Never judge a book by the cover is the message of the opening chapters but like another reviewer I was drawn to the "miserable old curmudgeon" character - perhaps just the word 'curmudgeon'!.
Curmudgeon is perhaps what Frank looks like to outsiders but he is grieving and clearly very broken in need of someone to help put him back together. Sometimes we're all a bit 'Frank'.

Then there's Red who is every bit the enthusiastic 6 year old with a squeaky trampoline and a knack for irritating Frank but also stealing a little piece of his heart. In fact both characters do!

The audiobook is great and add a comfort to this already comforting book.

I really enjoyed the writers style in this - very different to what I have read and exactly what I'm looking for. Happisad throughout you will laugh and be moved. Great book!

Potentially my Book of the Year and it's only January!

Possible spoilers.


Totally pulled in by a mention of "miserable old curmudgeon" character.
And he was , but also wasn't. Frank is just a bit broken. Grieving, and stuck, and lost. I had to feel for him.

Red, hits the perfect mix of enthusiasm, and annoying ness than most six year old do.

I found the plot a little predictable, but that was fine, because it went where I thought it would, with such warmth and charm that it was all good.
Some amazing lines in it that had me smiling widely.
The narration was perfect.
Feel good all round really.

🎧5⭐️

I had the audiobook read by James Killeen, I love his accent.

A feel good humorous book with the formation of an unlikely friendship between Frank a grumpy old man, struggling after the death of his wife and Red a six year old boy who moves in next door, he is struggling after the separation of his parents. There’s a link between Red’s mom and the new neighbours too.

The writing style is just ace!
It had me chuckling and snorting Frank is hilarious, he doesn’t mean to be 😂Red is like the energiser bunny and very persistent.
It’s not just funny, it’s moving too, as the reader learns more about Frank and Red’s lives. I love the presence of Marcie who is the total opposite to Frank.

Just a warning, it’s a funny feel good, but the target audience is very much adult as it contains a fair bit of bad language.
It’s my first candidate in my books of 2024