In his first published book, Brenton Cullen tells the story of Wren, a 10-year-old boy who lives with his mum in a country town. His brother and grandma live nearby. Wren’s teacher asks her students to write letters to the Prime Minister of Australia. Wren’s first letter is about saving the animals who are suffering in the bushfires.
After his grandma unexpectedly moves to a nursing home several hours away, Wren writes additional letters about loneliness and the need for nursing homes in regional and rural towns. Wren’s triumphs are punctuated with local events, projects and interactions with classmates, town folk, neighbours, gardens and birds.
The Prime Minister Problem emphasises believing in yourself and the strength of being self-directed and assured. The notion that ‘one person can change the world’ (and one community can do even more) is a simple yet powerful message. Sometimes it starts with one quiet voice.
Reviewed by Mark Parry
Age Guide 7+
Supported by the
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brenton Cullen writes stories from the heart for children and young adults. He is a bookseller, interviewer, children’s literature advocate, reviewer and 2023 May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Fellowship Recipient and 2024 Winner of the Just Write for Kids Pitch It! Competition (Middle-Grade Category). Brenton lives between the bush and the beach with his partner, a quartet of fish named The Supremes, five terrariums, eight house plants and an ever-growing picture book collection. The Prime Minister Problem is his first book.
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