Sin, sin, sin, sin, sin… oh, I’ve not sin that! News Posted by Jonathan Capps on 22nd March 2025, 22:07 Well, here’s one for all the fans who wanted Doug to write a new novel. Please, ignore that monkey’s paw curling its finger… Thank you to clem over on the forum for spotting that Doug Naylor will be releasing a new children’s book this September, entitled Sin Bin Island. At the end of each year, four pupils from Cyril Sniggs’s Correctional Orphanage for Wayward Boys and Girls are banished to Sin Bin Island, an eerie place surrounded by eel-infested waters. Legend has it, the island has a secret tunnel, used to smuggle magic into mainland England. But in over 300 years the tunnel has never been found. Nor has any of the magic. This year, all that’s going to change. How intriguing! We’ll have to wait until September to see if Cyril Sniggs’s controversial ‘abandon children on the secret magic eel island’ will pay off for the lad. The book is aimed at children 9 to 11, and as someone with a child who will be approaching that age range when this is released I’m really looking forward to seeing what Doug can bring to not quite young adults’ fiction. This definitely seems to be one of those books that will be on the darker side of things, possibly more in line with things like Lemmony Snicket that anything else, and I really do hope he’s able to bring some of the Naylor magic that a lot of us experienced as kids reading the Red Dwarf novels, but this time to the next (next) generation.
Requesting Doug to send me a free copy, and also mail a copy to twenty years ago when I was in the target age range. I think both of us would enjoy it.
Looking forward to the quotes on the back cover: “If Doug’s target audience is Red Dwarf fans who’ve had sex, he’s made a huge mistake” – Craig Charles
Cowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged This is what immediately popped into my head too, and I thought “I won’t post that, it’s niche and mildly insane”… then a second later I scroll down to see you’ve already done it.
Cyril Sniggs I can only assume Doug was a huge fan of The Raccoons. As he should be, but I am Canadian so of course I would say that.
The tunnel is a metaphor for bone marrow transplants. This is Interesting. Now to dither on whether or not I’ll get it based solely on it being Red Dwarf adjacent for a while then buy it anyway unless it goes out of print first.
Cyril Sniggs I can only assume Doug was a huge fan of The Raccoons. As he should be, but I am Canadian so of course I would say that. As a direct result of this thread, I have had Run With Us stuck in my head all week.
Cyril Sniggs could not sound more like a character name from a Python sketch. American says it sounds like a British comedy troupe skit. Brits say it sounds like a Canadian cartoon character. But perhaps Doug has just finally created a nice South African.
I believe this short video clip is relevant to the current discussion: https://bsky.app/profile/demontomatodave.bsky.social/post/3lkljeevkzc2y
Mundane observation: was “a female aardvark” written after a watch of Ink and Incapability, or is it just a universal truism that the word aardvark is funny?
I make the effort to come to the G&T front page on April Fool’s Day, and this is still up top? Shame on you.
I was planning on using a Smegadrive image in the Discord last night but literally couldn’t bring myself to do it, thanks to this year’s joke.
You’re looking in the wrong place. Am I? Sorry. Christ, they make you *work* to try and find a fucking joke now. Mind you, they’ve done that for years, really.
Haha, I get it. If you post any Smega-Drive image, it gets replaced with that frame of Rimmer in Back to Reality.Unfortunately I spoiled the joke for myself somewhat by coincidentally picking that exact frame anyway, but I appreciate the intent.
Haha, I get it. If you post any Smega-Drive image, it gets replaced with that frame of Rimmer in Back to Reality.
As tweeted by Doug: https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/david-fickling-books-signs-gorgeously-fun-middle-grade-adventure-from-red-dwarf-co-creator-doug-naylor (but I haven’t signed up to read the article so don’t know if there’s any juicy details in there)
“David Fickling Books has signed Sin Bin Island, the debut middle-grade adventure from Doug Naylor, the co-creator of the television show, Red Dwarf. Managing director and publishing director Liz Cross secured world rights, in all languages, from Janette Linden at PBJ Management. Sin Bin Island will be published on 11th September 2025 as David Fickling Books’ super-lead fiction title for autumn. Publication will be supported by a wide-ranging PR campaign, extensive signing, high-profile events and ComicCon and festival appearances. Cross said: “Sin Bin Island is simply the most gorgeously fun new middle-grade I have read in years – and it’s hilarious, thrilling and touching too. Doug’s gifts for character, dialogue, comedy, and his refreshing inventiveness, shine out of every page.” Pitched as a classic children’s adventure story meets “one of the greatest comedic minds of a generation”, Sin Bin Island tells the story of Jack Digby who is unexpectedly sent to Cyril Snigg’s Correctional Orphanage for Wayward Boys and Girls. At the end of the year, the four worst behaved pupils are sent to Sin Bin Island. The synopsis continues: “Legend has it, the island has a secret tunnel, once used to smuggle magic into mainland England. But for more than 300 years the tunnel has never been found. Nor has any of the magic. Until now.” Naylor said: “I am thrilled to be working with Liz Cross and the amazing team at David Fickling Books. They have published some of my very favourite children’s books and the speed with which they leapt on this project, together with the astonishing care they’ve lavished on it, made it impossible for me to choose any other publisher” “
Looking forward to this. Recently started watching Red Dwarf from Series 1 Episode 1 with our kids (we chose not to start at Rimmerworld) and they’re loving it. Especially anything with the Cat in. I don’t think they’re ready for the RD novels yet, but this might be fun for them to be a part of.
My five-year-old is weirdly into eels They never bettered Souljacker, for me. Although admittedly Blinking Lights And Other Revelations comes close.
My five-year-old is weirdly into eels, so we’ll see if that’s enough of a hook. What is the appropriate level of interest in eels?
What is the appropriate level of interest in eels? It’s up to the parent to decide what they feel is appropriate.
I’m not sure whether that’s the final cover or not, but if so I like the colour scheme being in the “Red Dwarf tie-in book from the mid 1990s” archetype.
Doug also tweeted a picture of the back cover. Also said: “some very cool drawings by Nik Afia, including a map. Every children’s book needs a map.”
Yeah, you’d think Doug would be busy with all the Red Dwarf that’s been coming out. It would be great if this book turns out to be a thinly-veiled reworking of abandoned ideas for unproduced Red Dwarf episodes, disguised as a new novel for kids.
I’d complain about “THE creator of Red Dwarf” but I already proved Rob did it on the Region 1 Dark Ages VHS. And this one isn’t weirdly plural. Also suprised no one is pointing out that was the serif Red Dwarf logo.
Also suprised no one is pointing out that was the serif Red Dwarf logo. We’re ignoring it and hoping it goes away.
My first reaction was “that snake is absolutely hench.” Then I figured it was a lizard. Either way, it’s very scary and I’m not surprised the children are running from it. I would too.
They aren’t old enough yet for a cute member of the opposite (or same) sex to irrevocably change their lives by calling them uncool for doing it
My brain read the two lines of the blurb together as “invasively funny”. And yes, “co-creator”, almost as if they read this thread.
And yes, “co-creator”, almost as if they read this thread. I would assume Doug made that change. He’s always very good about making it clear that he’s not the sole creator of Red Dwarf.
Doug is appearing at the Bath Childrens’ Literature Festival in September. https://bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature/event/sin-bin-island-with-doug-naylor/
So it’s about the fourth time Doug’s done that bit now, but a fun intro to it for kids. If this is anything like other kids’ book series I’ve read recently, the map will be explored over the course of several sequels.
I’ve just had another look at the map and noticed the shape of the island. It’s a crocodile, hence some of the place names.
Doug Naylor pictured with a promotional large Sin Bin Island map, Bath Children’s Literature Festival, 2025.
That’s why the book is 400 pages. There’s multiple lines randomly repeated. The Red Dwarf novels would have been 50 pages if they’d typed more economically.
I need to reread the novels again in the printed book form. I haven’t done that since middle school probably.
If even Doug has to buy his own book, the chances of a G&T review copy seem slim: https://bsky.app/profile/dougrdnaylor.bsky.social/post/3ly3fivoee22k https://twitter.com/DougRDNaylor/status/1963903754253554130 (Video post so screenshot wouldn’t be much help)
Finished Sin Bin Island book 1. Some mildly spoilerish thoughts, mostly as an old bloke reading a young adults kids book from the perspective of being A Red Dwarf fan & film and tv fantasy, comedy watcher. I read the first couple of chapters with my granddaughter, which has been well received, especially the Russian doll mystery which is an early hook nicely illustrated as a motif. As she’s busy with a lot of post school clubs bedtime doesn’t allow a lot of reading time though and at 7 she’s still a little young for the attention span for taking in this story maybe. She is loving maid Marian btw at the moment, which is a story I’ve shared with Tony Robinson at book signing last weekend which was great fun. As i am away this weekend, I’ve binge read this new book I think all 10 year olds would love. It stands on its own as just something they would find adventure in on every page. From action, to warm character moments they can all identify with, to codes and riddles, pirates, monsters, survival in school systems and the wild. There’s obviously parallels for some one as old as myself to see with everything Harry Potter ripped off itself to billy bunter style boarding schools, Blyton penned smugglers & food fixations, treasure island and lord of the files are so prevalent an influence both are subtlely doffed a cap to in quick references. Goonies, sure, Even a little bit of Pratchet crossed my mind and Oliver, and Neville’s Island. Sounds like a future book will rub against more myths with Atlantis being mentioned. There isn’t a sense of copying anything but it’s a hugely familiar world to anyone reading outside of its actual targeted young audience. Trap doors, treasure chests, magic items. It may not quite be orignal enough, but it does mix themes in the hope of avoiding singular comparisons. It’s so well constructed. Short chapters and a real focussed thrill ride in each. Plenty of twists and reveals. Humour comes from that Grange Hill style dynamic of kids vs teachers and bully’s and it’s mostly in the dialogue interactions. Each child finding their place in a little gang with their own quirks. And moral in just the right amounts of self reflection. So it is an easy read that becomes growingly page turner and immersive. When you read it as a life long Red Dwarf fan you go… Spoilers…. Jam Stone = Luck virus, Regression Stone = Time Wand. Russian Doll – take your pick of future predictions from Cassandra to Future Echoes to any time loop story, though this is a on going multi book arc so only part one. Plus Noah’s got a tiny bit of Rimmers Cowardice & the “Just use the teleporter” gag makes an alternative appearance but done even better. That feeling of Marooning your charters and then bringing in the camp fire confessional emotional heart is of course a total master class moment within the book. Ten out ten for the feels. Lastly anyone who wants to head cannon that mr listers guitar washes up in Claw Rock Bay I’m going to agree we love to over analyse Doug’s Writing. I’m thrilled such a skilled writer has totally pulled of this new genre in such a fun and page turning way for a new generation and I really hope this becomes a series. He’s grabbing it back a bit I hope from countless Miller/Baddiel/walliams comedians who’ve invaded the post Dahl landscape of Childers Bookshop shelves. Fingers crossed I get to read Return to sin bin island when my grand daughter is 10. Surely Doug calling a kid Digs is writing himself into a book.
My son (9) read this in 3 evenings and very much enjoyed it. Didn’t seem to have found it particularly funny but the story and mystery and characters all kept him engaged and now he’s gone to school more tired than he probably should have been! Now I will probably borrow it and read it myself as another older man reading a kids book out of loyalty to the author.
Anyone going to the Waterstones event this evening? I’ll be the one with my face and voice. Get Doug to do a podcast ident :)
