Growing up, my favourite author was Roald Dahl, so I have been yearning to read “Timothy and the Phubbers” for the longest time, especially when Lolita Chiong’s illustrations are reminiscent of those from Quentin Blake.

The book and illustrations exceeded my expectations. Given that this was written by a Singaporean, I was expecting something that conformed to the typical way we construct narratives. Rooted in reality, problems that are acted upon and resolved, personal growth exhibited at the end. Safe. Predictable. Unimaginative. But right off the bat, I was introduced to characters with eyebrow-raising quirks. Timothy’s best friend, Rudy is not beneath eating boogers and animal feed. Timothy’s family communicates exclusively via WhatsApp. As an adult, it was fun to read something that mirrored Roald Dahl’s lighthearted and irreverent style. I kept turning the pages, curious to see what tricks Ken Kwek had up his sleeve.

This book explores Timothy’s and Rudy’s new schooling lives as secondary one students. They are targeted by bullies and are determined to fight back. Climaxes abound on their journey as they enlist the help of Timothy’s uncle, who runs an antique shop. Predictably, some of the strategies employed are decidedly old-school. (Silver film photography, anyone?)

I won’t spoil this book for you by explaining how the boys used a film camera to fend themselves against the bullies. Instead, I will flirt with your curiosity a bit further. The resolution comprises a twist, which takes the plot in a delightfully split-your-sides-laughing direction. Not unlike a Shakespearean comedy, really.

After reading this book, I found myself wanting to meet Ken Kwek face to face. Not sure whether his child is still in primary school, but I would like to ask him how he grappled with the writing conventions of the Primary Sch Leaving Exam compo — and more importantly, if he has guided his child to write successful pieces that both conform to the marking rubrics and showcase a refreshing non-cookie cutter inner voice. Maybe @ken_kwek will reply to this IG post.