Poor Jack. In a family of (eccentric) overachievers, he's the average one, no 'strings to his bow.' In an effort to impress his family, he enlists his dog and his uncle in a scheme to demonstrate his psychic powers, which, of course, this being the Bagthorpes, goes awry with hilarious results.

Even as an adult, I find myself reflecting on Jack Bagthorpe's experiences when I've had a particularly difficult day at work and need to lighten up.. Cresswell's characters and their exploits never fade, from the demon pair of Grandma and Daisy to the hedgehogging housekeeper and the offstage Anonymous from Grisby. ( )

Jack is the only ordinary one in a family of geniuses, so he and his Uncle Parker come up with a scheme to make Jack look like a prophet. Jack pretends to go into a trance and utters mysterious prophecies. Uncle Parker works behinds the scenes to make the prophecies come true, amazing the whole family when Jack's utterings come to pass.

But how long can Jack and Uncle Parker keep up their scheme before someone catches on? ( )

First in the Bagthorpe Saga series. Jack is frustrated by his ultra-talented and boastful siblings. Prompted by his sympathetic uncle he embarks on a new career... calamities ensure, as is the norm in the chaotic Bagthorpe household. Fast-paced and well-written. ( )

I fell in love with all the characters in this book, the members of the crazy Bagthorpe family. The story centers on Jack, who feels too ordinary in comparison to his siblings and parents, all of whom have many Strings in their Bow. His wacky Uncle Parker dreams up a scheme to make the family think Jack has prophetic powers. The scheme works quite well, actually, with prophecies fulfilled about Lavender Men and Brown Bears. All the while the dad breaks his arm trying to stand on his head and the mom is quite busy solving people’s Problems and we can’t forget Rosie who loves to set fires here and there. ( )

Jack Matthew Bagthorpe is one of four Bagthorpe children. He is convinced he is the ordinary one because all of his siblings have special talents or are considered "genius" except him. They are either mathematical, musical or sporty. Middle child Jack is none of these things. He (and his dog Zero) are practically ignored or shunned because of their lack of specialness. An accomplishment is a string in someone's bow and Jack didn't have a one. Uncle Parker is keen to Jack's plight and sets out to make him extraordinary. Uncle Parker has decided Jack's hidden talent will be the gift of prophecy, and later, of dowsing. The funny thing is, the Bagthorpe family come completely unglued when Jack's "prophesies" start to come true. Of course, there is mayhem at the end. ( )