Something Terrible: Tim Tie-Your Shoelaces by Sally Barton illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

Consequences - what might happen if Tim, as usual, does not tie his shoelaces? How is this linked to Mr Wilbanks the sewerage worker? Mr Wilbanks did erect a safety fence and he put out three signs - BEWARE, DANGER and PEAS ARE GOOD FOR YOU. 

"Of course, it's not just anyone that should open a sewer hatch, even if they have put up a safety fence and hung big signs. No, it should be explained here that only sewer men or women should be opening sewers and Mr Wilbanks was a sewer man and proud it of. 'A clean sewer makes for a happy town,' he would say to anyone who would listen."

It is school day and Tim (no he didn't tie his shoelaces) should be heading to school. Mr Wilbanks is going into the sewer because there is something down there - something dangerous. 

Can you join the dots? Think about tripping on your shoelaces. Think about the open manhole. And what is this creature living in the pipes under the city. Oh and can that shoe with the untied lace perhaps save the day?

Here is a text quote to give you a sample of this story which I really enjoyed. I am sure readers aged 7+ will love this little book and it could easily be a fun library read aloud too:

"Lots of stuff gets into the sewers, laddie, ... The sewers run under the town and take all the wastewater away from everyone's homes, but you wouldn't believe what else comes down those drains. Anything that can fit down the pipes comes down the pipes. Socks and potato peelings, spaghetti and glitter, hair and buttons, toothpicks and sticking plasters, toenail clipping and tissues, lizards, goldfish, snakes (dead and alive) and lots of peas."

The illustrations really add to the fun too:

One way to introduce this book might be to use this BTN (ABC TV Behind the news video about Fatbergs). 

And here is another BTN episode on this topic!

Here are the CBCA judges' comments - Tim Tie-your Shoelaces is a CBCA 2026 Younger Readers Notable title. Younger readers is a category for readers aged 7-12. From 2027 this category will change and be split into Middle Readers: 10–13 and Younger Readers: 6–10. Of the six books this shortlisted for 2026 Tim Tie-Your Shoelaces is the only one for very young readers aged 7+. 

Paul McDonald said: (this) is fast paced, funny and clever- and is part of a series of four books. Congrats to the creators ... We need more quality (and quirky) junior chapter books like this one.

It is interesting that I could not find many reviews of this book - it was published in April 2025. 

Tim Tie-Your Shoelaces is book one in this new series:

Book four is Sam Stop-Your-Frowning

Barbara Braxton on her blog The Bottom Shelf says: Of all the series published for young, emerging readers every now and then one stands out and you know it is going to be a favourite.  To my mind, this is one of those.  Ordinary, relatable kids, the type of action that dares adults to read it aloud, humour and clever, appealing physical design all make for an engaging read that is going to draw in even the most reluctant reader ... 

I have forgotten the context but years ago I used to explore the topic of sewerage and water treatment plants with my Grade Four library groups. I found some really interesting websites at that time, and I used some of the books at the bottom of this post. 

Companion books just for fun exploring toilets! There are some ideas in this post from my friend at Kinderbookswitheverything. 

The Great Stink

I also recommend looking for the funny books about peas in your school library - here are a few I found but there are sure to be others:

Here is the web page for Christopher Nielsen. You will recognise his art from our wonderful NSW School Magazine. 

He was the illustrator of another CBCA Notable title - I was a judge for that round and I loved this book:

Just one Bee