Lewis Snow has nits. Lots and lots of nits.
But unlike most kids that endure the itchy, scratchy bugs sucking up the blood from their scalps, Lewis actually likes his nits.
He considers them his friends. And it’s a good thing, too, because the colony of nits that live on his head have big plans.
Ned is one of those nits. He’s a lovely chap who’s just trying to figure out who he is, but his father wants him to become a jumper — to jump where no nit has jumped before, right off Lewis’s head and out into the world. It’s a nit revolution.
Ned’s not sure this is the path he wants his life to take, but at least he’s relatively safe living in Lewis’s mop of hair while he considers his choices.
…until Ms Herrick the deputy principal decides to wage war against the nit infestation taking over the school and the town.
Can Lewis outsmart Herrick and keep his precious nits safe? Will Ned figure out the secrets to his past?
Nit Boy is a hilariously fun junior fiction novel for fans of silliness and a good giggle. With dashes of mystery and a fast-paced plot, this is a super fun read for kids.
I love how the chapters alternate between Lewis and Ned, allowing the reader into each character’s world. It’s two stories in one — two stories that intertwine and connect in the most hilarious ways.
And if each nit boy adventure is two stories in one, then this book is really four stories in one as Nit Boy is actually two books combined: Lift Off and Bug Off!
Tristan Bancks and Heath McKenzie really are a perfect author/illustrator pairing for this one. Bancks’ funky story teamed with McKenzie’s humour-infused illustrations are engaging and entertaining. There are also quizzes at the end of each story and a bonus Tom Weekly short story at the end of the book.
Junior readers who love funny books and are aren’t afraid of a little scalp blood and little itchy critters will love this one.
Title: Nit Boy
Author: Tristan Bancks
Illustrator: Heath McKenzie
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $14.99
Publication Date: 2 July 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760896300
For ages: 7 -12
Type: Junior Fiction, Middle Fiction