Kid Normal Review: Should You Always Choose the Latest Books — And Are Celebrity Authors a Good Idea?
Choosing books for your kids can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not a big reader yourself. It’s tempting to reach for the familiar name — the celebrity author you’ve seen on TV or heard on the radio. After all, if they’re entertaining on screen, surely they can write a brilliant children’s book too… right?
Well, not always.
Why a Famous Author Doesn’t Guarantee a Great Children’s Book
We all know the saying “never judge a book by its cover” — and I’d extend that to “never judge a book by the celebrity photo on the back.” Just because your favourite comedian or presenter has written a children’s book doesn’t mean it will be a laugh‑a‑minute masterpiece.
Humour for adults doesn’t always translate to humour for kids. The jokes you enjoy on Taskmaster or 8 Out of 10 Cats aren’t necessarily the jokes you want repeated in the school playground the next day. And trust me, no one wants a call from the teacher because your child has enthusiastically shared some “colourful” new vocabulary.
Writing for children is a skill. It takes practice, editing, and a real understanding of what young readers find funny, exciting, or meaningful.
A Celebrity Author Who Does Get It Right: Julian Clary
Julian Clary’s The Bolds is a brilliant example of celebrity writing done well. It’s silly, joyful, and unmistakably “him” — but also perfectly pitched for children. (More on The Bolds another day.)
And One Who… Doesn’t Quite Hit the Mark
This may ruffle feathers, but I’m not a huge David Walliams fan. Last Christmas, missing a new Tom Fletcher release (I was building a lovely Christmasaurus tradition), I picked up The Ice Monster.
Was it Dahl‑esque? Yes.
Was it old‑fashioned and edging into uncomfortable territory? Also yes.
Would I recommend it? Not really. There’s better children’s literature out there.
Kid Normal: Why This Celebrity/Writer Duo Works
Now let’s talk about Kid Normal by Greg James and Chris Smith.
Greg James needs no introduction — he’s the cheerful voice many of us wake up to on Radio 1. Chris Smith, on the other hand, required a quick Google. Turns out he’s written several children’s books, including continuing the Famous Five series, and has a background in journalism and broadcasting.
And this combination — a well‑known personality plus a skilled writer — really works.
You can absolutely hear Greg James’ energy and humour in the narration, but the writing itself is tight, clever, and well‑crafted. It’s clear that both authors brought something valuable to the table. For me, it’s a 10/10 partnership.
A bit more digging (or simply reading the back of the book…) reveals that Chris Smith also worked on Radio 1’s Newsbeat and co‑hosted a Capital show. So yes, two journalists turned children’s authors — and it shows in the quality of the storytelling.
Is Kid Normal Still Worth Reading Years Later? Absolutely.
Kid Normal was first published in 2017 by Bloomsbury and usually retails around £6.99. If you want a cheaper copy, check eBay, Vinted, or World of Books — there are plenty floating around. I found mine in a local free bookcase.
It’s not new, but that doesn’t matter to me. I read Agatha Christie and those were written decades ago. Kids, however, can be sensitive to what’s “current,” so I’d recommend mixing newer releases with older gems to keep them feeling up‑to‑date.
The book won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2018, and my edition has a bright yellow edge that looks fantastic on the shelf. The illustrations by Erica Salcedo add a brilliant layer of humour — expressive, quirky, and consistent across the series (which is a relief if you’ve ever owned mismatched Harry Potter editions).
What Kid Normal Is About (Without Spoilers)
In short:
A completely ordinary boy accidentally ends up at a school for children with superpowers.
But these aren’t your typical superhero abilities. Think:
Crying ketchup
Understanding what cats are thinking
Other wonderfully useless talents
The villain is delightfully ridiculous (and useless), the evil henchman even more so, and the whole thing leans into slapstick, silliness, and charm.
The narrators frequently break the fourth wall, adding witty asides that make the reading experience feel lively and interactive — similar to Tom Fletcher’s style.
Is it good vs evil?
Does the underdog triumph?
Of course — it says so on the cover.
Final Verdict: Read It, Share It, and Grab the Next One
Kid Normal is funny, warm, and genuinely enjoyable for both kids and adults. It’s a great reminder that:
Books don’t have to be brand new to be brilliant
Celebrity authors can work — when paired with the right writing partner
Children’s literature is at its best when it’s imaginative, silly, and full of heart
My recommendation:
Read it, pass it on, and immediately pick up Kid Normal and the Rogue Heroes. Let me know what you think.