I listened to this in the car with my two sons aged 7 & 10 and we all really enjoyed listening to this story. The narrator was great and made it an engaging listen. We loved that there was a diverse range of characters which would make it relatable to a lot of young children. We loved the adventure the characters went on and how Tundle discovered who he really is. Overall we would definitely recommend giving it a listen.

What’s there not to love about about this book?!
It’s got fantastic representation in it, it’s fun and even though has been written for young readers, would say it’s a fab read for all.

My thanks to Macmillan Audio U.K. for an review copy of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘The Boy with Wings’ by Lenny Henry, who also narrates the audiobook. I accompanied my listening with reading its digital edition.

This is the story of Tunde, who has just turned twelve. Tunde gets picked on a lot due to the colour of his skin. He has three close friends who likewise are the target of bullies.

Given the title and cover art, it is no spoiler that Tunde suddenly finds that he has wings! In addition, Tunde appears to attract the interest of members of the local bird population. As the novel progresses the reasons for the above are revealed and much more.

Lenny Henry was the perfect narrator for his own novel and I felt that he brought a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to his reading.

I found this a fun science fiction adventure that was inclusive with respect to difference. Alongside the SF themes the story also addresses bullying.

I appreciated the digital edition’s illustrations by Keenon Ferrell and the exclusive comic book adventure illustrated by Mark Buckingham as these added another dimension to the novel.

While intended for readers aged 9-11 it’s the kind of book that is bound to appeal to older readers as well.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I enjoyed listening to this story, particularly because the narrator made it an engaging listen. The boy with wings featured a diverse range of characters which I think would make it more relatable for children. The story was based around an adventure and a boy discovering who he really is. Although I enjoyed it, it was slow paced compared to other children’s books, with the main event in the story happening quite quickly.

Bullying turns to sci-fi Ender's Game... interesting debut from Henry.

3.5 stars.

Adopted son Tunde is picked on at school. Black skin, hooked nose. But he does at least have a great group of supportive (and diverse) friends, and his birthday is coming up. His parents may be quite strict about some things (with terrible taste in birthday cakes) but they love him.

About to turn 12, Tunde's parents forbid him to take part in sports at school, mystified, he tries to follow this but doesn't understand why.

The story is not what I was expecting from Henry. Seeing the first few chapters focusing on bullying, I was both hopeful of a good tale of overcoming bullies and looking at diversity/tolerance/racism issues, with a good Neverending Story-style ending.

But partway through it became more of an Ender's Game fantasy adventure, a little too complex for my listening 4-year-old, but perfectly suited to my 11-year-old who eats that stuff for breakfast.

There was potential to add more to the story about the bullies I thought, that plot could still have been added to the end as a coda, as the bullies are especially awful to Tunde in one scene, and even seeing one bully's own home life challenges could also have been followed through.

Oh well. Eldest Son enjoyed this. I was slightly disappointed that Lenny Henry wasn't a more engaging narrator of his own book, it didn't feel as spirited as other 'celebrity' readers we have heard. I'd be quite interested to see if he can 'write funny' for kids, this didn't showcase that side of him, which is no bad thing, branching out, but I'd like to see if children respond to his humour.

As a Black Country woman, I did chuckle to see a small dig at my home town of Wolverhampton included in there (thanks Lenny). And I did like the fact that it wasn't just Tunde who got to be a hero through this - team of friends together was needed.

A little complex maybe for the same market as Walliams and Baddiel (the cover would suggest ages 7-8 and above), so I'd say ages 9-12 will want to give this a go.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.

I grew up in the 80s and was a fan of #LennyHenry so nod oubt was I going to read #TheBoyWithWings This one was totally #inclusive had a feel of ticking the #diversity boxes. However he did smash it as a pageturning read. I think the young people will enjoy it. Not quite in the same league as another popular comedian turned children's author but then we can't have enough children's books. Especially ones that create magical characters who stand up to bullies. Many thanks to #Netgalley and #MacmillanUKAudio for gifting me an #ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Brilliantly funny book from the comedy genius that is Lenny Henry.
This wonderfully narrated story will become a firm favourite.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my feedback.

The boy with wings has relatable characters allow children to feel seen or develop empathy. A good balance of realistic day to day life and exciting space adventure. Great for readers who like modern adventure stories, space and cats.

My girls 8 and 10 years old listened to this over a few nights. This is what they had to say:-
Loved the guy who was reading it, he made it funny. Maeve 8
Thrilling jam packed funny adventure story, fast paced and kids sure to love it. Rose 10.
Sounds like a winner to me!

Lovely audiobook. I enjoyed this as an adult and would definitely recommend to the hound people in my life. Great story and very engaging.