (including one kid who farts a lot) as they join forces with a community of wood Sprites in a series of challenging situations.

I really liked that Jamie Oliver (like Rick Riordan) created a book for dyslexic kids -- the use of Atkinson Hyperlegible font show more makes it easier for low-vision and dyslexic people to read as well. I can imagine the author telling this story to his kids, complete with hilarious fart noises and hand gestures and funny voices. The descriptions of various foods served up by Billy's pub-owning parents are vivid and fresh. Kid-friendly recipes (with adult supervision) are included in the back as well--Pasta and meatballs with grated zucchini, mushroom, onion and garlic; Hot chocolate spiked with cinnamon; and Perfect porridge with a caramelly glaze--they are all three more labor- and time-intensive than I would typically bother with (since I would also be the one to wash the pots and bowls afterwards), but I can enjoy and almost taste them just from reading the directions.

I do feel a bit like I'm missing out by reading the print book; I think the experience would be richer in the audio format (narrated by the author himself along with a full cast of other voices). Oliver's storytelling style may lend itself better to the oral format; in print, without the voices and personality it can sometimes come across as heavy-handed, and some of the inside-jokes he must have with his kids get a little lost when presented as mere text. It doesn't stand out among the sea of quality kid lit that is being published these days, but I think kids would enjoy it well enough, especially as a bedtime readaloud. show less

Billy, a boy who struggles at school and is the recipient of bully Bruno’s evil pranks, has something good going for him, too. His parents are loving and they cook the best food! He has great friends, too. Anna, Jesse, Andy, and Billy go on adventures…but the adventure of a lifetime will follow them into Waterfall Woods.

They’ve been told not to go into the woods. Their creaky, crabby neighbor Wilfred Revel warns them since a long time ago (50 years!) two boys ventured into the Woods show more and only one came back. But, of course, the foursome have no intentions of following the warnings. Purely by luck or maybe accident, or spritely magic, they find their way into a magical world of Sprites, Boonas (you’ll have to read about them yourself), and Giants.

The friendly Sprites, especially Basil, tell them that the Rhythm is off, killing plants, animals and fish. Together, they puzzle together the pieces and find the answer and make a certain young investigative reporter very happy.

Billy and friends also find a way to put a smile on Wilfred Revel’s face and a way to melt his heart. (But, you’ll have to read about that yourself, too).

Billy and the GIANT Adventure is pure magic. With snarky, sassy, silly dialogue of the Sprites, the intrepid thinking of the four friends, and the assistance of the Giant all make this story a true delight. And, the illustrations are beyond captivating and imaginative.

Honestly, I cannot wait for book #2. My only criticism is the long chapters (which will not appeal to some kids)….but, it doesn’t stop me from giving this delightful book 5 stars. Who knew Jamie Oliver had a story to tell…..?

Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Tundra Books, an Imprint of Book Group, and Jamie Oliver for this ARC. show less

This book was just amazing!! I love how Special is how Jamie’s personality shines through every page. Written with a sense of encouragement and understanding for those who, like him, struggled in school, the story inspires readers to embrace imagination without stressing over perfection. His empowering message to children facing reading difficulties—“get caught up in the wonder and don’t worry about getting the words right”—is both uplifting and refreshing.



For kids dealing with show more bullies, Jamie’s advice is simple yet powerful: “You just gotta rise above it. The best way to get a bully is to kill them with kindness.” In a world so often filled with messages of revenge, this theme of kindness and resilience is a welcome and much-needed reminder.



Fans of Jamie’s work will immediately recognize his personal touch. Childhood friends, Gennaro, and the pub that inspired the Green Giant are lovingly woven into the fabric of the story also providing delightful moments of humor and authenticity.



Despite being a children’s book, it made me reminisce about childhood favorites. If you’re thinking about reading this with your kids, do it! It’s a wonderful memory-making opportunity filled with laughter and heart. I'm not a motehr myself, I still enjoyed it :)



Jamie’s focus on doing what’s right—“the rhythm” of tidying up before play and remembering manners—is seamlessly woven into the narrative. It’s rare to find these values so thoughtfully explored in children’s literature today.







With an engaging story, heartfelt themes, and plenty of giggles, the book earns a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars from me. show less

One of those adventure stories that a Dad might tell at bedtime to be continued over several nights. The story, mysterious and exciting, reminds this reader of the style of storytelling I loved as a child. Oliver’s parents ran a pub serving tasty food, just like Billy’s family. This allows Billy to take along tasty snacks for the jaunts into the woods to visit the sprites the friends discovered. They also found danger but like dyslexia it can be conquered.

Jamie Oliver understands the show more dyslexic reader and is reassuring that given time and patience, all will be well. The dedication says it all:
“This is for all the kids who struggle at school, or have dyslexia like me. Never lose hope. Believe! You have the power to see things in ways no one else will! Find your way, just like Billy. The Billy-Boy way!

I thoroughly enjoyed the book as well as the author's recipes graciously included at the end. show less