Lincs ReaderVINE VOICE4.0 out of 5 stars  Reviewed in the United Kingdom – Mac Black has already published a series of books for young adults about Derek Toozlethwaite (what an awesome name!), and Sweaty and Pals is the prequel to the series; aimed at children aged around eight to eleven years old.

Derek’s nickname in the series is Sweaty and Mac Black decided to explain to his readers how that nickname came about. In Sweaty and Pals the reader learns all about Derek and his pals; Wee Spotty, Wally, Tomtom, Jacko and Curly, and how each of them came about their nicknames.

Sweaty and Pals is a fun and interesting read. Young readers will love this as each chapter is a story in itself, and it’s really easy to pick up, read a couple of chapters and then set aside until the next day. The 1980s setting will be familiar to older readers, and intriguing to those aged under ten. This book is about boys having fun, using their imagination and not relying on electronic gadgets, or checking their phones every few minutes. There’s no live streaming of mischief here, or photographs of everything that happened, this is good old-fashioned fun and games.

The writing is engaging and the characters are recognisable, and lovable. Mac Black himself has illustrated the book beautifully with colour pictures that bring the story to life.

Recommended for kids, and big kids alike!