Barnaby Bumstead and the Gentle Takedown is a children’s picture book by British writer Remi Makulec. With 32 pages, this funny and easy-to-read book brings a heartfelt and witty story meant to make everyone fall in love with our less-than-popular protagonist.
From where I stand, picture books are the new category of literature that can transcend ages and make you appreciate whatever moral or educational teaching comes with them. In Barnaby Bumstead and the Gentle Takedown, we get to meet Barnaby, a wild ginger-haired, big-specked boy sitting right at the lower end of the social ladder. He isn’t your average adventurer. He doesn’t have a sword, a map to buried treasure, or a secret superpower. What he does have is a very important book: The Gentle Art: A Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Tired of constantly being bullied, and one to pride himself on his cleverness, particularly when placed against physical strength, Barnaby comes up with a genius way to turn things around. With a dash of defiance, a lot of practice, and a few well-timed tumbles, he creatively smarts his way through stopping the school bullies from taking his lunch money again. In doing so, Barnaby shows us that strength isn’t the only power. The book cleverly explores the idea that technique can triumph over size, and with it, our sad but likeable protagonist makes us all feel that the little guys can also win, regardless of being the weakest link.
What makes Barnaby such an appealing hero is how relatable he is. He makes mistakes, gets into trouble, and has to find his own way out, making him the kind of character young readers can easily connect with. The story is packed with action, humour, and funny illustrations, while also introducing children to the basics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the confidence that can come from learning something new.
The book is the first in the Barnaby Bumstead Adventures series, with Barnaby, Pippa & The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Secret coming soon. Knowing a little about the author makes the story even more enjoyable. Remi Makulec lives a bit of a double life in the South West of the UK. When he isn’t consulting on Health & Safety, teaching people how not to get hurt, he’s on the mats teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and showing people exactly how to do the opposite. After years of coaching what he affectionately calls “mini assassins” and raising two children of his own, he finally brought his cast of imaginary characters to life through Barnaby’s adventures. His belief that every child has a hero inside them shines throughout the story.
Regardless of what age you’re reading to, this picture book is a wonderful read, packed with wittiness, funny drawings, and even some special skills to be picked up along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult, and it also got the seal of approval from a very picky six-year-old. That’s saying something.
Little Chilean 