Charlie wants a paper round more than anything in the world, but his attempts to get one are met with mystery and bizarre, unexpected hostility from the elderly women are who currently on the job in his Melbourne neighbourhood.

Charlie quickly calls on his friend Hils, and together they do the unimaginable: they declare war on the grannies. Hils is a wonderful, tough character. Destined for an army career, she is a constant source of survival knowledge and other fascinating trivia. The team are quickly caught up in a ridiculous, often-cartoonish, adventure.

Plenty of funny tangents and gags give this book a very high giggle-per-page rating, especially for those who delight in gross stuff and fart jokes. Care has been taken to publish the book in an enticing format with lots of bullet points, lists, tables and tidbits to encourage readers.

It’s perfect for David Walliams fans who are looking for something new. Like Walliams, Alan Brough has a background in comedy and broadcasting. He has used this knack for entertaining to write a hilarious and super-appealing book for readers aged 8 and up.

Kim Gruschow works as a bookseller at Readings Hawthorn.