Losing the Plot

Losing the Plot #1

by Annaleise Byrd

Basil Beedon and Terry Clegg are neighbours, and that's all they have in common. Terry loves sport and Basil loves books – but to Basil’s absolute dismay, he’s been roped into helping Terry with his reading. Every. Single. Saturday. However, that's the least of his worries when Gretel comes shooting out of The Complete Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm. The boys are plunged into a dangerous world run by the Fairytale Alliance Network of Character Yunions (FANCY), where not everyone is what they seem, Hansel has been kidnapped and a plot hole threatens to destroy everything.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Humor, Childrens, Fairy Tales

144 pages, Paperback

Published March 6, 2024

About the author

Annaleise Byrd grew up on a farm in Queensland, ignoring most farm-related pursuits in favour of reading books. She then spent nine years in England and Canada, neglecting a variety of jobs in favour of reading books. Eventually, she realised the best way to get away with this was to become an author.

Annaleise now writes funny books for kids and lives in Brisbane with her husband, two young sons and rescue greyhound. Her debut middle grade novel, Losing the Plot, was published by Walker Books Australia in March 2024. It was followed by a sequel, Down the Plot Hole, in April 2025, along with her debut picture book, You Are Not a Pup!, with Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this fantastic middle-grade fantasy with my boys. It's smart, funny, and well-crafted, and it was so nice to read a fairytale-themed story with boy protagonists. The acronyms are genius and the similes inventive - I can't wait to go down the plothole in the sequel!

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The captivating artwork of 'Basil and Terry's Enchanted Quest' immediately enchanted both myself and my son, drawing us into a world of magic. Basil's charismatic character became an instant favourite, adding allure to the promise of an enticing adventure.

Navigating the story's pages, the brief and lively chapters proved invaluable during our nightly reading sessions. In contrast to books with longer chapters, these manageable segments kept our bedtime readings engaging and full of anticipation. This would be invaluable if you have a little person with a short attention span.

A minor challenge arose with the acronyms for the "yunions," introducing a touch of humour aimed at adult readers but proving a bit too elusive for my young listener. Despite this, 'Basil and Terry's Enchanted Quest' provides a delightful mix of quick, captivating adventures suitable for young readers. The universal appeal of characters like old hags, witches, and princesses ensures an engaging experience, even for those unfamiliar with the Brothers Grimm.

In conclusion, 'Basil and Terry's Enchanted Quest' masterfully weaves a whimsical narrative with endearing characters, making it an excellent addition to any child's reading list. The charming storytelling, complemented by vibrant cover illustrations, guarantees a delightful journey through a magical world. Highly recommended for young readers seeking a magical and fun-filled experience and/or parents looking for a great book to end the day with your little people.

#BRPreview

[Nerelle Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so entertaining and funny, from the first page to the very last.

I received my ARC from Better Reading and Walker Books Australia for an honest review and I can honestly say I loved it. It was my first time reading a child’s book, well other than when my daughter was a lot younger, too many years ago, and I was completely surprised by just how hilarious and captivating it was.

From the very start you are introduced to Basil who has an amazing thought process that includes so many similes. I just loved it when he describes being “as happy as a snowman in a sauna”…..now there’s an image that will stay with you for a long time.

Annaleise has a fabulous skill, and her fabulous use of funny acronyms will have you giggling throughout, especially when you become privy to the reasoning behind Yunion.

As a library assistant at a local high school, I can see that there would be so many kids that would love this unique take on the classic fairytales and I would highly recommend it to both primary school and early high school age groups.

Published 6 March 2024 | 8 – 12 years old

#BRPreview
#losingtheplot
#annaleisebyrd
#somuchfun
#walkerbooksaustralia

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookish Basil has to help his sporty neighbor Terry with his reading skills, and the two sit down to read the Grimm's Fairy Tales. When Basil starts fiddling with a special bookmark that matches the book cover, Gretel jumps out of the book pages! She begs them to return with her to the fairy tale world to rescue her brother Hansel, who has been kidnapped. If they can't return Hansel to his story, the whole fairy tale world might collapse under the plot hole.

This story was so fun and adventurous! The boys get up to all kinds of shenanigans in the fairy tale world. I loved the hilarious world-building in this book. All the fairy tale characters are faithfully playing their part in their own stories, but that doesn't mean they like it. Gretel's character is a big crybaby, but Gretel herself is not really like that; she was just written that way. Briar Rose is annoyed when everyone falls in love with her simply because she was written that way. It makes for some really funny plot twists when the characters step outside their written roles.

I liked the way that Basil and Terry learn to get along even though they have very different personalities. They tease each other a bit in the beginning, but eventually they learn to work together to save the fairy tale world!

This book was marked as “Nothing Found” on the Screen It First website, indicating that there is no sensitive or objectionable content in the book. https://screenitfirst.com/book/losing...

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUCH a fun read! Afterall, who wouldn't love to fall into the book they're reading and become part of the plot?

Byrd does a great job seamlessly weaving in a ton of word play into the novel utilizing confusions over words that sound the same but mean different things (example leek vs leak). I also loved that the fairytale characters are unionized (I mean Yunionized) depending on what type of character they play within their own story.... and how that also subtly suggests that people should be allowed to be more than the role they are expected to play in a larger story/life.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Basil and Terry get up to next in the sequel... will they reunite with Gretel and Hansel, or will they spend their time with a different group of fairytale characters?

[Obelisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a cute little witty book! This book got me out of a reading slump! Love love love.

[Middle Grade Musings · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He broke off, but the unspoken threat lingered like a fart in an elevator.”

A bit late to the party on this one, but it was great to breeze through another book perfect for the challenging jump between junior and middle grade fiction. Byrd brings us an amusing twist on some classic fairy tales which means it should be a hit with a broad range of students.

‘Losing the Plot’ tells the story of two neighbours, Terry and Basil, who are inexplicably transported into a fairytale world where all the characters, including Hansel and Gretel, relive their stories over and over again. But unfortunately the fairytale world is in danger, someone is messing with all the stories and these continuous plot holes are threatening to tear the world apart. Should be an easy fix except for the indecipherable clue, maggot infested rubbish heap and pack of suspicious princesses. With Gretel by their side, will Terry and Basil manage to save the fairytale world from imminent danger or will they trip over some plot holes and be stuck in the new world for good?

I thoroughly enjoyed this short humorous read. It’s a fun filled adventure and cleverly written. You’ll be laughing out loud at the continuous word play full of witty puns, funny similes and humorous acronyms - how else would Gretel deal with having to kill the witch over and over again? In her ‘Post Traumatic Storyline Disorder (PTSD)’ support group of course. Thanks for the light-hearted, cleverly written read Annaleise. Looking forward to reading book 2 now!

[Norah Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's a fun adventure about two very different boys with vastly different interests and abilities, thrown together, against their wishes, for one to help the other learn to read. The learner's book of choice is an ancient collection of Grimm's fairytales. Progress is slow until Gretel materialises out of the book and enlists their help in saving Hansel who is missing.
The boys travel with Gretel into the fairytale world where they meet many of familiar fairytale characters. The pressure is on to solve the mystery of Hansel's disappearance and avoid the perils of plot holes that may mean the destruction of everything, or being sent to Deep Trouble which is an indescribable punishment.
Annaleise Byrd has cleverly woven the fairytale stories and characters, and all their familiar traits, into this exciting adventure. I highly recommend it for lovers of fairytales and adventure of any age. Students of writing will find much to delight with an abundance of clever word play and story lines, and never a plot hole to be found anywhere.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book and I cannot wait for Basil and Terry to venture Down The Plot Hole!

So many little gems in this fast-paced, fractured fairytale that is full of short chapters that have you reading deeper into the story in a moment. The perfect length for a class novel.

I could absolutely imagine my teaching friends reading this one aloud to their class in library or during class eating times to see who could catch all the clever clues and imagine all the wonderful visual smilies and metaphors.

Not to the mention all the fabulous vocabulary throughout, it never skipped a beat and still managed to offer up plenty of reflective moments on what stereotyping can do to the person being typecast. A reminder that we are all far more than others believe us to be and that we always have yet more to offer.

It made me laugh out loud time and time again and that's always good for the soul. Definitely not just for children!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! A story full of fun and wonder. This book will keep young readers turning the pages. My grandson and I both read this book, he is an avid reader but was a little lost around the yunion and some of the bigger words. However, pushing past that found the book entertaining and a good read. I enjoyed recalling the story of Hansel and Gretel and fairy tales which sometimes feel forgotten to younger generations. For me the story is a reminder that we all want to write our own story and be seen for who we are and that reading is enjoyable and there is something for everyone we just have to find it! #BRPreview

[Sandhya Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A laugh out loud portal fantasy in which an unlikely pair - Basil, who loves to read and Terry, who'd rather be playing sports than reading, get sucked into the fairy tale world to help Gretel. Yes, the Gretel from the fairy tale, 'Hansel and Gretel'. She needs help to save Hansel, otherwise a plot hole will destroy everything! The short chapters are action packed and each one ends on a cliffhanger making the book quite unputdownable!! My 11 y o son enjoyed this very much and he's looking forward to the next book!

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basil and Terry may be neighbors and attend the same school, but they have nothing else in common. Terry is into all types of sports, and Basil prefers to spend his time reading books. But when Basil’s father insists he help Terry get better at reading, what looks like it’ll be a horrible Saturday activity gets turned upside down after Gretel (from Hansel and Gretel) pops out of the book they’re reading and asks for their help in locating Hansel who has gone missing! Basil and Terry join Gretel in her world, which is run by the Fairytale Alliance Network of Character Yunions (FANCY) where they learn that if Gretel, Hansel, and the rest of fairy tale characters fail to continuously play out their storylines, they risk causing  plot holes that may destroy their entire world. Will Basil and Terry be able to help Gretel locate Hansel without the witch noticing they’re gone?

This was SUCH a fun read! Who wouldn't love to fall into the book they're reading and become part of the plot? Byrd does a great job seamlessly weaving a ton of word play into the novel, playing on confusions over homophones (for example, leek vs leak). I also loved that the fairytale characters are unionized (I mean yunionized) depending on what type of character they play within their own story.... and how that also subtly suggests that people should be allowed to break away from their assumed personalities (based on their looks or interests).

While Losing the Plot functions well as a standalone with a satisfying conclusion, there is a teaser at the end hinting that Basil and Terry’s story is not over yet. This is a slim book with short chapters making it a perfectly sized read for middle grade kids (and readers of all ages really). The majority of the characters cue as White. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Roxanne Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing the Plot by Annaleise Byrd is an enjoyable, light-hearted read. A fractured fairy tale full of fun, adventure and humour, aimed at a middle grade audience. At just 128 pages, it feels accessible to both avid and reluctant readers.
The story crams a lot into the plot in a short space of time, which means it flows quickly, with big laughs and fast action on almost every page.
The protagonist, Basil Beedon, is a likeable character who amuses the reader with quips and comical anecdotes as he and his counterpart, Terry, find themselves faced with a series of predicaments.
While the narrative finds its foundation in the safety of fairy tales, there is enough of a spin on the well-known stories to keep it interesting.
Fully developed and relatable characters engage the reader in the plot as you cheer them on to success.
Despite the short length, this book doesn't leave the reader feeling short-changed. If anything, it leaves you wanting more. Hopefully we will have the chance to accompany Basil and Terry on more adventures in the future.
#BRPreview

[Billyjean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annaleise Byrd's Losing The Plot is a magical, whimsical and innovative story retelling and interweaving many of Grimm's classic fairytales, and quite literally bringing them to life for our loveable main characters Basil and Terry. A rollicking ride told in short and action packed chapters, I would highly recommend this book for kids of all ages, and it is particularly fun to read together. All in all a fabulous offering that my 12 year old daughter also adored. Many thanks to Better Reading and Walker Books for the opportunity to read and review this little gem. Can't wait to read more from Annaleise Byrd.

[BookLoverLily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story adventures into the world of fairy tales. This world must live happily-ever-after right? Wrong. Basil Beedon and Terry Clegg fall into this fairyland, with obstacles such as FANCY—that's right FANCY all captialized. It stands for Fairytale Alliance Network of Character Yunion (spelt with a Y, and not a U). The boys must learn together in order to fight the potholes.
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I loved this book, and it is very straightforward, until you uncover the deep secrets of this fairytale land.

[Erin Buhr]

When neighbors Basil and Terry are confronted by Gretel, yes that Gretel, shooting out of a collection of fairytales one Saturday their lives are taken down an unexpected path. Suddenly they find themselves in the world of the Grimm Brother's Fairytales where Hansel has been kidnapped and a union of fairy tale characters rules everything. This fantastical chapter book is great for elementary schoolers who love mystery, action and fantasy. I loved how the different fairy tale characters were woven into the story and the creative world Byrd has created. It is fantastic fun built on the magic of fairy tales and a great love of stories.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous book that is a good intro into the sub-genre (is it? I kind of made that up) of stories of kids falling into fairytales. This suits a younger audience than say Chris Colfer’s Land of Stories series. The vocab and turn of phrase is however quite advanced which may cause some younger readers to be challenged! The two boy main characters are a good mix of fun and mucking around which stops the story from ever becoming shmultz. I liked the layered fairytale world we were introduced to and the mysterious promise of more to come..

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good fun! A short (but not sweet! These are the traditional tales!) read about two boys, Terry and Basil, being accidentally transported into a Grimm's Fairytales book, where Hansel has been kidnapped, and the threat of plot holes loom over the whole fairytale cast... Probably a good one to get kids who don't like to read involved, esp as it's got jokes! (the acronyms were hilariously OTT).

[Bethany Loveridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo! A pacy and humorous tale with familiar characters young readers will love

[Leone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of fun, but DNF as just a bit too young for me.

[Stereo · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh.

[Jamie Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter devoured Losing the Plot within a day, and told me I had to read it immediately, which of course, I did.

The story starts with Basil, a bookworm, being roped into helping his sporty neighbour, Terry, with reading. Terry chooses The Brothers Grimm book, thinking it's a scary tale about brothers, only to be upset when he discovers it's a book of fairytales.

But then, Gretel shoots out of the pages, announcing Hansel has disappeared, and she needs their help.

The boys dive into a fantastical adventure where they must overcome bookish surprises and rescue Hansel before a plot hole appears and destroys the fairytale world.

How much fun does that sound? And it certainly delivers, with wry humour, engaging fairytale characters and non-stop action.

As she was reading, my daughter pointed out many of the hilarious similes, like: 'about as thrilled as a balloon man on a bed of nails' and 'He sounded like he'd just bitten into a chocolate doughnut and discovered it was a turnip' and we both laughed at the funny acronyms, like 'SUPER FANCY' -- 'Stereotypical Unempowered Princesses and Extraneous Royalty'.

The growing friendship between Basil and Terry was delightful and we enjoyed Basil's revelation that Terry had more to contribute than he'd expected.

At 135 pages, Losing the Plot is a fun and fast read, perfect for reluctant readers and kids who love humour and fantasy adventures.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved how it mentioned know characters that young kids would know. It shows a different perspective and encourages imagination for anyone even adults.

[Emily Masters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terry Pratchett X Magic Treehouse