Ivan the Terrible is a children's novel by Anne Fine

Anne Fine

Anne Fine, OBE FRSL is a British author best known for her children's books, of which she has written more than 50. She also writes for adults...

, published in 2007. It won the Nestlé Children's Book Prize

Nestlé Smarties Book Prize

The Nestlé Children's Book Prize, also known as the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize, was an annual award given to children's books written in the previous year by a UK citizen or resident. The prize was administered by Booktrust, an independent charity which promotes books and reading, and sponsored by...

 Silver Award.

Plot

It is Ivan's first day of school. He can only speak Russian and it's Boris's job to look after him and translate for him. St Edmund's is a civilized school, but Ivan isn't civilized. Boris knows that he is going to have trouble teaching Ivan.

Reception

Chris Stephenson, of Carousel, reviewed the book saying "To work successfully, the book required a delicate balancing-act and Anne Fine, a consummate high-wire performer, doesn't put a foot wrong." Vanessa Curtis, of The Herald, reviewed the book saying ""Fine's writing is comic, her characters are well-drawn and there is a neat twist at the end..." Nicolette Jones, of Sunday Times, reviewed the book saying "...delightfully spiky... ...irreverent comedy..."