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By Emma Green (author)
"Action and alpaca-packed comic adventure that is also deeply moving."
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January 2026 Debut of the Month
An accusation of alpaca rustling is not the kind of thing anyone wants on their report, but it’s not even the first of the difficult things that confront twelve-year-old Hedley.
He’s struggling to cope with the loss of his mum, when, for reasons beyond his control, he ends up on the run with Aiden, fellow resident at the Therapy Activities Centre, and Duke, the alpaca they’ve come to know through their work experience at Farmer Bert’s Petting Zoo.
Tracked on CCTV, our renegade band become an internet sensation with #WoollyHeist and then #FurryFelon trending. The more outrageous their escapades – and they’re very outrageous and very funny for readers – the more the pressure mounts on Hedley and all the while the journey is leading inexorably to his mum’s grave.
If that makes this story sound in anyway glum, it absolutely isn’t, in fact, it’s one of the funniest books you’re likely to read this year. Aiden and Duke seem determined to turn everything upside down, often literally, and Hedley’s despairing commentary is highly comic too, while his little sister Lilly’s jokes will be favourites with readers.
Amidst all the chaos, the journey is one of self-discovery for Hedley, and Aiden too, while there’s a twist at the end that packs a real emotional punch. Action-packed, surprising, funny and moving, this is worth recommending to fans of Jenny Pearson , and praise doesn’t come much higher.
A hilarious and heartbreaking road trip adventure about friendship, grief and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Read the full description
Hedley has always played it safe, especially since the night that changed his life for ever. But when his friend Aiden steals an alpaca, Hedley is dragged on a runaway road trip that he did NOT sign up for:
An accidental robbery.
A night in a haunted wood.
And becoming internet famous #AlpacaBandit.
As the chaos builds, Hedley finds he isn't just running from the police, he's also running from the truth. And as his world comes crashing down, will Hedley play it safe, or take his biggest risk yet?
#WoollyHeist #FurryFelon #Alpacalypse
This book will make you laugh and cry - perfect for fans of Ross Welford, Jenny Pearson, Adam Baron and Frank Cottrell Boyce.
' The Not-So Great Escape is a story where a mountain of disastrous decisions result in a ridiculous journey filled with tears, loss, laughter and alpacas! Loved it!' - Em Lynas
‘A moving adventure with moments of high drama but also pathos.’ - The Bookseller
‘Fast-paced, brilliantly funny and full of heart- a story about loss, friendship and finding the courage to take risks again. This is one of those rare, special books that makes you laugh out loud and think deeply all at once. I loved it.’ - Jenny Pearson
‘ The Not-So Great Escape is everything I love about middle-grade, plus alpaca mischief! Funny and genuinely moving, this is a standout debut.’ - Carlie Sorosiak
‘A must-have addition to any school library, blending humour with emotional depth as it explores friendship, grief and finding courage.The chaotic adventure has plenty to hook reluctant readers - who can resist a stolen alpaca?! - while the exploration of loss and emotional honesty offers opportunities for wider discussions.’ - The School Library Association
‘Here, in her first book for children, author Emma Green explores both the motivation to runaway and its aftermath in a middle grade story that is at times very funny but at others is incredibly sad. Examining grief, bullying and poor parental mental health, this is a book that fans of Jenny Pearson's Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates and Simon James Green's Finn Jones Was Here will love and one that would make a great class read in upper KS2.’ - Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library Blog
Emma Green grew up in Dorset before West Country accents were cool. After many years working for the police, she decided to swap her badge for a pen and start writing. The Not-So Great Escape is Emma's first children's book, and she drew inspiration for the story from her very unusual pets. As the proud owner of three alpacas, she knows all about their fierce loyalty and loveable stubbornness...and how to dodge their spit attacks with style.
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Hedley is forced to go on the run with an alpaca, his younger sister and his nemesis: Aiden. They know where they are going, but not how to get there.
Hedley finds life tricky. He likes things done in a certain way, so living in a children’s home makes his life difficult. But, he can’t return home as his mum has died and his dad can’t get out of bed. Luckily, he has his sister with him – not that he would admit that to her. Unluckily, he has to share a room with another boy called Aiden. Aiden also has troubles, mainly that he makes up everything about his dad, and that he takes everything that belongs to Hedley without permission. As Aiden is quite big, there is nothing that Hedley can do about it. Plus, Aiden gets angry very quickly. To support both boys with their emotions, Aiden and Hedley are given the opportunity to work at the local petting farm.... Read Full Review
A story about a 12 year old boy coming to terms with a family tragedy.
This is essentially a story about a 12 year old boy coming to terms with a family tragedy. Hedley spends his weekends at a therapy centre to help him overcome his trauma. When his roommate and frenemy, Aiden, steals an alpaca, the boys embark on a rollocking adventure, peppered with lots of scatalogical humour There is a significant twist at the end of the book which most readers will not have seen coming.... Read Full Review
Two friends, one alpaca! Disaster!
An excellent story written in a fun and engaging way!... Read Full Review
A hilarious and heartbreaking road trip adventure about friendship, grief and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.Hedley has always played it safe, especially since the night that changed his life for ever. But when his friend Aiden steals an alpaca, Hedley is dragged on a runaway road trip that he did NOT sign up for:An accidental robbery.A night in a haunted wood.And becoming internet famous #AlpacaBandit.As the chaos builds, Hedley finds he isn't just running from the police, he's also running from the truth.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Not-So Great Escape and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
The Not-So Great Escape features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Adventure Stories, Funny, Animal Stories, Romance / Relationship Stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Friendship stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Not-So Great Escape was written by Emma Green and published by Usborne Publishing Ltd. an imprint of Usborne Publishing
The Not-So Great Escape has 231 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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