Jumpman Rule One   by James Valentine Corgi, 2004, 279 pages, ISBN 0552550582

How easy was it to get stuck into this book?
This book is the first in a new series all to do with timetravel and hopping between the ages. It follows Jules and Gen in our time, two teenagers who are shocked when Theodore, who is from many years into the future, suddenly appears in one of their bedrooms. It leads them on a trail of stressed parents, various places throughout the past they could never have dreamt of and the task of returning a confused teenager to his own era.

Who are the main characters?
The main characters are Gen and Jules, childhood friends who are meeting up over a family barbecue at Gen's house when Theodore Pine suddenly appears in Gen's bedroom, a boy about their age but sporting multicoloured hair and a speaking coat. It turns out that he is stuck here about a botched time travel visit from the future. Other important characters are Gen and Jules' parents and Quincy Carter, the pioneer of the Jumpsuit time travel device from Theodore's time, who is getting some very bad publicity from Theodore's stranding.

What's the storyline?
When Theodore is stuck, Gen and Jules gradually begin to acclimatise themselves to him, and start to help him. However, he is so amazed by everything that he sees that he is not an easy charge to manage, and the pair are having other problems coping with Gen's highly stressed mother, who is ready to jump at the slightest hint of any funny business going on. Their secret cannot remain undisclosed for long, and they must get Theodore back before it is too late.

How's it written?
The book is probably best for younger readers.

Other books by the same author that Tim knows about?
None

The overall verdict is
Really good stuff

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