This is magic realism for the younger generation. Accept the fact that the fabled Bananabeeyumio exists and can turn your legs into springs, and the rest just flows naturally from this point!BBY, as it's known, is a cake with magical properties and must be kept secret by all who live in Cwmbach. When Charlie is spotted making spectacular leaps, he is forced to attend a school for athletes in order to protect the village's secret. Once there, he meets a group of competitive friends, including another jumper. His desire to win causes him to make some rash choices, which ratchet up the drama, leading to a dramatic rescue attempt at the novel's finale.It's a lively read, with the right balance between colloquial chatty tone ("they kept their serious mission at the forefront of their minds, obvs.") and charming description ("games of lawless football can go on until the smoke-alarm calls of parents urge their children in to tea.").

As a teacher, I can imagine teaching this to a primary school class!.