In Hugh Bonneville's debut children's book, Rory Sparkes and the elephant in the room, readers are invited on a whirlwind adventure full of humor and heart. The story introduces us to Rory, a boy with a mind brimming with grand ambitions, from becoming a circus strongman to a globe-trotting cowboy. His current, more immediate goals, however, are a bit more grounded: avoiding a maths lesson and fixing his broken torch.

The story gets into high gear when Rory and his friend Guy concoct a scheme to raise money for a new model boat. Their plan soon backfires upon the arrival of a circus and the real possibility of a prank by Rory's pesky older sister, Clare. The author creates an incredibly humorous and absorbing story, skillfully matched with Lorretta Schauer's energetic illustrations. It's a heartwarming story of friendship, grand ambitions, and sidesplitting mayhem of plans foiled, and it's an amazing read for young explorers.

Rory Sparkes is a young boy with big dreams, and an even bigger imagination. He also has an annoying older sister, Clare, and is cursed with having red hair which is the bane of his life. 🐘
Together with his friends, Gary and Adrian Thingy, he acts out adventures, and tris to avoid the school bully. 🐘
When the circus comes to town, and some of the circus children attend Rory's school, his life suddenly becomes much more interesting, not to mention chaotic, especially when he meets Donna, the elephant of the title. 🐘
I loved this book, which was reminiscent of books I read as a child. It made me feel a tad nostalgic for my childhood. A wonderful story, with some laugh-out-loud moments. 🐘
Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing UK and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

A fantastic first book, full of warmth, humour, and adventure! Rory Sparkes is a boy with big dreams and even bigger plans, and his misadventures will have readers laughing out loud. With lively illustrations by Lorretta Schauer, this is a brilliantly funny debut that’s perfect for young readers who love imaginative stories packed with heart.

I was asked by NetGalley to review this lovely book

Rory is a boy with dreams and a great immagination he and his friends at out adventures whilst avioding the school bully.As with all families he has an annoying older sister Clare.

The circus comes to town and Rory becomes interested in this and Donna the elephant in the title.

A really lovely story and will be an ideal Christmas stocking filler

Thank you for letting me review this book.