The Giggler Treatment

by Roddy Doyle

adult me: ★★★

child me:★★★★★

Review

As a child, this was by far one of my favourite books. I have extremely fond memories of reading this with my Mum and laughing out loud and holding my stomach from laughing too much. Of course, now that I am older and don't find toilet humour funny, I see that the fond memories I have are entirely based on the silly content of the book and the way in which it was read to me by my family.

The Giggler Treatment is an absolutely ridiculous book that follows the boring life of one biscuit tester, Mister Mack, who is a bit of a grump when it comes to his children. Little does he know that all children have tiny little guardians called 'Gigglers' who punish any parent that tell their children off. And what better punishment is there than stepping in dog poo?! Unsurprisingly, me (as a child) reading about adults stepping in dog poo for being mean to their child was absolutely brilliant and had me reading this book over and over again.

As an adult, while the poo doesn't quite have the same effect on me, I do appreciate the fun, quirky and casual way in which Roddy Doyle writes. Nothing is ever taken seriously and even the narrator has a bit of fun with the reader as the story is told. Some chapters have absolutely ridiculous names, while others are four or five words long, creating a fun and engaging read for children.

I would recommend this book to any parent whose children enjoy toilet humour or silly, ridiculous books. It is a very simple and accessible read and so could be enjoyed by readers young and old. The adventures of Rover (the dog who provides the poo to the Gigglers) continue in other books by Roddy Doyle, and this is therefore a great way to hook a young reader into a small series!

Dive Deeper

Key information

Author: Roddy Doyle

Release Date:2000

Book type: (very short) chapter, ~120 pages, paperback

Reader level: Growing (content 6+)

Overview 

If adults are mean to children, they get the Giggler Treatment.

It's smelly. It's squishy. And it sticks to your shoe.

But sometimes, just sometimes, the Gigglers make a mistake...

Can Robbie, Kayla, Jimmy and Rover the dog come to Mr Mack's rescue before the poo hits the shoe?

Should I read this book?

You should read this book if you...

Why not also try...

Where can I find this book?