Professor Nincompoop by Jimmy Vee, Illustrated by Ben Askew

A children’s book that encourages young readers to think critically, Professor Nincompoop by Jimmy Vee is a wildly entertaining read with a poignant yet subtle message.

Professor Nincompoop is a scientist whose dream is to be included in the Professors Hall of Fame. Talking to two young acquaintances who love to learn new things, the professor claims to have found the most mysterious animal on Earth, traveling far and wide to find clues to its location from talkative cheetahs and baboons. When he takes out a tiny box, however, Nick and Tessa are perplexed – how could such a strange beast ever fit in there? Professor Nincompoop frees the creature, and Tessa and Nick have a surprise in store…

With vibrant illustrations by Ben Askew that are as eccentric as the professor himself, filling up every page with expressive detail, the book reminds children to not believe everything they hear, especially on the internet, where people often exaggerate themselves to seem a whole lot more impressive than they are. Rather than driving this point too hard, the theme is carefully woven into the story, concentrating more on the professor’s madcap antics, which are gleefully whimsical and ridiculous – and what child doesn’t like feeling smarter than an adult?

A witty and visually engrossing book that inspires readers to always keep a critical mind, this is a stellar work for children with an uproarious lead character who will hopefully have more volumes in the future.

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