‘In Louis, Pete Johnson has created a boy who makes you laugh out loud.’ The Sunday Times
‘You really care about the characters and want to know how Louis’s adventures will pan out – while you laugh your socks off at the same time.’ The Book Trust
‘Pete Johnson is the unsung hero of entertaining writing, delighting both the proficient and reluctant reader.’ Ink Pellet
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.
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
LAUGH ALONG WITH LOUIS THE LAUGH IN
THE INTERNATIONAL BEST-SELLERS
ALL ABOUT PETE’S SCHOOL VISITS
‘Seeing the pupils’ enthusiasm and their faces light up when you came on to the stage was wonderful.’ Claire South, Sheffield School Library Service July 2017
Recently described as ‘the legendary children’s author, Pete Johnson,’ (‘This just means I’ve been doing events for a very long time,’ quips Pete) Pete is famous for his lively, interactive talks, promoting reading for pleasure.
‘My aim is simple,’ says Pete, ‘to leave every pupil buzzing about books and reading. I read brief extracts from my stories, explain how I get my ideas and give some dynamic, creative writing tips.’ These events last for approximately 50-60 minutes, (followed usually by a book signing.) Pete is happy with large groups.
Pete’s books are aimed at both boys and girls. His target age group is aged 8-13.
Pete also offers a talk/workshop: DEVELOPING CHARACTER IN ‘THE GHOST DOG.’
Pete introduces terms such as PROTAGONIST, ANTAGONIST, and shows, using ‘THE GHOST DOG,’ how characters develop in a story.
Recently Pete has been involved with a brilliant new scheme, STORIES UNITED, and in September is becoming a READING PATRON at two schools in Luton.
He will also be returning to Sheffield in September where schools have been using ‘HOW TO UPDATEYOUR PARENTS,’ as a class reader.
‘Next to reading books I love talking about them,’ says Pete. ‘Reading opens a secret door into our imagination. And there’s nothing more exciting than helping to open that door in schools and libraries.’
‘We are often asked for tips on holding successful author events – from both sides – and since we know Pete is a bit of an expert in this area we caught up with him for some advice.’
‘HOW TO FOOL YOUR PARENTS’ LAUNCHES IN GERMANY
Last year ‘HOW TO UPDATE YOUR PARENTS’ made so many pupils laugh, in Germany, that leading German publisherarsEditionannounced it was one of their best sellers.
So hopes are high for the launch of the latest Louis The Laugh book, ‘HOW TO FOOL YOUR PARENTS’ in Germany. Pete says, ‘The new German cover is brilliant. And I am thrilled that all five Louis the Laugh books are now available in Germany in these highly collectable, hard-back editions from arsEdition.’
‘NON STOP LAUGHS With LOUIS THE LAUGH in HOW TO FOOL YOUR PARENTS.’
‘This is a very funny book. We would definitely want to read the other Louis books in the series.’ Amy Wiltshire, adult
‘A wonderful book – would definitely recommend . . . Fantastic Fun.’ Ben (aged 12)
‘This was a brilliant book, a hilarious book. We especially liked the ending, because it was so satisfying.’ Reebs
‘Very funny I laughed loads of times, the book is written like a diary which is nice to read. I liked this book.’ Ewanm (aged 9)
‘Non-stop laughs with Louis the laugh in ‘HOW TO FOOL YOUR PARENTS,’ packed with jokes and funny observations on contemporary Teen Life. This is super readable.’ Andrea Reece.LoveReading4kids Click here … to read the full review on LoveReading4kids
‘We were laughing almost right away, Louis is such a fun character and the end is just perfect.’ Book Loving Mum. Amazon review
‘I very much enjoyed reading HOW TO FOOL YOUR PARENTS. As ever, the friendships and cheery optimism (even in times of adversity) feel very refreshing and there are a great number of situations which are likely to resonate with young readers . . . The humour here is far more lasting and higher on impact than so much of the derivative toilet humour . . .’ Jake Hope – Leading Children’s and teen reviewer
SPENCER He promises he will never turn into a teenager in the much loved: ‘DIARY OF AN (UN)TEENAGER’ AND ‘RETURN OF AN (UN)TEENAGER’
Spencer quote:‘If ever I have a girlfriend I’ll meet her in town for just one hour a week. Maybe on her birthday I might take her to McDonald’s as well.
But that’s really all the time I’m going to spend with her. And I’ll never ever let he come to my house. In fact, I won’t even tell her where I live. You’ve got to keep some privacy, haven’t you?’
EDGAR He’s an ‘intellectual’ who wants to be a poet,
in the international best sellers ‘MY PARENTS ARE OUT OF CONTROL ‘MY PARENTS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY’ ‘HOW TO UPDATE YOUR PARENTS’
Edgar quote:‘We are extremely sorry to inconvenience you but we are protesting about a miscarriage of justice … My poem will explain everything. I shall now read it aloud. It’s only nine verses.’
TALLULAH The girl who loves horror stories in, ‘The Vampire Quartet, beginning with the award-winning, ‘THE VAMPIRE BLOG.’
Tallulah quote: ‘Do you think vampires only exist in stories? If you do, leave this page now and don’t bother coming back either. We have nothing in common and you’re just wasting my time. But if you believe vampires might be real, then read on, as I have great news for you.’
WILL The boy who girls really like but only as a friend – in the top teen title. ‘FAKING IT’
Will quote: ‘Ruth is the first girl I ever kissed. She was a Munchken at the time. So was I. Even then I realised this was a significant moment in my life. That’s why I removed the brace from my teeth first.
Afterwards she said I was just so nice.
No boy likes to be called ‘nice,’ as that usually means you’re wetter than a haddock’s underpants.’
ARCHIE ‘The most annoying geek on the face of this planet,’ (according to Miranda) in the award-winning:
‘TRUST ME I’M A TROUBLEMAKER.’
Archie quote: ‘The funny thing is, I’ve never tried to act grown up. It’s just as soon as I wake up I can feel all this maturity bubbling up inside me. It’s a kind of gift, I suppose. I’ve been given a few extra helpings of wisdom.’
THE FIVE FUNNIEST ‘LOUIS THE LAUGH’ MOMENTSchosen by YOU
THEY ARE – IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
THE TRULY DISGUSTING SCENE WHEN A PIECE OF CAKE FLIES OUT OF THE HEADMASTER’S MOUTH AND STRAIGHT ON TO LOUIS’S TONGUE. Favourite quote: ‘I did think of somehow spitting it out – but in the end I swallowed it …’
From: ‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS,’ (page 48)
WHEN MADDY DRESSES UP AS LOUIS’S MUM, Favourite quote: ‘It was Maddy’s huge, curly red wig which really caught my attention. She looked as if she had a ginger tomcat perched on her head.’ From: ‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PARENTS,’ (PAGES 165-176) WHEN LOUIS’S DAD TURNS UP OUTSIDE HIS SCHOOLDRESSED UP AS A GANGSTER RAPPER. Favourite quote: A voice shouted out of the darkness: ‘Yo everyone hope you had a wicked time. I’m looking for my blood. Is he here?’ From: ‘MY PARENTS ARE OUT OF CONTROL,’ (P.65-69)
WHEN LOUIS GOES ON HIS FIRST EVER DATE WITH MADDY AND COMPARES HER TO ‘THE ELEPHANT WOMAN.’ Favourite quote: ‘Desperate now to talk about something – anything – I said. ‘And your dress is great, sensational. I mean, I can’t tell you how much I like it. I really, really like it. Not that I want to borrow it or anything,’ I laughed wildly.’ From: ‘MY PARENTS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY.’ (P.50-61) WHEN LOUIS THROWS UP OVER TV HOST, MICKEY BOYD. Favourite quote: ‘My mouth was suddenly ablaze with vomit which exploded out of my mouth so fast, that within seconds I’d totally covered Mickey Boyd in chopped carrots.’ From: ‘MY PARENTS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY.’ (P.171-176)
With huge thanks for all your votes.
Click here to read Pete's answers to your questions about Louis, My Parents Are Driving Me Crazy, and what exciting thing happened when he was cleaning his teeth!
"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.
BOOK CLUB SPECIAL
Pete is a keen supporter of Book Clubs in Schools and Libraries. If your Book Club would like to receive a free early copy of ‘My Parents Are Driving Me Crazy’ – please contact this website at enquiries@petejohnsonauthor.com with contact name and address.
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.
‘My aim is simple,’ says Pete, ‘to leave every pupil buzzing about books and reading. I read brief extracts from my stories, explain how I get my ideas and give some dynamic, creative writing tips.’ These events last for approximately 50-60 minutes, (followed usually by a book signing.) Pete is happy with large groups.
DEVELOPING CHARACTER IN ‘THE GHOST DOG.’ 
He will also be returning to Sheffield in September where schools have been using ‘HOW TO UPDATE YOUR PARENTS,’ as a class reader.
SPENCER 
THEY ARE – IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
With huge thanks for all your votes.
BOOK CLUB SPECIAL