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TOP OF THE CLASS
Pete's
most popular books in schools
TRAITOR
Exciting thriller acclaimed for its anti-bullying themes. A highly popular class reader.
‘Pete Johnson’s skilfully written dialogue taking us into the story on the first page.’
The Bookseller
Book Club notes available on Traitor page.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS
Best-selling comedy about ‘parent fatigue,’ introduces Pete’s most popular character - Louis.
A highly popular class read.
‘Children who read it will chortle away, feel better about themselves and have lots of jokes to tell.’
The Sunday Times
THE GHOST DOG
Award-winning spooky tale about the power of imagination. A big favourite and great stimulus for creative writing.
‘An incredibly enjoyable book … from a very accomplished writer.’
Books for Keeps
HOW TO UPDATE YOUR PARENTS
Highly topical comedy about technology and social media addiction. Already proving a favourite with book groups.
‘How to Update your Parents provides a fresh outlook on the subject … in a thoroughly entertaining way.’
Lovereading4kids
DIARY OF AN (UN)TEENAGER
Brilliantly observed comedy about becoming a teenager. A highly popular class reader, great for reluctant readers.
‘This is a very promising look at the slightly uncomfortable transition phase between childhood and adolescence. A compelling read.’
Book Trust
TRUST ME, I'M A TROUBLEMAKER
Award-winning comedy about Archie, who thinks he’s too ‘mature’ for school. All the pupils find him unbearable especially Miranda, the class trouble-maker. Widely regarded as one of Pete’s best comedies.
‘This is a cleverly crafted, fast-flowing comedy and the more subtle lessons in growing up and trying to change people won’t be lost either.’
Carousel
AVENGER
Award-winning thriller about bullying – interesting follow-up to ‘Traitor.’ A gripping, challenging read.
‘This is a powerful tool for considering the causes of inadequacy and bullying and how bullies and their victims can both face them and conquer them.’
Book Trust
MY PARENTS ARE OUT OF CONTROL
What happens when your parents ask for tips about being cool? Much-loved Louis comedy – a big hit with pupils – and adults. Yields great discussions.
‘A brilliant look at family life today. A hilarious story which will appeal to boys and girls alike.’
Parents in Touch
Book Club notes available on ‘My Parents Are out of Control’ page.
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BOOK OF THE MONTH
‘MINDREADER – THE CRYSTAL’ |
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 IMAGINE IF YOU COULD LISTEN IN TO WHAT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU ARE THINKING!
 That’s what happens to Matt when he is given a crystal. He can hear what his friends, teachers, parents – in fact, EVERYONE is thinking!
But what will Matt do with his magic power – and what happens when it lands him into DANGER . . .?
 ‘MINDREADER THE CRYSTAL’ is typical of Pete Johnson’s writing. This exciting, fast-moving plot line will keep the pages turning – and Matt is a thoroughly recognisable character. Great fun!’
Love Reading 4 Kids
 ‘MINDREADER THE CRYSTAL’ was incredible. One of the best best books ever written by Pete Johnson. It only took me one day to read it as it is so fascinating.’
Good Reads
‘MINDREADER THE CRYSTAL’ was originally published as MINDREADER, and was long listed for The Carnegie Medal. There are two popular Sequels: ‘MINDREADER SUPERHERO’ and ‘MINDREADER GHOSTLY WHISPER.’ |
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IT WAS TWENTY YEARS AGO THIS MONTH . . .
 . . . THAT PETE LAUNCHED HIS BIGGEST SELLING TITLE, ‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS,’ FEATURING PETE'S BEST LOVED CHARACTER, LOUIS THE LAUGH.
 ‘Louis is a boy who makes you laugh out loud,’ declared The Sunday Times on the book’s publication in February 2003. He is still doing that today in ‘How to Train your Parents’ and five best selling sequels.
Pete says, ‘I had a feeling that ‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS’ was special, but to be honest you often feel that about a new book and then you can be a bit disappointed with the response. Not with this title though. Its reception exceeded all my hopes and dreams.
 ‘What’s been especially cheering for me is that for many people, ‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS’ has become THEIR comfort book – the story they always return to when they are feeling a bit gloomy and down-hearted. I know Louis the Laugh would be thrilled to know that – and so am I.’
 ‘I love ‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS.’ It is so relatable and so good to read when you are feeling down. There are so many jokes and funny stories. I can definitely recommend this.’
Leahac, TOPPSTA
‘Attention, dear parents. If you give your child this book as a gift, it may mean that you do not recognise your child because it . . . is reading VOLUNTARILY.’
Gutemine, Amazon, Germany |
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COMING SOON
TEACHER’S GUIDE FOR ‘MATE MATCH’
(‘How I Almost Didn’t Survive my First Date’ in Germany)
 Joe has never been cool or had a girlfriend . . . then he signs up with the dating app, Mate Match where he swiftly – and hilariously – learns the rules of the dating game.
‘Mate Match’ has been described as a ‘wicked comedy of manners . . . 21st century problems examined in an easy to read and lively short novel.’ (Andrea Reece, Love Reading 4 Kids) And as ‘an honest and heart warming tale for modern teenagers . . . perfectly pitched for digitally obsessed teens.’ (Mail Book Shop)
The response to ‘Mate Match’ in both the UK and Germany has been so enthusiastic a teacher’s guide is coming out later this year.
Produced by Beltz for their acclaimed series ‘Reading, Understanding, Learning,’ This guide will offer text analysis for teachers and worksheets. It will also feature an exclusive interview with Pete, in which he will reveal: ‘How much of teenage Pete is in the main character?’
 Pete says, ‘I’m thrilled my short novel has aroused such interest. It was great fun to research. I really look forward to seeing Beltz’s teacher’s guide.’
‘Mate Match’ is brilliant. My child is eleven and has found it very difficult to get going with reading, but ‘Mate Match’ was read within 48 hours. My daughter is happy to be in bed reading for half an hour on her own now. Brilliant.’
UK review Amazon
‘I can warmly recommend ‘How I Almost Didn’t Survive my First Date,’ to anyone who has had difficulty with ordinary books and would like to be gently introduced to the world of books using current topics. 5/5 stars. A great idea.’
German review Amazon
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 NEW REVIEW OF "HOW TO CHANGE YOUR PARENTS INTO SUPERSTARS"
‘If you are still looking for a chaotically beautiful novel for the holidays or simply in every day life that really makes you laugh, Pete Johnson is ‘really always’ in that place. The latest and  sixth volume in the parents’ series once again offers the greatest possible reading entertainment for young and young at heart reading in the most entertaining way.
‘With Pete Johnson you have a guarantee for great entertainment, wit, and a desire for more.’
Owls Book Corner, Germany |
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MORE NOMINATIONS FOR YOUR FAVOURITE
LOUIS THE LAUGH BOOK
MY PARENTS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY
 ‘Utterly hilarious … it was very funny and made me chuckle all night long.’
Maria Papadopoulou, Amazon
 ‘This book is a laugh a minute with a few suitably ‘gross out’ moments that will delight many boys (or girls!). The jokes throughout are suitably groan-worthy and the description of the awkwardness of teen relationships and the difficulty of moving a friendship into dating is hilarious and even at my age I could empathize.’
Bev. Good Reads
‘I and my 10 year old daughter really liked this book. It was very good… and something to chill out with. We look forward to more stories about Louis the Laugh – thanks to this book we have discovered a new series of books that our family likes.’
Alexandra Miernik, Amazon, Germany.
HOW TO FOOL YOUR PARENTS
 ‘This is a hilarious story that the ‘Wimpy Kid’ generation will love but parents, too, will warm to a touching tale of a family thrown into chaos.’
Love Reading 4 Kids
 ‘Very funny. I laughed loads of times, the book is written like a diary which is nice to read. I liked this book.’
Ewann, Toppsta
‘A wonderful book. Ben would definitely recommend. He found this to be fantastically funny.’
Ben SZ46, Toppsta
‘The Louis the Laugh series is really funny, quirky and makes you want to read the next one.’
Amazon review
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR PARENTS INTO SUPERSTARS
‘Riotously readable feast serves up an energetic, chilled-centred perspective on family life, friendships and following your dreams (hitches and all).’
Love Reading for Kids
‘My daughter was glued to this book and laughing all the way through. It’s a light-hearted funny book and a great length for younger readers.’
Bella Cam, Toppsta
 ‘Love this book it made me laugh all the way through.’
Gryffindor potter, Toppsta
‘We would recommend this book. It is perfect for young readers who will enjoy laughing along to the story.’
Cheryl Lee-White |
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOUIS THE LAUGH BOOK?
To help you decide, readers have nominated . . .
 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS
‘I bought this for my nine year old girl and she’s spent the past few days with her head buried in it, snoring and chuckling away. I have had her read a few pages to me. It’s well written and very engaging. And, of course funny.’
wswhisper Top 100 Reviewer
‘This book is laugh out funny and keeps you engaged until the end. I would recommend the book to 12 year olds. It’s filled with jokes right from the beginning to end. This is the best comedy book I have ever read and now I want to read the whole series.’
P.L. Ellis Amazon
‘I love this book because it is so relatable… it is so good to read when you are feeling down. There are so many jokes and funny stories.’
Leahac age 11.Toppsta
MY PARENTS ARE OUT OF CONTROL
 ‘I loved this book. I loved the ending and I am glad you gave me the tips. Louis definitely worth 5 stars rating and for children who like funny and happy books.’
Sam Kelsall. Amazon
 ‘The strength in Johnson’s writing is that he addresses a lot of the major concerns most 12 year olds are experiencing – so this isn’t a children’s story where the adults are somehow airbrushed out of the picture. Indeed more of the humour in the story comes from Louis’s interactions with his parents… Very highly recommended.’
Sjhighee Amazon
‘A hilarious story which will appeal to boys and girls alike.’
Parents in Trust
HOW TO UPDATE YOUR PARENTS
 ‘My son doesn’t like reading books but he found ‘How to Update Your Parents’ very funny . . . his teacher also thought it was very good. There are jokes in it and it is easy to read.’
Amazon, Germany
 ‘A rip-roaringly, hilarious adventure, featuring tears, bucket loads of snot and some very strange clothes . . . what’s not to like?’
Book Trust
 ‘Loved this book. It was easy to read and a fun story. Kept me wanting more right to the end. Would love to read again and tell all my friends to read it.’
Romeo Slater age 10 Toppsta
More Louis the Laugh nominations next month! |
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‘HOW TO BECOME 13 AND KEEP YOUR CALM’
HAILED AS
‘SUPER COOL’ ‘REALLY FUNNY’ ‘THE PERFECT GIFT’ |
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| HOORAY! Wise-cracking Marcus and fearless Tallulah are back in a new Vampire book – the fifth – and is launching exclusively in Germany!
In ‘HOW TO BECOME 13 – AND KEEP YOUR CALM’ (UK title ‘THE VAMPIRE BUSTERS.’) we also meet a new character, Chester – a very shy boy with an artificial hand. Sadly, he doesn’t have any friends – but he escapes into stories. Then one night a spooky, ghost-like figure whispers Chester’s name and materialises in his garden. Every night he returns and every night he is even more terrifying . . .
Chester is desperate – until he meets Marcus and Tallulah. They tell him they are The Vampire Busters and they believe Chester’s spooky, late night visitor - IS A VAMPIRE.
PETE says: ‘We are launching this brand new book in Germany as a thank you to Marcus and Tallulah’s extremely loyal fans. So I wanted to make this story a really special one!
‘Marcus and Tallulah are a little older now – but as crazy as ever – and they are on their first ever case as, ‘The Vampire Busters.’ I wanted this story to be eerie and mysterious but also very funny – and to have a touch of romance too.
‘The first person to read, ‘How to Become 13 and Keep Your Calm’ was my brilliant editor. She wrote, ‘I did enjoy this as it gave the chance to bring in likeable, new characters, and to show how Marcus has developed. Marcus is pretty cool now – a hot dude in fact.’
‘But what do Marcus and Tallulah’s fans think? I can’t wait to find out . . . ’ |
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THE FIRST REVIEWS FROM GERMANY
 ‘Super Cool, really funny and comfortably spooky. We love this series.’ Book Hook
‘This Pete Johnson series is cool. My kids love his books. So the new volume, ‘How to Turn 13 and Keep Your calm,’ was a must-read for us and we were not disappointed. THE PERFECT GIFT.’ Louve 74
‘I found this story really good and very interesting – as an older reader I really enjoyed the story.’ (Amazon)
‘It is written in a very captivating way and it is good to read how the outsider and the bullying victim, Chester, finally develops more self confidence and even finds a girlfriend, thanks to his vampire hunter friends, Marcus and Tallulah. A FULL READING RECOMMENDATION FROM ME.’ Uschi, Amazon review
‘We thought the story was really well told and very exciting…’ net galley de – Angelike A
‘The author describes Chester’s emotional state so that I was able to put myself in his shoes. There is also a SURPRISE which I was not expecting anymore than Chester himself.’ Ulrike. Amazon
‘Once again the author manages to engage young readers with a lot of humour.’ Miss Marple 64
‘Best Children’s Entertainment.’ net galley Anja B
‘I liked That Chester was very shy at the beginning but then thawed out over time. This certainly gives courage to many children who are a bit shy. The main characters of the book are portrayed very sympathetically.’ Jojo, Amazon
‘Written in a flowing and captivating way with lots of wit and humour … a really great book in a diary form which will also delight reading buffs.’ Sonja Wiencke
‘’I loved this book and it was great fun to read it. Great story and somehow different too.’ Leseratte
PRAISE FOR THE MARCUS AND TALLULAH VAMPIRE SERIES
‘Puberty with a difference, weirder, scarier, more exciting.’ book ecstatic
‘Totally weird, funny and extraordinary, entertaining and simply great.’ Radio Euroherz
‘This series of books is something for everyone. I can even recommend it for those who are not interested in vampires.’ Mermaid Magic (Blog)
‘Racy, entertaining and full of typical puberty moments.’ book ecstatic
‘The characters are all really well developed...’ Bianca’s Book Heaven |
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GREAT NEW COVERS FOR
LOUIS THE LAUGH IN GERMANY |
| On February 1st 2021, arsEdition gives the Louis the Laugh books a dynamic new look. ‘These covers are so zany and friendly and Louis looks full of fun,’ says Pete. ‘I’m thrilled with them.’ |
‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS’ |
‘MY PARENTS ARE OUT OF CONTROL’ |
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‘MY PARENTS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY’ |
‘HOW TO UPDATE YOUR PARENTS’ |
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 IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN
‘HOW TO TURN 13 AND MUTATE INTO A SUPER HERO’ LAUNCHES IN GERMANY
(‘Vampire Bewitched’ in UK )
‘With a lot of humour and excitement the reader is once again in the middle of the action. The latest adventure impresses with an exciting story, horror and action as well as wonderfully bizarre and personable characters’
'The ''How to Turn 13" series makes you want more, because after each final showdown, a little door remains open for more adventures and secrets.'
Amazon, Germany. |
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Published in Germany on June 29th
‘HOW TO BECOME 13 AND SAVE THE WORLD.’
 Published in the UK as ‘The Vampire Fighters,’ this dynamic new presentation by arsEdition has found this comedy horror series a whole new audience in Germany.
German readers say . . .
‘Markus is a great and cool guy. He has to go through a lot – the tension begins on the first page and lasts until the end.’
‘This book pleased my 11 year old daughter and we are happy to give it a reading recommendation . . . It is a lot of fun to read the story.’
‘The continuation of an extraordinary story. Captivating and wonderfully bizarre characters. Great reading pleasure.’
‘HOW TO BECOME 13 – AND NOT TURN INTO AN ANIMAL’
 This eagerly anticipated title launched in Germany on January 27th. It is the sequel to the acclaimed best-seller ‘HOW TO BECOME 13 – AND SURVIVE.’
It was published in the UK as the ‘THE VAMPIRE HUNTERS.’
‘The Vampire Hunters is very exciting and I was very sad when it ended. The twist at the end is great.’
The Sun
‘The Vampire Hunters is another fantastingly written book by Pete Johnson. It is packed full of adventure, comedy, laughs, intriguing characters and a little bit of blood. This is s must read.’
Scribbler
‘I cannot recommend ‘The Vampire Hunters’ highly enough. It is an absolute delight to read – exciting, funny, a bit scary and current.’
Library Mice
‘HOW TO BECOME 13 AND SURVIVE’
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‘In addition to a funny story about a half vampire the novel also scores with suspense – and romance. Suitable for boys and girls.’
Gabriela Pagenhardt von Mainberg
‘Great reading pleasure.’
Marion Meindi |
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"It was a fabulous event – my best ever launch." Click here for Pete's blog about the launch of ‘MY PARENTS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY’ at The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. |
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Pete’s all-time favourite children’s book is ‘101 Dalmatians’ by Dodie Smith, so he is delighted to have his picture taken at The Spotted Dog in Flamstead.
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