The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife

Written by Max Evans, Illustrated by Chris Jevons, Published by Hachette Children’s

The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife is a rather emotional roller coaster of a book- for Scarlett Fife. Though she is only 10, Scarlett has big feelings that bubble in her tummy and make her scream, shout and have almighty tantrums. From not getting the class’s pet hamster, to injustice, to William U- all of these are guaranteed to have explosive ends!

Scarlett is loved by many and all want her to learn to control her temper so she is taught to take deep breaths, to pretend to blow out candles and to talk to teddy bears…though not all of these help when those tummy bubbles rise to the surface.

When things literally start exploding around Scarlett as the bubbles rise, she worries about what will happen to her. Learning to control her emotions is the only thing she can do.

This entirely heart warming tale features strong emotions that are perfectly normal…it is learning to understand them that is tricky. Knowing what makes us angry can help us to know when we need to calm down and remove ourselves. A self help guide for children with anger issues is held within the pages of this book with hilarious moments!

Max Evans has this enjoyable style of writing that allows characters to float off the page and into your world. Scarlett and her emotions felt so real and I felt her anger, her frustration, her sadness and her joy at every event, though I am glad to have missed the exploding poo event!

2021 shall be known as the year of Maz Evans. With Vi Spy being published as well as The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife, there is no better time to be reading Children’s fiction.