Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 02 Jul 2026

Tales of the Cobb Street Commandos by Tony Bradman, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff

Another thrilling book from one of my favourite authors who always manages to weave important historical information into a great story. This never feels laboured or didactic, but is included as part of the plot.

I am also a big fan of this strong but subversive set of fictional boys who are approximately ten years old. They are on the cusp of adolescence, but still retain childish enthusiasm and optimism. Like William Brown, Dennis the Menace and Bart Simpson, Jimmy Wilson is very keen to have adventures with his group of trusty mates without too much interference from adults – my two young grandsons liked him from the first page when he stops to look at a poster, because he doesn’t care a jot about being late for school!

Set in the East End of London in 1941, Jimmy has already organised his friends into an efficient commando unit with a secret base in a bombed out house. He had been inspired by seeing a news report about real commandos who went on raids in countries occupied by the Nazis. Although they are much too young to join up, the boys are now determined to play their part in winning the war on the home front.

Jimmy’s dad is in the Royal Navy and his mom is working long hours in a factory making equipment for the Royal Air Force, so life isn’t easy. School is usually dull because the headteacher and other staff are well past retirement age but still working due to the war ( another talking point).

Life outside school is far more exciting and constantly occupies his lively mind. But when he sees the national campaign poster to raise money for Spitfire planes, he is inspired to get his unit involved. After a rocky start, he decides to join forces with Kathleen, a rival organiser at school and they combine their talents to plan an array of successful fundraisers which make an impressive amount. It seems that girls aren’t so bad after all and as a reward – Kathleen is invited to be part of the Cobb Street Commandos.

We particularly enjoyed their second mission which involved working in partnership with the Home Guard. We loved how they were able to offer excellent advice to the group of elderly men who were taking part in a humiliating training exercise with regular soldiers. We talked a lot about what these men had to offer in terms of knowledge and experience and the cruelty of Sergeant Higgins who was in charge.

The third mission even involves getting to meet the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill and being given a personal tour of the Admiralty Building. This happens when Jimmy is desperately trying to find out information about his dad who is missing in action.

When we reached the final page, I asked my grandsons what they thought about his character. They decided that they would definitely like to be his friend in real life because he is ‘adventurous, confident, brave, funny, naughty and a kind big brother’. I would add that he is imaginative, resourceful, empathetic, principled and articulate. The wonderful comic book style illustrations definitely helped to establish his character as well as adding to important events throughout. We are really looking forward to Jimmy starring in the next story, the first chapter of which is included at the end.

I strongly recommend this well paced and informative book which gives a window into the history of WW2. These are ordinary kids living adventurous childhoods despite the horrors of war. I hope that it will be used in classrooms studying this period, and know that my grandson will be telling his Year 6 teacher about it in September.

Published by Faber, it is now available from your local independent bookshop who will order you a copy if not already on their shelves.

 

Karen Argent

July 2026