Big Trouble with Angry Chairs, the first book in Lachlann Carter’s delightfully spooky and funny Big Trouble series, is here to stir up some mischief. Published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing and illustrated by million-copy bestselling artist Douglas Holgate (Last Kids on Earth), the series combines the eerie humour of Goosebumps with the surreal twists of Twilight Zone, making it a must-read for kids and families alike.
In Big Trouble with Angry Chairs, young readers are invited to join Maddie and Clare as they navigate their strange neighbourhood, Dead End, where mutant fart gas, zombified family members, and even a villainous chicken threaten to take over. With fast-paced storytelling and comic-style illustrations, Big Trouble is perfect for early and independent readers aged 5-10 and fans of laugh-out-loud, illustrated series like Bad Guys, Dog Man, and Treehouse. The second book in the series, Big Trouble with an Old Fart, is set to release on April 1, 2025, with more adventures to follow.
“The world of Big Trouble reflects the everyday adventures and challenges children experience. It’s meant to be spooky, funny, and empowering,” says Lachlann. “I want kids to see themselves as adventurers who can solve problems, take risks, and create their own stories.”
Beyond the humour and thrills of Big Trouble, author Lachlann Carter brings a powerful commitment to fostering creativity and literacy among young people. A former primary school teacher, Lachlann is the co-founder of 100 Story Building, a Melbourne-based organisation that has delivered creativity and storytelling programs for over 50,000 children. Now residing in Gimuy/Cairns, he continues this mission locally by delivering workshops and creating resources that help children express themselves and connect with literature. He is currently developing a new initiative to embed creativity into educational practices in Far North Queensland, working alongside children, teachers, families, and other artists to co-design the program.
Praise for Big Trouble With Angry Chairs:
“This book is CRAZY…but in a good way. After reading this you will be far more considerate of the humble chair – because you absolutely DO NOT want to make them angry! Young readers are going to love this hilarious new book.”
“This book is big trouble and big fun! With its perfect text to illustration ratio, Big Trouble with ANgry Chairs will draw in reluctant readers and keep them hooked with its crazy antics that will have you laughing along and watching your back (side) every time you go to sit down!”
