The Prime Minister Problem
When a lonely boy’s mission to save his grandmother goes viral, it sparks a movement that reshapes his country town — and everyone in it.
Ten-year-old Wren has always felt invisible. Mum is busy working two jobs, his brother has his own life, and at school, Wren hides in the library with the books his grandmother taught him to love. Grandma is the only person who truly sees him — until she has a stroke and is forced to move away to a nursing home in the city.
Lonelier than ever, Wren writes to the Prime Minister for help. When no reply comes, his small act of hope takes on a life of its own — and Wren discovers he isn’t the only one who feels forgotten. As his town rallies around him, Wren learns that real solutions don’t come from politicians, but from the people who call the town home.
A moving story about isolation, connection, and how one quiet voice can make a difference — echoing the warmth of Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds and the emotional honesty of Aster’s Good, Right Things by Kate Gordon.
ISBN: 9781764256728
PUBLISHER: Riveted Press
COVER ARTIST: Tamlyn Teow
When a lonely boy’s mission to save his grandmother goes viral, it sparks a movement that reshapes his country town — and everyone in it.
Ten-year-old Wren has always felt invisible. Mum is busy working two jobs, his brother has his own life, and at school, Wren hides in the library with the books his grandmother taught him to love. Grandma is the only person who truly sees him — until she has a stroke and is forced to move away to a nursing home in the city.
Lonelier than ever, Wren writes to the Prime Minister for help. When no reply comes, his small act of hope takes on a life of its own — and Wren discovers he isn’t the only one who feels forgotten. As his town rallies around him, Wren learns that real solutions don’t come from politicians, but from the people who call the town home.
A moving story about isolation, connection, and how one quiet voice can make a difference — echoing the warmth of Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds and the emotional honesty of Aster’s Good, Right Things by Kate Gordon.
ISBN: 9781764256728
PUBLISHER: Riveted Press
COVER ARTIST: Tamlyn Teow
The Prime Minister Problem is available at all good bookshops and libraries.
Click the logo to purchase online from any of these terrific bookshops!
Click the logo to purchase online from any of these terrific bookshops!
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Click the picture to hear Brenton read Chapter 1 of
THE PRIME MINISTER PROBLEM!
AUTHOR'S NOTE
I began writing the first draft in early 2022. The title has never changed, but the initial idea is vastly different to the published book.
It was all sparked because I wanted to write a story for my partner, who is a political enthusiast.
Originally, I thought of writing a humorous story about a boy who runs for Prime Minister of Australia. However, very, very quickly (as in, within two or three chapters), the story took on its own direction — or, rather, its true direction. When I sat down to begin writing, it very quickly changed as I gathered more and more ideas to build my story.
Within just a few chapters, it wasn’t the short, funny book I thought it would be. It went deeper; more ideas were added and very soon I found all the ideas coming together, layer upon layer, adding texture to the story until I found the true heart of what the book was meant to be; the story I didn’t even realise, at first.
In 2023, I was awarded the Ian Wilson Memorial Fellowship by the May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust. I spent four weeks in Adelaide, writing and researching and networking. This was the first big experience that helped me realise I was making steps forward. The time in Adelaide was invaluable to help me rewrite the next few drafts of the manuscript for The Prime Minister Problem.
This is where I really honed in on themes of loneliness, community, intergenerational friendships and the power of a quiet voice.
The heart of the story finally was unearthed; it felt like I had been digging away at an excavation site, trying to find a piece of treasure.
I began writing the first draft in early 2022. The title has never changed, but the initial idea is vastly different to the published book.
It was all sparked because I wanted to write a story for my partner, who is a political enthusiast.
Originally, I thought of writing a humorous story about a boy who runs for Prime Minister of Australia. However, very, very quickly (as in, within two or three chapters), the story took on its own direction — or, rather, its true direction. When I sat down to begin writing, it very quickly changed as I gathered more and more ideas to build my story.
Within just a few chapters, it wasn’t the short, funny book I thought it would be. It went deeper; more ideas were added and very soon I found all the ideas coming together, layer upon layer, adding texture to the story until I found the true heart of what the book was meant to be; the story I didn’t even realise, at first.
In 2023, I was awarded the Ian Wilson Memorial Fellowship by the May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust. I spent four weeks in Adelaide, writing and researching and networking. This was the first big experience that helped me realise I was making steps forward. The time in Adelaide was invaluable to help me rewrite the next few drafts of the manuscript for The Prime Minister Problem.
This is where I really honed in on themes of loneliness, community, intergenerational friendships and the power of a quiet voice.
The heart of the story finally was unearthed; it felt like I had been digging away at an excavation site, trying to find a piece of treasure.
REVIEWS
"The Prime Minister Problem by Brenton Cullen is a tender and powerful reminder that feeling unseen
is a shared human experience. Through Wren's courage, the story shows that connection, compassion,
and change often begin with a single voice, gently but persistently asking to be heard."
EMERITUS PROFESSOR ANNEKE FITZGERALD PHD, Chair & Founder of Australian Institute of Intergenerational Practice
"Cullen masterfully captures the distinct voices of each character, Wren’s desperation, vulnerability, determination and courage; the school bully’s sharp and mean ways; the elderly man’s all-consuming and isolating grief. Through Wren’s compassion and connection, a friendship is formed with the elderly man and his voice shifts to one marked by kindness, generosity and a rediscovered sense of belonging. Each voice feels true, layered and all ring with authenticity. One of the great strengths of this story is the way it traces the transformative journeys of growth for many of the characters. They undergo meaningful shifts shaped by connection, compassion and the challenges they face. These arcs feel organic and give the narrative emotional depth. Cullen’s writing is evocative and richly descriptive, immersing readers into diverse experiences: a rural community, the quiet ache of loneliness and the warmth of unexpected friendship. This story, perfect for readers aged 9 and up, offers a window into the life of an ordinary boy who recognises a need in his community and discovers that his voice truly matters. Through Wren’s journey, readers see how courage can take quiet forms, how small actions can spark meaningful change and the impact of leading with compassion. It is a powerful reminder that making a difference can be achieved through adversity, it doesn’t require authority or age, just the willingness to care and act."
ELISE ELLERMAN, teacher-librarian and children's literature advocate, Reading Opens Doors Blog
"Brenton Cullen’s debut middle-grade novel, The Prime Minister Problem, is a tender story about loneliness and community, an ode to the power one person can have to spark change, and the strength found in collective action ... Bursting with heart, the novel’s short, punchy sentences land with impact in emotional moments, while the message that intergenerational relationships can help drive meaningful change is powerful ... Wren is a strong, loving and compassionate character whose confidence grows throughout the novel. Age-appropriate portrayals of Wren’s anxiety – especially the effective use of repetition – capture his emotional landscape with clarity, making his feelings immediate and authentic."
BOOKS+PUBLISHING
"I’m smiling behind this book because it’s a great read. This is an Aussie debut by Brenton Cullen
which is full of heart- and it is beautifully written.
I love authentic books for young readers that focus on real issues - real issues explored here such as loneliness,
the power of community, family, hope and more. Real power is about local communities taking action, moving forward together.
We need more joyful and hopeful stories such as this one."
PAUL MACDONALD, bookseller and children's literature advocate, The Children's Bookshop
"... I loved this book. It has so much heart, really beautiful writing and some of my
favourite themes: grandparent-grandchild relationships, kindness, birds, dogs, quiet kids.
It’s an incredible debut from Brenton and I can sense in his writing the enormous amount of
children’s literature he’s absorbed over the years."
PETER CARNAVAS, award-winning author of Leo and Ralph
"A warm and heartfelt story of a boy and his beloved grandmother, The Prime Minister Problem celebrates the
power of determination, invention, and connection.
With charm and emotional insight, the novel shines a light on loneliness in both the young and the elderly,
reminding readers that even small ideas can lead to big change.”
GABRIELLE WANG, award-winning author and 7th Australian Children’s Laureate
“A sweet and timely story about the power of a young person to create change."
NOVA WEETMAN, award-winning author of The Edge of Thirteen
“The Prime Minister Problem is a heartfelt and hopeful read about one boy’s mission to bring his beloved grandma back home after she moves to a nursing home in the city. Debut author Brenton Cullen writes with heart and humour, crafting an utterly moving and engaging story, with a compelling cast of diverse characters. I was hooked from the very beginning and cheered
for kind-hearted Wren the whole way through, as he comes to understand both the importance of community, and the power of his own voice, in making a difference. This story beautifully celebrates community, kindness, and intergenerational relationships, while shining a light on the power that lies within each of us to make a difference. I loved this big-hearted story and highly recommend it for readers young (and old!) who have ever longed to have their voice heard.”
SANDY BIGNA, author of Little Bones
"This is Brenton Cullen’s debut novel and it’s a cracker. Written from the heart it grabs you immediately with a story of a sensitive lonely boy who takes action when his beloved grandma is moved to residential care in the city, a three hour drive away ... Wren grows from a friendless anxious worrywart to a quietly active confident boy – a journey that Brenton makes totally believable.
He has the knack of creating vivid characters that children will immediately recognise – the caring but harassed overworked Mum with too many grown up problems, the casually dismissive older brother at home, the uncaring children in his class, the new girl who could become a friend, the grumpy neighbour with a heart of gold underneath. Wren negotiates his quiet way with everyone, underestimated, that is, until his ideas go viral and he is viewed in a different light. As the Prime Minister situation unfolds Wren learns to view himself differently, which is the heart of the story.
Brenton’s writing is descriptive and emotive, always going full throttle to engage the reader. Children aged 7 to 12 will relish the themes of personal growth, family, friendship and community engagement and enjoy the carefully structured happy ending, (tissues may be needed)."
MIA MACROSSAN, Story Links
"Tender and moving ... A warm hug of a book."
DEBORAH ABELA, author of The Kindness Project
“A delightful story of a devoted grandmother, a town with nowhere to care for her and a boy who decides he’s had enough of being bullied and lonely. A book for every quiet kid who wants their voice to be heard in the things that matter.”
WENDY ORR, award-winning author of Nim’s Island and Dragonfly Song
A touching, funny and thoughtful story about a boy named Wren who writes in desperation to the Prime Minister for help with his aging grandmother. Brenton Cullen beautifully and gently leads the young reader, along with Wren, to their own discovery of what real power is, through the persistence of love and hope in family, friends and community.”
URSULA DUBOSARSKY, bestselling author and Australian Children’s Laureate 2020-2021
A heartfelt story about loneliness, love, and changing the world ... Wren is a gorgeous character and my heart was rooting for him the whole way."
TANIA INGRAM, author of The Other Shadow
“With a light touch and perfect pitch, Brenton Cullen's accomplished debut novel immerses the reader in the world of ten-year-old Wren, whose difficult challenges at school and home don't stop him from seeing the needs and hopes of others, especially his beloved grandmother. Hoping initially to attract the attention of the Prime Minister to the problems of the elderly in his small community, he comes to the realisation the solution might lie closer to home and comes up with an extraordinary initiative. Heart-breaking and joyous by turn, full of warmth, compassion and understanding, The Prime Minister Problem is also an entertaining, page-turning novel which will resonate strongly with readers.”
SOPHIE MASSON AM, award-winning author
Despite his supportive relationship with his beloved grandmother, Wren is crippled with shyness and loneliness, but with hope, courage and a budding friendship, he finds he has a voice loud enough to make powerful changes in his own life and all those around him. Even the Prime Minister’s. A heart-warming story about love, friendship and empathy.”
JANEEN BRIAN, award-winning author & poet
"Brenton Cullen’s debut novel is a terrific read for middle-grade.
It’s very definitely a sweet and engaging read, and this is a word I use very deliberately for books of this ilk – wholesome.
It’s that feel-good, warm-fuzzy uplifting narrative to which young readers always respond with alacrity. Actually it puts me in mind of some of our great middle-grade authors such as the wonderful Robin Klein and Morris Gleitzman.
Brenton has achieved a really fine balance with his characterisations here. While characters have flaws as real people do, they are neatly balanced with their strengths and the voice is very authentic. I have no doubt that middle-grade readers will respond and connect to both the plot and the people very positively. With strong themes of empathy, friendship, loneliness, creative thinking and rising above difficulties it offers many beneficial talking points.
I think we can expect more great work to come from Brenton – an excellent read for middle-graders. It gets a 5-star rating from me."
SUE WARREN, Just So Stories
"What a delightful read! It's exactly the sort of book I would have loved as a child, and I very much enjoyed reading it as an adult. I commend Brenton on a compassionate and thoughtful story. I hope that it will empower young readers to take charge of their own destinies and realise that with love, kindness and hope an individual CAN make a difference and unite a whole community. The Prime Minister Problem is an impressive debut and I look forward to reading more of Brenton’s writing."
JAN NICHOLLS, teacher-librarian and children's literature advocate
See more reviews:
ReadPlus
Just So Stories
Momo Celebrating Time to Read
The Bottom Shelf
Buzz Words Magazine
Reading Opens Doors
"The Prime Minister Problem by Brenton Cullen is a tender and powerful reminder that feeling unseen
is a shared human experience. Through Wren's courage, the story shows that connection, compassion,
and change often begin with a single voice, gently but persistently asking to be heard."
EMERITUS PROFESSOR ANNEKE FITZGERALD PHD, Chair & Founder of Australian Institute of Intergenerational Practice
"Cullen masterfully captures the distinct voices of each character, Wren’s desperation, vulnerability, determination and courage; the school bully’s sharp and mean ways; the elderly man’s all-consuming and isolating grief. Through Wren’s compassion and connection, a friendship is formed with the elderly man and his voice shifts to one marked by kindness, generosity and a rediscovered sense of belonging. Each voice feels true, layered and all ring with authenticity. One of the great strengths of this story is the way it traces the transformative journeys of growth for many of the characters. They undergo meaningful shifts shaped by connection, compassion and the challenges they face. These arcs feel organic and give the narrative emotional depth. Cullen’s writing is evocative and richly descriptive, immersing readers into diverse experiences: a rural community, the quiet ache of loneliness and the warmth of unexpected friendship. This story, perfect for readers aged 9 and up, offers a window into the life of an ordinary boy who recognises a need in his community and discovers that his voice truly matters. Through Wren’s journey, readers see how courage can take quiet forms, how small actions can spark meaningful change and the impact of leading with compassion. It is a powerful reminder that making a difference can be achieved through adversity, it doesn’t require authority or age, just the willingness to care and act."
ELISE ELLERMAN, teacher-librarian and children's literature advocate, Reading Opens Doors Blog
"Brenton Cullen’s debut middle-grade novel, The Prime Minister Problem, is a tender story about loneliness and community, an ode to the power one person can have to spark change, and the strength found in collective action ... Bursting with heart, the novel’s short, punchy sentences land with impact in emotional moments, while the message that intergenerational relationships can help drive meaningful change is powerful ... Wren is a strong, loving and compassionate character whose confidence grows throughout the novel. Age-appropriate portrayals of Wren’s anxiety – especially the effective use of repetition – capture his emotional landscape with clarity, making his feelings immediate and authentic."
BOOKS+PUBLISHING
"I’m smiling behind this book because it’s a great read. This is an Aussie debut by Brenton Cullen
which is full of heart- and it is beautifully written.
I love authentic books for young readers that focus on real issues - real issues explored here such as loneliness,
the power of community, family, hope and more. Real power is about local communities taking action, moving forward together.
We need more joyful and hopeful stories such as this one."
PAUL MACDONALD, bookseller and children's literature advocate, The Children's Bookshop
"... I loved this book. It has so much heart, really beautiful writing and some of my
favourite themes: grandparent-grandchild relationships, kindness, birds, dogs, quiet kids.
It’s an incredible debut from Brenton and I can sense in his writing the enormous amount of
children’s literature he’s absorbed over the years."
PETER CARNAVAS, award-winning author of Leo and Ralph
"A warm and heartfelt story of a boy and his beloved grandmother, The Prime Minister Problem celebrates the
power of determination, invention, and connection.
With charm and emotional insight, the novel shines a light on loneliness in both the young and the elderly,
reminding readers that even small ideas can lead to big change.”
GABRIELLE WANG, award-winning author and 7th Australian Children’s Laureate
“A sweet and timely story about the power of a young person to create change."
NOVA WEETMAN, award-winning author of The Edge of Thirteen
“The Prime Minister Problem is a heartfelt and hopeful read about one boy’s mission to bring his beloved grandma back home after she moves to a nursing home in the city. Debut author Brenton Cullen writes with heart and humour, crafting an utterly moving and engaging story, with a compelling cast of diverse characters. I was hooked from the very beginning and cheered
for kind-hearted Wren the whole way through, as he comes to understand both the importance of community, and the power of his own voice, in making a difference. This story beautifully celebrates community, kindness, and intergenerational relationships, while shining a light on the power that lies within each of us to make a difference. I loved this big-hearted story and highly recommend it for readers young (and old!) who have ever longed to have their voice heard.”
SANDY BIGNA, author of Little Bones
"This is Brenton Cullen’s debut novel and it’s a cracker. Written from the heart it grabs you immediately with a story of a sensitive lonely boy who takes action when his beloved grandma is moved to residential care in the city, a three hour drive away ... Wren grows from a friendless anxious worrywart to a quietly active confident boy – a journey that Brenton makes totally believable.
He has the knack of creating vivid characters that children will immediately recognise – the caring but harassed overworked Mum with too many grown up problems, the casually dismissive older brother at home, the uncaring children in his class, the new girl who could become a friend, the grumpy neighbour with a heart of gold underneath. Wren negotiates his quiet way with everyone, underestimated, that is, until his ideas go viral and he is viewed in a different light. As the Prime Minister situation unfolds Wren learns to view himself differently, which is the heart of the story.
Brenton’s writing is descriptive and emotive, always going full throttle to engage the reader. Children aged 7 to 12 will relish the themes of personal growth, family, friendship and community engagement and enjoy the carefully structured happy ending, (tissues may be needed)."
MIA MACROSSAN, Story Links
"Tender and moving ... A warm hug of a book."
DEBORAH ABELA, author of The Kindness Project
“A delightful story of a devoted grandmother, a town with nowhere to care for her and a boy who decides he’s had enough of being bullied and lonely. A book for every quiet kid who wants their voice to be heard in the things that matter.”
WENDY ORR, award-winning author of Nim’s Island and Dragonfly Song
A touching, funny and thoughtful story about a boy named Wren who writes in desperation to the Prime Minister for help with his aging grandmother. Brenton Cullen beautifully and gently leads the young reader, along with Wren, to their own discovery of what real power is, through the persistence of love and hope in family, friends and community.”
URSULA DUBOSARSKY, bestselling author and Australian Children’s Laureate 2020-2021
A heartfelt story about loneliness, love, and changing the world ... Wren is a gorgeous character and my heart was rooting for him the whole way."
TANIA INGRAM, author of The Other Shadow
“With a light touch and perfect pitch, Brenton Cullen's accomplished debut novel immerses the reader in the world of ten-year-old Wren, whose difficult challenges at school and home don't stop him from seeing the needs and hopes of others, especially his beloved grandmother. Hoping initially to attract the attention of the Prime Minister to the problems of the elderly in his small community, he comes to the realisation the solution might lie closer to home and comes up with an extraordinary initiative. Heart-breaking and joyous by turn, full of warmth, compassion and understanding, The Prime Minister Problem is also an entertaining, page-turning novel which will resonate strongly with readers.”
SOPHIE MASSON AM, award-winning author
Despite his supportive relationship with his beloved grandmother, Wren is crippled with shyness and loneliness, but with hope, courage and a budding friendship, he finds he has a voice loud enough to make powerful changes in his own life and all those around him. Even the Prime Minister’s. A heart-warming story about love, friendship and empathy.”
JANEEN BRIAN, award-winning author & poet
"Brenton Cullen’s debut novel is a terrific read for middle-grade.
It’s very definitely a sweet and engaging read, and this is a word I use very deliberately for books of this ilk – wholesome.
It’s that feel-good, warm-fuzzy uplifting narrative to which young readers always respond with alacrity. Actually it puts me in mind of some of our great middle-grade authors such as the wonderful Robin Klein and Morris Gleitzman.
Brenton has achieved a really fine balance with his characterisations here. While characters have flaws as real people do, they are neatly balanced with their strengths and the voice is very authentic. I have no doubt that middle-grade readers will respond and connect to both the plot and the people very positively. With strong themes of empathy, friendship, loneliness, creative thinking and rising above difficulties it offers many beneficial talking points.
I think we can expect more great work to come from Brenton – an excellent read for middle-graders. It gets a 5-star rating from me."
SUE WARREN, Just So Stories
"What a delightful read! It's exactly the sort of book I would have loved as a child, and I very much enjoyed reading it as an adult. I commend Brenton on a compassionate and thoughtful story. I hope that it will empower young readers to take charge of their own destinies and realise that with love, kindness and hope an individual CAN make a difference and unite a whole community. The Prime Minister Problem is an impressive debut and I look forward to reading more of Brenton’s writing."
JAN NICHOLLS, teacher-librarian and children's literature advocate
See more reviews:
ReadPlus
Just So Stories
Momo Celebrating Time to Read
The Bottom Shelf
Buzz Words Magazine
Reading Opens Doors
