Al Chaudhury is an ordinary boy whose life changes when his grandfather gives him a mysterious letter and reveals a secret left behind by his father. Hidden in the garden shed is a homemade time machine.

Al discovers that the machine can take him back to 1984, the year before his father died. Determined to change history and save his father, Al begins a dangerous journey through time.

However, time travel is not as simple as he expects. Every change creates unexpected consequences, and Al must learn that altering the past can affect the present in surprising ways.

With the help of his loyal hamster, Alan Shearer, Al faces challenges involving:

• Family secrets
• Time travel rules
• Unexpected dangers
• Difficult decisions
• The meaning of happiness and love

Main Characters

Al Chaudhury

Role: Main protagonist

• A 12-year-old boy
• Curious, intelligent, and determined
• Wants to save his father from an early death
• Learns about responsibility and the consequences of his actions

Alan Shearer (the Hamster)

Role: Al’s unusual companion

• Al’s pet hamster
• Named after the famous footballer
• Becomes part of Al’s time-travel adventures
• Adds humor and warmth to the story

Al’s Father

Role: Important figure in Al’s memories

• A scientist and inventor
• Created the time machine
• His past and inventions drive the central mystery

Al’s Family

The story explores Al’s relationships with his mother, grandparents, and extended family, showing the importance of love and connection.

Major Themes

1. Time Travel and Consequences

The book explores the idea that changing the past can have unpredictable effects on the future.

2. Family and Love

At its heart, the story is about a boy’s love for his family and his desire to protect the people he cares about.

3. Grief and Acceptance

Al learns how to deal with loss and understand that some events cannot simply be erased.

4. Courage and Responsibility

The novel shows that making difficult choices requires maturity and bravery.

5. Growing Up

Al’s adventure helps him understand himself and the world around him better.

Writing Style

Ross Welford’s writing combines:

• Fast-paced adventure
• Science-fiction ideas
• British humor
• Emotional storytelling
• Mystery and suspense

The story balances funny moments with deeper themes about family, memory, and personal growth.

Key Features

✅ Exciting time-travel adventure

✅ Funny and imaginative storytelling

✅ Strong family themes

✅ Mystery and science-fiction elements

✅ Emotional character journey

✅ Suitable for independent young readers

Awards and Recognition

Time Travelling with a Hamster received significant praise and was shortlisted for several children's book awards, including the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the Blue Peter Book Awards.

Readers and critics praised it for its originality, humor, and emotional depth.

Who Should Read This Book?

Recommended for readers who enjoy:

✅ Time-travel stories

✅ Science fiction for children

✅ Funny adventure novels

✅ Family-focused stories

✅ Books like Tom Gates, The Explorer, or The Boy Who Saved the Universe