‘Grimstink’ written by Daniel Peak

Big Book Award 2026 shortlisted title:

Alien Grimstink has travelled 90,000 light years to annihilate all life on Earth. Thirteen-year-old Layla Tenby has travelled half a mile to deliver leaflets for affordable fence panels.

But, when they suddenly swap places, Grimstink finds himself battling traffic wardens and the subway sandwich ordering system, while Layla is zapped to a strange planet and left fighting for the future of the galaxy whether she wants to or not (spoiler: she does not want to).

Is Reece, Layla’s annoying younger brother, key to the galaxy’s survival, or will his friendship with new bestie Grimstink lead them all to impending doom?

From black holes to shopping precincts; from mining satellites to old people’s homes; from quantum spaceships to the middle aisle of Aldi… Is this the end of all life on Planet Earth or the beginning of a beautiful friendship?

Published by Firefly Press

The Big Book Award 2026 Longlist Reading Panel of children from Rushbury CofE Primary School said…

“It’s 100% hilarious and awesome.”

“Everyone should read this book because everyone needs a good chuckle.”

“Gripping and intense.”

About the author

Daniel Peak is a BAFTA, RTS and International Emmy Award-winning TV scriptwriter. He co-writes BBC1’s Not Going Out with Lee Mack, created and wrote three series of Sky TV’s Code 404 and was part of the writing team on CBBC’s Horrible Histories. His first novel, Little Horror, won the 2023 James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Award. Grimstink is his second.

Daniel lives in Stockport with his wife, two daughters, a dog, two cats and a gerbil.

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