How Tom Beat Captain Najork and his Hired Sportsmen

How Tom Beat Captain Najork and his Hired Sportsmen by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Quentin Blake (Walker Books)
HC RRP $ 24.95
ISBN 9781406343830
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Tom loves to fool around - with everything. He is fearless and loves to challenge life. His Aunt Fidget Wonkham-Strong wants the fooling around to stop so she sends for Captain Najork and his hired sportsman to combobulate Tom.

But Tom is a master at fooling around. It’s what he loves and he’s not reforming easily. The challenge begins between Tom and the hired sportsmen. Who will succeed in this tug-of- fooling around? Will the stickler for obedience Aunt F W-S get her comeuppance?

This is a fiercely entertaining and clever book. The language is unique and the artistry of Quentin Blake is also in a class of its own. It’s a funny book about the importance and benefits of play and having fun.