“Every summer we would be invaded by our four grandchildren who managed to turn our peaceful lives into two months of chaos and carnage! It was out of those summers that these stories were kindled.”
Meet the Shufflett kids. Five of them.
THOSE Kids Next Door! is about a large, unfortunate family, living in a city, trying to come to terms with everyday life without a Dad. The two eldest boys cause most of the problems. It doesn’t matter where they go or what they do; trouble finds them! They don’t go looking for it, but they always find it! They are trouble magnets! Even when they are trying to help people, things go wrong.
When they are not fighting each other, or arguing, or winding each other up, these pranksters cause havoc. The family is moved regularly by the Council because of complaints from the neighbours. Within weeks of being moved to a new house, the complaints come pouring into the Council Office. One Councillor suggested sending them to Mars next time and, although it was a tough choice, the Council members voted against this due to the costs of transportation!
Those Kids Next Door: Cruelty to Adults
Getting Ready for a Joe Wicks Workout
Part 1
The Joe Wicks Workout
Part 2
Behaviour Melts Your Bones
Part 3
In a final attempt to get rid of the problem family, the Council bought a house many miles out in the Welsh countryside where the family has now been sent to live. ‘We are sending them where they cannot do any more harm to anyone. Their only neighbours now will be cows and sheep!’
The Shufflett family has been crowded into small houses for as long as they can each remember so, when they arrive at Budleigh Cottage, in the middle of nowhere, with its five bedrooms, massive garden, pond, woods and no moaning neighbours, they cannot believe their luck. The nearest house is over 200 metres away and it is owned by an elderly couple, Arthur and Margaret. For Orlando, it is especially amazing because there does not appear to be any sign of a school!
About the Author
Alan Stott
I never ever thought that I would write a story! This was the last thing on my mind but, when I took early retirement from teaching, I found myself with some spare time and the ideas simply began to flow. I invented this family of five children and a missing Dad. Where was he? My early ideas were pulled into shape by Shaun Russell of Candy Jar Books Ltd, an absolute genius from whom I learned so much. His incredible skills and patience were a massive inspiration to me.
