William the Bad

Reach for this book when your child's high-spirited energy and creative attempts at problem solving lead to constant misunderstandings with the adults in their lives. It is the perfect remedy for a child who feels overly restricted by rules or who struggles with the frustration of being told they are being bad when they were actually trying to be helpful or adventurous. The stories follow the legendary William Brown, an eleven-year-old boy in 1920s England whose vivid imagination and fierce sense of independence turn everyday suburban life into a series of hilarious, chaotic escapades. While the setting is historical, the emotional core is timeless: the friction between a child's internal world of play and the rigid expectations of society. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated vocabulary and the way the book validates a child's need for autonomy and outdoor exploration. It is an excellent choice for shared reading, as it provides a safe space to laugh at mischief while opening up conversations about intent versus impact and the importance of finding constructive outlets for a restless spirit.