Publication Date: 26 March 26

The Blurb

Loki meets Horrible Histories in Stratford-upon-Avon starring history’s favourite genius, a young Will Shakespeare.

My name is Will Shakespeare and I SHOULD be . . .
– Cleaning out the enormous pile of POO in our privy
– Collecting the CHRISTMAS PIE from the butcher’s

But I’m REALLY …
– Solving the MYSTERY of Henry VIII’s stolen STINKY toenail clippings
– Trying to get Ronaldo and Judy back together, because Ronaldo keeps crying like a baby
– Hiding from my parents because of the poo (see above) and I may have lost the pie.

I’m in a turnip-load of TROUBLE …

The Review

A brilliantly funny reimagining of the Bard’s childhood that is absolutely fizzing with mischief and sharp wit. We meet a young Will Shakespeare long before he was a literary icon; here, he’s just a lad in a turnip-load of trouble trying to avoid his chores and navigate the muddy, stinky streets of Tudor England.

The story is incredibly clever in how it introduces people who may have inspired some of the world’s most famous stage characters. Seeing Ronaldo and Judy through the eyes of a frustrated young Will is a total joy, and the mystery of Henry VIII’s stolen toenail clippings provides exactly the kind of gross-out humour that middle-grade readers find irresistible.

The illustrations by debut talent Sammy Elgie are scattered throughout and really bring Will’s chaotic world to life. It’s fast-paced, irreverent, and manages to make history feel wonderfully accessible and ridiculous. A fantastic addition to any classroom bookshelf!

Great for fans of:

• Loki: A Bad God’s Guide To Being Good by Louis Stowell
• Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamond by Sam Hearn
• The Time Machine Next Door by Iszi Lawrence

Huge thanks to Andersen Press for sending a review copy and inviting me to take part in the blog tour. Do make sure you check out all of the other stops.