What do you think?
Rate this book
Tilly and the Time Machine
Tilly is seven and a half - and about to make history. When Tilly's dad builds a time machine in the shed there's only one place she really wants to back to her sixth birthday party, when she ate too many cupcakes and her mummy was still here. But then something goes wrong! Tilly's dad gets stuck in the past and only she can save him . . . Will they make it back in time for tea?
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2017
About the author
Adrian Edmondson
28 books77 followersAdrian Charles "Ade" Edmondson is an English comedian, writer, director, actor, and musician. He is probably best known for his comedic roles in the television series The Young Ones (1982–1984) and Bottom (1991–2003), which he also wrote together with his long-time comedy partner Rik Mayall.
Edmondson attended Pocklington School in Yorkshire from 1968 to 1975 and later went to the University of Manchester to study drama, receiving a 2:1 degree, where he met his future comedy partner Rik Mayall. Edmondson and Mayall soon became best friends and before long found work on the burgeoning alternative comedy scene.
Under the name 20th Century Coyote, Edmondson and Mayall became one of the star attractions at The Comedy Store. As their popularity grew, Edmondson and Mayall and other upcoming comedians (including Alexei Sayle, Peter Richardson, Nigel Planer, French and Saunders) split away from the Comedy Store to set up their own venue: The Comic Strip club. The Comic Strip soon gained a reputation as one of the most popular comedy clubs in London and soon came to the attention of Channel 4. Edmondson and the others were commissioned to act in six self-contained half-hour films, using the group as comedy actors rather than stand-up performers. The series, entitled The Comic Strip Presents... debuted on 2 November 1982 (the opening night of Channel 4).
On 11 May 1985, Edmondson married his Comic Strip fellow Jennifer Saunders. Edmondson's university nickname of "Eddie Monsoon," a play on his surname, inspired the name of Saunders' character, Edina Monsoon on Absolutely Fabulous
In 1986 he co-wrote the book How to be a Complete Bastard together with Mark Leigh and Mike Lepine. In 1987, he reunited with Planer and Mayall to star in Filthy Rich and Catflap. The series was penned by The Young Ones' co-writer Ben Elton and saw Edmondson display the same slapstick characteristics as Vyvyan, but was closer in personality to his later character "Eddie Hitler" in Bottom. The show received critical acclaim but poor viewing figures and was cancelled after one series. In 1988, he released a follow up to How To Be A Complete Bastard called The Bastard's Book of the Worst. In 1989 Edmondson made an appearance in an episode of Blackadder Goes Forth as The Red Baron, arch-nemesis to Mayall's character, Lord Flashheart.
In 1991, Edmondson was teamed up with his comedy partner Rik Mayall once more, this time co-writing and co-starring in their own sitcom, Bottom. Edmondson starred as "Edward Elizabeth Hitler" opposite Mayall's "Richard Richard." The series featured the slapstick and crude humour for which the pair had become famous, but also more in-depth character analysis. Mayall and Edmonson have said Bottom was aimed to be more than just a series of toilet gags, but a cruder cousin to plays like Waiting for Godot about the pointlessness of life. Edmondson played Estragon to Mayall's Vladimir in Samuel Beckett's play in the West End, in a production that opened at the Queen's Theatre on 30 September 1991. Bottom became very popular, but it was criticised for its often vulgar humour. Edmondson was also censured for essentially reprising the same character he had been playing for his entire career. It was also incarnated into five UK stage tours (1993, 1995, 1997, 2001 and 2003). The violent natures of these shows saw both Edmondson and Mayall ending up in hospital.
Edmondson attended Pocklington School in Yorkshire from 1968 to 1975 and later went to the University of Manchester to study drama, receiving a 2:1 degree, where he met his future comedy partner Rik Mayall. Edmondson and Mayall soon became best friends and before long found work on the burgeoning alternative comedy scene.
Under the name 20th Century Coyote, Edmondson and Mayall became one of the star attractions at The Comedy Store. As their popularity grew, Edmondson and Mayall and other upcoming comedians (including Alexei Sayle, Peter Richardson, Nigel Planer, French and Saunders) split away from the Comedy Store to set up their own venue: The Comic Strip club. The Comic Strip soon gained a reputation as one of the most popular comedy clubs in London and soon came to the attention of Channel 4. Edmondson and the others were commissioned to act in six self-contained half-hour films, using the group as comedy actors rather than stand-up performers. The series, entitled The Comic Strip Presents... debuted on 2 November 1982 (the opening night of Channel 4).
On 11 May 1985, Edmondson married his Comic Strip fellow Jennifer Saunders. Edmondson's university nickname of "Eddie Monsoon," a play on his surname, inspired the name of Saunders' character, Edina Monsoon on Absolutely Fabulous
In 1986 he co-wrote the book How to be a Complete Bastard together with Mark Leigh and Mike Lepine. In 1987, he reunited with Planer and Mayall to star in Filthy Rich and Catflap. The series was penned by The Young Ones' co-writer Ben Elton and saw Edmondson display the same slapstick characteristics as Vyvyan, but was closer in personality to his later character "Eddie Hitler" in Bottom. The show received critical acclaim but poor viewing figures and was cancelled after one series. In 1988, he released a follow up to How To Be A Complete Bastard called The Bastard's Book of the Worst. In 1989 Edmondson made an appearance in an episode of Blackadder Goes Forth as The Red Baron, arch-nemesis to Mayall's character, Lord Flashheart.
In 1991, Edmondson was teamed up with his comedy partner Rik Mayall once more, this time co-writing and co-starring in their own sitcom, Bottom. Edmondson starred as "Edward Elizabeth Hitler" opposite Mayall's "Richard Richard." The series featured the slapstick and crude humour for which the pair had become famous, but also more in-depth character analysis. Mayall and Edmonson have said Bottom was aimed to be more than just a series of toilet gags, but a cruder cousin to plays like Waiting for Godot about the pointlessness of life. Edmondson played Estragon to Mayall's Vladimir in Samuel Beckett's play in the West End, in a production that opened at the Queen's Theatre on 30 September 1991. Bottom became very popular, but it was criticised for its often vulgar humour. Edmondson was also censured for essentially reprising the same character he had been playing for his entire career. It was also incarnated into five UK stage tours (1993, 1995, 1997, 2001 and 2003). The violent natures of these shows saw both Edmondson and Mayall ending up in hospital.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 6, 2017
A children's book was the required August reading challenge I have going with my fab friend and right off the bat I knew I was going to choose Tilly and the Time Machine by Adrian Edmondson.
Adrian Edmondson has invented a smile-happy little children’s book for the ‘average height’ seven-and-a-half year-old.
And Tilly’s father has invented a brilliant and wacky time machine.
Kids and adults alike will most definitely enjoy travelling back in time alongside Tilly in her father’s garden shed-made time machine. I know I did!
Lots of great fun is to be had reading this sweet adventure filled tale.
This book for the ‘average height’ seven-and-a-half year-old has it all - giggles, famous historical scenes, raw jelly cubes, a bit of action, and the cutest song sung, of course, by an ‘average height’ seven-and-a-half year-old - SHAKE your BUM around, WIGGLE your BOTTOM….
Adrian Edmondson has invented a smile-happy little children’s book for the ‘average height’ seven-and-a-half year-old.
And Tilly’s father has invented a brilliant and wacky time machine.
Kids and adults alike will most definitely enjoy travelling back in time alongside Tilly in her father’s garden shed-made time machine. I know I did!
Lots of great fun is to be had reading this sweet adventure filled tale.
This book for the ‘average height’ seven-and-a-half year-old has it all - giggles, famous historical scenes, raw jelly cubes, a bit of action, and the cutest song sung, of course, by an ‘average height’ seven-and-a-half year-old - SHAKE your BUM around, WIGGLE your BOTTOM….
June 30, 2017
What a brilliant time travel adventure story for 7 - 9 year olds packed with humour, history and some poignant moments dealing with grief, too.
Tilly’s dad is a scientist who has built a time machine in their shed. He shows it to Tilly and shortly after disappears via the machine. Tilly decides to try to rescue him and sets off on her own time travelling adventures, meeting some great characters from history in laugh out loud funny encounters. Tilly wants to go back to her sixth birthday when her Mum was still alive. Before these time travels, Tilly and her Dad didn’t really talk about her Mum but their journey helps them communicate their feelings and is actually quite emotional.
This could be read aloud to younger children or is a great chapter book for more independent or able readers. With my teacher’s hat on, I think it could help inspire children to think about their favourite historical characters, who they’d like to meet or what funny fact they’d like to discover about them and be a great stimulus for independent writing.
The illustrations are also great, adding another layer of humour to the story and enhance the story telling. I think children will thoroughly enjoy this story - and so will any adults sharing it with them!
I requested and was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of this novel via NetGalley; this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into this novel and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
Tilly’s dad is a scientist who has built a time machine in their shed. He shows it to Tilly and shortly after disappears via the machine. Tilly decides to try to rescue him and sets off on her own time travelling adventures, meeting some great characters from history in laugh out loud funny encounters. Tilly wants to go back to her sixth birthday when her Mum was still alive. Before these time travels, Tilly and her Dad didn’t really talk about her Mum but their journey helps them communicate their feelings and is actually quite emotional.
This could be read aloud to younger children or is a great chapter book for more independent or able readers. With my teacher’s hat on, I think it could help inspire children to think about their favourite historical characters, who they’d like to meet or what funny fact they’d like to discover about them and be a great stimulus for independent writing.
The illustrations are also great, adding another layer of humour to the story and enhance the story telling. I think children will thoroughly enjoy this story - and so will any adults sharing it with them!
I requested and was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of this novel via NetGalley; this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into this novel and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
July 14, 2017
Tilly and the Time Machine
By Adrian Edmondson
Synopsis
Tilly is seven and a half - and about to make history.
When Tilly's dad builds a time machine in the shed there's only one place she really wants to go: back to her sixth birthday party, when she ate too many cupcakes and her mummy was still here.
But then something goes wrong! Tilly's dad gets stuck in the past and only she can save him . . . Will they make it back in time for tea?
Review
This is Adrian Edmondson's first children's book and all and all its a great start, to his writing career. I grew up watching The Young Ones, so I was intrigued to see how Adrian Edmondson would harness his mad cap humor and make it suitable for young readers.
Tilly's dad is an inventor and slightly bonkers, Tilly is seven and reminded me of Kevin from The Home Alone movies, shes full of impossible schemes and has absolutely no fear. Tilly's mother passed away when she was six and this is covered with sincerity, in a poignant and thoughtful way. Tilly's dad gets lost in time testing his latest invention, Tilly must be brave and rescue him. This is an utterly charming story that young readers will absolutely adore.
3.5 stars
By Adrian Edmondson
Synopsis
Tilly is seven and a half - and about to make history.
When Tilly's dad builds a time machine in the shed there's only one place she really wants to go: back to her sixth birthday party, when she ate too many cupcakes and her mummy was still here.
But then something goes wrong! Tilly's dad gets stuck in the past and only she can save him . . . Will they make it back in time for tea?
Review
This is Adrian Edmondson's first children's book and all and all its a great start, to his writing career. I grew up watching The Young Ones, so I was intrigued to see how Adrian Edmondson would harness his mad cap humor and make it suitable for young readers.
Tilly's dad is an inventor and slightly bonkers, Tilly is seven and reminded me of Kevin from The Home Alone movies, shes full of impossible schemes and has absolutely no fear. Tilly's mother passed away when she was six and this is covered with sincerity, in a poignant and thoughtful way. Tilly's dad gets lost in time testing his latest invention, Tilly must be brave and rescue him. This is an utterly charming story that young readers will absolutely adore.
3.5 stars
May 18, 2017
It's fine and sweet an' all. I just think Ade can do better. I love you, Ade!
November 28, 2017
"Shake it up and down. Just shake your bum. Shake it to the left. Wiggle your bottom."
I thought this book would just be about time machines, about pirates, about bum shaking, about the queen, and it is about those things, but also something else! Namely the loss of Tilly's mom (and how to deal with that) is also a very big focal point in the book. Tilly misses her mom and would love to have more pictures around, while her dad seemingly tries to forget his wife/her mother. They are both still figuring out life without her.
I liked Tilly from the start, but as the story continued, I liked her more and more. She was so responsible and acting quite grown-up for such an average height 7 and a half year old. When her dad disappears of course she worries, of course she is afraid, but she still continues with her day. She still goes to school. She tries to save her dad. When two baddies show up she gets two chances to save the machine, and she makes full use of whatever found in the shed (which leads to hilarious Home Alone situations).
Sure, you can clearly see she is still a small child given how she reacts to various situations. And how often simple her solutions are. I was laughing at the conversations she had with people from the past.
Eventually the time machine adventures begin. She is following in her dad's footsteps to help him. From battles at sea to the Queen of England. I loved reading Tilly's adventures.
Victoria (Queen) was my second favourite character, she was just so totally different from what I expected. Plus I loved how she and Tilly had things in common and could talk about it.
The end? It made me cry. Not only when they met x, but also the last page. It was wonderful that they had a chance to meet up. It was short, but I think both the dad and Tilly can now continue their life a bit better without feeling too sad.
The art? Sorry, that was the only thing I didn't like at all in the book.
But all in all, I just adored this book. And I would recommend it to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I thought this book would just be about time machines, about pirates, about bum shaking, about the queen, and it is about those things, but also something else! Namely the loss of Tilly's mom (and how to deal with that) is also a very big focal point in the book. Tilly misses her mom and would love to have more pictures around, while her dad seemingly tries to forget his wife/her mother. They are both still figuring out life without her.
I liked Tilly from the start, but as the story continued, I liked her more and more. She was so responsible and acting quite grown-up for such an average height 7 and a half year old. When her dad disappears of course she worries, of course she is afraid, but she still continues with her day. She still goes to school. She tries to save her dad. When two baddies show up she gets two chances to save the machine, and she makes full use of whatever found in the shed (which leads to hilarious Home Alone situations).
Sure, you can clearly see she is still a small child given how she reacts to various situations. And how often simple her solutions are. I was laughing at the conversations she had with people from the past.
Eventually the time machine adventures begin. She is following in her dad's footsteps to help him. From battles at sea to the Queen of England. I loved reading Tilly's adventures.
Victoria (Queen) was my second favourite character, she was just so totally different from what I expected. Plus I loved how she and Tilly had things in common and could talk about it.
The end? It made me cry. Not only when they met x, but also the last page. It was wonderful that they had a chance to meet up. It was short, but I think both the dad and Tilly can now continue their life a bit better without feeling too sad.
The art? Sorry, that was the only thing I didn't like at all in the book.
But all in all, I just adored this book. And I would recommend it to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 11, 2017
Tilly and the Time Machine
By Adrian Edmondson
Synopsis
Tilly is seven and a half - and about to make history.
When Tilly's dad builds a time machine in the shed there's only one place she really wants to go: back to her sixth birthday party, when she ate too many cupcakes and her mummy was still here.
But then something goes wrong! Tilly's dad gets stuck in the past and only she can save him . . . Will they make it back in time for tea?
Review
This is Adrian Edmondson's first children's book and all and all its a great start, to his writing career. I grew up watching The Young Ones, so I was intrigued to see how Adrian Edmondson would harness his mad cap humor and make it suitable for young readers.
Tilly's dad is an inventor and slightly bonkers, Tilly is seven and reminded me of Kevin from The Home Alone movies, shes full of impossible schemes and has absolutely no fear. Tilly's mother passed away when she was six and this is covered with sincerity, in a poignant and thoughtful way. Tilly's dad gets lost in time testing his latest invention, Tilly must be brave and rescue him. This is an utterly charming story that young readers will absolutely adore.
4 stars
By Adrian Edmondson
Synopsis
Tilly is seven and a half - and about to make history.
When Tilly's dad builds a time machine in the shed there's only one place she really wants to go: back to her sixth birthday party, when she ate too many cupcakes and her mummy was still here.
But then something goes wrong! Tilly's dad gets stuck in the past and only she can save him . . . Will they make it back in time for tea?
Review
This is Adrian Edmondson's first children's book and all and all its a great start, to his writing career. I grew up watching The Young Ones, so I was intrigued to see how Adrian Edmondson would harness his mad cap humor and make it suitable for young readers.
Tilly's dad is an inventor and slightly bonkers, Tilly is seven and reminded me of Kevin from The Home Alone movies, shes full of impossible schemes and has absolutely no fear. Tilly's mother passed away when she was six and this is covered with sincerity, in a poignant and thoughtful way. Tilly's dad gets lost in time testing his latest invention, Tilly must be brave and rescue him. This is an utterly charming story that young readers will absolutely adore.
4 stars
April 25, 2017
A warm hearted, funny and actually quite sweet time travel adventure. Packed full of giggles, home alone-style hi-jinks, cubes of raw jelly, a brave & ingenious 7 year old, a bit of history and silly songs. What's not to love! Now all together "SHAKE your BUM around..."
September 11, 2024
tilly and the time machine was so good i my favroute part of it was when she tricks the baddies so they dont stealthe machine. Adrian Edmonson is one of my favroute authers
May 16, 2017
Affecting and funny time travel story for children
Another 'celebrity' name, but Adrian Edmondson seems like a natural; he doesn't try too hard to be overly funny, or use silly devices to capture attention. He writes a story that to me seems like one I might have wanted to write as a child, and adds a little pathos and gentle humour.
Tilly is 7, and she and her Dad don't talk about her Mum, who died a year ago. Tilly's dad is a scientist, as often happens, a rather eccentric one, and one day she can't find him... he has vanished. She then discovers he has successfully invented (and tested) a time machine, but is stuck in the past and needs Tilly's help to get back.
Following him through time, Tilly ends up at key moments in world history (Trafalgar, the 1966 World Cup final) and an important moment of her own personal family history...
It's a short read, that moves quickly from period to period, quite simply structured, but is quite moving as Tilly and her Dad come to terms with their family tragedy through their travels. I found the ending quite emotional.
Tilly is a resourceful little girl (there's a Home Alone moment when 'men' come for her dad's time machine and she decides to defend it), and the story is suitable for those around her age (7) as well as a little older.
This would be a good read-aloud choice for ages 6-8, and a good chapter book for independent readers around 7-9. It might feel a little young for older readers.
Another 'celebrity' name, but Adrian Edmondson seems like a natural; he doesn't try too hard to be overly funny, or use silly devices to capture attention. He writes a story that to me seems like one I might have wanted to write as a child, and adds a little pathos and gentle humour.
Tilly is 7, and she and her Dad don't talk about her Mum, who died a year ago. Tilly's dad is a scientist, as often happens, a rather eccentric one, and one day she can't find him... he has vanished. She then discovers he has successfully invented (and tested) a time machine, but is stuck in the past and needs Tilly's help to get back.
Following him through time, Tilly ends up at key moments in world history (Trafalgar, the 1966 World Cup final) and an important moment of her own personal family history...
It's a short read, that moves quickly from period to period, quite simply structured, but is quite moving as Tilly and her Dad come to terms with their family tragedy through their travels. I found the ending quite emotional.
Tilly is a resourceful little girl (there's a Home Alone moment when 'men' come for her dad's time machine and she decides to defend it), and the story is suitable for those around her age (7) as well as a little older.
This would be a good read-aloud choice for ages 6-8, and a good chapter book for independent readers around 7-9. It might feel a little young for older readers.
July 15, 2017
3 1/2 stars. As an adult, the name Adrian Edmondson immediately brings to mind the lovable punk Vivian from the acclaimed 1980s comedy "The Young Ones". To find out he's written a younger middle fiction novel with a female protagonist, honestly I was excited and concerned in equal measures.
With relief I can say it was an enjoyable read that I'd happily recommend to any middle fiction reader and is also a great read aloud for a younger audience. I thought the activities at the end of the novel were a great addition for teachers and parents looking to extend the novel.
Non-Brits may not recognise some of the references, however this doesn't impede the plot and actually opens discussion to important historical events (England winning the world cup in 1966 obviously being the most important!).
"Tilly and the Time Machine" is a sweet story told with humour and poignancy. I feel that both boys and girls will enjoy Tilly's adventure to find her father, and parents will enjoy reading it aloud.
L-J
Three Four Knock on the Door
Independent Children's Bookshop
With relief I can say it was an enjoyable read that I'd happily recommend to any middle fiction reader and is also a great read aloud for a younger audience. I thought the activities at the end of the novel were a great addition for teachers and parents looking to extend the novel.
Non-Brits may not recognise some of the references, however this doesn't impede the plot and actually opens discussion to important historical events (England winning the world cup in 1966 obviously being the most important!).
"Tilly and the Time Machine" is a sweet story told with humour and poignancy. I feel that both boys and girls will enjoy Tilly's adventure to find her father, and parents will enjoy reading it aloud.
L-J
Three Four Knock on the Door
Independent Children's Bookshop
April 9, 2017
Seven and a half year old Tilly, is definitely not little, she's average for her height. But that's about the only thing about her that is average. She's woken in the middle of the night by loud bangs and showers of sparks, and leaps out of her bedroom window into her Dad’s arms to discover he's finally got his time machine working. Or so he thought…
When Tilly asks to go back to her 6th birthday, things don't quite go to plan, but Dad promises to fix it. Come morning, Dad is nowhere to be seen, Tilly’s late for school and the only thing for breakfast is a packet of chocolate digestives. Well, what would you choose for breakfast if you were 7 ½!
Humour and heart propel this perfectly paced adventure through time, from the Armada to the 1966 World Cup, Victorian London and back to present day. Danny Noble's quirky illustrations add an extra level of depth, warmth and humour to this delightful book.
Great for fans of adventure and mystery with a humorous sprinkling of time travel.
April 22, 2017
Tilly's dad is an inventor. One night she is woken by a loud bang and showers or sparks. Her dad had invented a time machine. When he tries to show her how it works, it breaks down. With a promise to show her in the morning, he sends her back to bed.
But Dad isn't there in the morning - or after school. Tilly knows she has to go and find him. Dad has programmed interesting times and events through history into the machine and Tilly follows him onto a ship being cannonballed, a world cup football match, up victorian chimneys and to her own 6th birthday party. Will she ever catch up to him?
With B&W illustrations throughout from a master UK comedian and actor, Tilly's tale is fun, dangerous and sweet as she searched for her dad and remembers her mum.
But Dad isn't there in the morning - or after school. Tilly knows she has to go and find him. Dad has programmed interesting times and events through history into the machine and Tilly follows him onto a ship being cannonballed, a world cup football match, up victorian chimneys and to her own 6th birthday party. Will she ever catch up to him?
With B&W illustrations throughout from a master UK comedian and actor, Tilly's tale is fun, dangerous and sweet as she searched for her dad and remembers her mum.
April 29, 2017
Well, this was underwhelming, unfortunately – a read for the under-tens with none of the character and chutzpah (or sense) we expect from comics turning to writing kids' books. There's no freshness, everything moves quickly but is really quite bland with it, and the whole drama about following her dad through the timelines until she catches up with him and can meet with her mother one last time is supposed to be heart-warming but actually makes little narrative sense. What is the time machine actually doing, if broken, and why does carrying – oh never mind. It's clear the young reader is supposed to live without answers to her questions, proof this book seriously underserves the target audience.
June 17, 2017
Move over Mr Walliams, Tilly and the Time Machine is here. A thoroughly enjoyable book that tells the story of a young girl called Tilly. Her father is an inventor who shows Tilly his next invention. A time machine. But this isn't just any time machine, her father has pre programmed in specific dates. So Tilly gets to meet famous characters from history. Who knew that Admiral Nelson liked Kit Kats or that Queen Victoria liked cocktail sausages on a stick. Tilly even travels to 1966 when England won the World Cup. A delightful, funny and at times sad book that will delight adults and children alike. More please Mr Edmondson.
April 15, 2017
This is a fun book for the early chapter book crowd. Young Tilly has a crackpot inventor father (think chitty bang bang) and recently deceased mother who she's aiming to see one last time through his time-machine. She has some fairly British derivative adventures involving meeting the queen (Victoria) -- think BFG and a chimney sweep (think Mary Poppins).
Nice to have a female protagonist who is relatively fearless and inventive in her solutions. Pity the whole thing had this "Seen it before but better" feeling.
Netgalley ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nice to have a female protagonist who is relatively fearless and inventive in her solutions. Pity the whole thing had this "Seen it before but better" feeling.
Netgalley ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2017
This is a cute book about Tilly, whose Dad is a scientist who leaves his workplace and finishes off his time machine in the shed out the back. When Dad disappears one day, Tilly tries to find him. She ends up travelling to various different times (meeting Queen Victoria at one of them) and solving the clues her Dad managed to leave for him.
Great for 5-8 year-olds.
Great for 5-8 year-olds.
June 2, 2017
Brilliant, adventure filled book! Would be perfect for Y3/4 class novels or just for the kids to read. I loved Tilly and some of the sentences made me chuckle! Time travel books are always good, but when they're written in this fun way you can't beat them!
March 17, 2017
Such a fun and great concept. Made me cry but would recommend to all average sized 7 and a half year olds.
April 15, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley. I really enjoyed the story and am sure my grandchildren in Australia will love it so I will be buying it on 4 May to take out to them.
May 2, 2017
A fun read, some tugs at the heartstrings and some nice touches of history.
May 17, 2017
Brilliant
April 21, 2023
My daughter enjoyed reading Tilly and the time Machine. She met Adrian Edmondson at the Edinburgh Book Festival.
October 18, 2019
This is good, it actually feels like the viewpoint of a seven year old girl - not that I'm an expert - but she's not like baby-talking or anything and her motives are honest. It's a good book to encourage girls and show that just because you're young doesn't mean you're useless or helpless. At the same time he doesn't shy away from dealing with proper issues; unemployment, stranger danger, the death of a loved one and how to remember them. On top of that there's still whimsy and fun, it's not dark like it could be, and it's a good model of a healthy father-daughter relationship.
The one thing that bothered me (slightly) was how he didn't break character once throughout the story. Everything is seen filtered through Tilly's mind. I can't really see how it could have been avoided without taking something else away from the book though, it's a choice that was made with an opportunity cost.
The one thing that bothered me (slightly) was how he didn't break character once throughout the story. Everything is seen filtered through Tilly's mind. I can't really see how it could have been avoided without taking something else away from the book though, it's a choice that was made with an opportunity cost.
April 21, 2020
Leonie lees die een al vir die 6e keer!!!
Ongelukkig kon ons nie ander boeke deur Edmondson voor die grendelstaat in die hande kry nie, en al het sy 'n boekrak vol ander goed, is dit die een wat sy telkens tyd uithaal!
Toe ek die laaste paar bladsye nou die dag weer vir haar moes voorlees, het ek 'n idee gekry hoekom sy daarvan hou: 'n Dogtertjie verloor haar Ma op 'n vroeë ouderdom en wanneer Pa 'n masjien skep wat dit moontlik maak om weer soontoe te gaan, na waar Ma nog leef, is die Kaap weer Hollands! Ja-nee, wil ons nie maar almal na 'n tyd terugkeer toe alles soos 'n paradys gevoel het nie?
Ongelukkig kon ons nie ander boeke deur Edmondson voor die grendelstaat in die hande kry nie, en al het sy 'n boekrak vol ander goed, is dit die een wat sy telkens tyd uithaal!
Toe ek die laaste paar bladsye nou die dag weer vir haar moes voorlees, het ek 'n idee gekry hoekom sy daarvan hou: 'n Dogtertjie verloor haar Ma op 'n vroeë ouderdom en wanneer Pa 'n masjien skep wat dit moontlik maak om weer soontoe te gaan, na waar Ma nog leef, is die Kaap weer Hollands! Ja-nee, wil ons nie maar almal na 'n tyd terugkeer toe alles soos 'n paradys gevoel het nie?
August 1, 2019
I enjoyed this story. At times it read as though a child was writing it, which I think other children would like. It certainly added humour. The ending was one of my favourite parts if I'm honest, not because I was glad to have finished, but because of the repetition from the beginning of the book in the final few pages, it was an excellent close to the story, which consolidated its 4 star rating.
July 13, 2020
This is a brilliant book! Tilly goes through all sorts of adventures due to her Dad’s time machine. He goes missing and someone official looking comes knocking. Tilly knows not to answer the door when she is alone, but she realises they are after the machine. She can’t let that happen, how could her dad get back?
This is the sort of book that makes me want to buy it so I can loan it to some child who loves reading about adventures.
This is the sort of book that makes me want to buy it so I can loan it to some child who loves reading about adventures.
January 23, 2020
This book is so cute and fun (but also emotional). Tilly is very resourceful - she reminded me a bit of Kevin from the Home Alone films, but nicer and better behaved. A fantastic time travelling adventure for younger children (probably age 6+).
February 18, 2021
When Tully's dad makes a time machine she asks to go back to when her mum was alive.
This sets off a train of events which leaves Tilly going through time to rescue her dad.
This was a great book and a great way to teach children about history,
This sets off a train of events which leaves Tilly going through time to rescue her dad.
This was a great book and a great way to teach children about history,
January 22, 2018
A lovely little book for children. Fast moving to keep them engaged, funny and cute. A great adventure for bedtime.
September 9, 2018
what a lovely story for children, has time travel, sadness, friendships, history and a happy ending. what more does anyone want from a book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews