If your family is anything like mine, one that is brimming with bookworms, then you’ll understand the joy of discovering a new title from a favourite author, or even the thrill of discovering a new one. Having thoroughly enjoyed previous titles by Jenny Moore, I was thrilled to start reading Audrey Orr and the Robot Rage – and it did not disappoint.
The story kicks off with a relatable dilemma: Audrey Orr’s mum, a serial comper (she is always entering competitions), finally wins a dream prize – a family cruise to Norway. Their excitement is off the charts, that is until they are brought back to reality when they realise it clashes with the school term. Audrey’s mum tries to pass the trip off as educational, but the aptly named Mr Stickler, headmaster and rule-enforcer extraordinaire, refuses to grant Audrey the time off from her studies. Desperate not to miss out, Audrey and her eccentric Grandad hatch a plan involving a robot clone – yes, I said robot!, to take her place at school. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, as it turns out, quite a lot can go wrong. The robot, designed to be an exact replica of Audrey, quickly develops a mind of its own and decides it wants the family and the holiday all to itself. What follows is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure filled with chaos, comic mishaps, and a surprising amount of heart.
Overall, Jenny Moore has crafted a wonderfully humorous story with a zany cast of characters that just leap out of the pages (don’t worry, a raging robot won’t actually find its way out of the book). Audrey is the comic-writing, eye-patch-wearing heroine of this adventure. She also has a fantastic vivid imagination (she needs that for writing her comics) and a touch of self-doubt, especially when it comes to her appearance (her eye-patch). But her journey is so much more than just battling an angry robot that has gone rogue, it is also about her self-esteem and being able to embrace her identity while finding confidence in who she is. These subtle underlying themes are expertly woven into the story, which will resonate with children, particularly those affected by Amblyopia (lazy eye), who may see themselves reflected in Audrey’s experiences.
There is also an excellent supporting cast of characters that add layers of humour and warmth to the story. Mrs Orr is a whirlwind of enthusiasm who loves nothing more than to enter more a shedload of competitions (more than is probably healthy), while Mr Orr, who is affectionately nicknamed Pooh-Pooh, is a snack-loving dad with a peculiar obsession for photographing his foot fungus. Grandad, with his penchant for knitting bizarre creations, is a delight and Mr Windbags, the farting cat, provides plenty of giggles. Dr A N Droyde, the eccentric inventor and the robot clone Awesome (or Awful, depending on your perspective), round off the cast with sci-fi flair and comic villainy.
Despite its 268-page length, the book is broken into 26 manageable chapters with large, accessible text, making it ideal for readers aged 8–12. The pacing is brisk, the humour abundant and the plot packed with twists and turns. Children will revel in the Norwegian wordplay – who knew “fart” means “speed” in Norwegian? (well, Norwegian’s I hope) and the story’s unapologetic embrace of silliness, from cat sick to poo jokes.
Audrey Orr and the Robot Rage is more than just a funny tale of adventure and raging robots. It’s a celebration of individuality, family and the messy, joyful chaos of growing up. It’s perfect for reluctant readers, budding comedians and anyone who’s ever wished they could be in two places at once. Jenny Moore has once again delivered a story that’s clever, heartwarming and utterly bonkers – and I mean that in the best possible way.
Highly recommended for Young Page Turners who love their books with a side of mischief and a whole lot of heart.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £6.99 (Paperback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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