Review: Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret

*Written by Abi Elphinstone*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
Published by *Simon & Schuster Ltd*

Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret is the third marvellously magical, fizzingly exciting adventure for the apprentice Vets to Magical Beasts.

Ember Spark is spending the start of her Christmas holiday with her Dad, his girlfriend, Sally and Ember’s best friend Arno Whisper in the fishing village of Slumber. When her nibblesqueak, Forty Winks, starts trying to steal Sally’s beauty products, the children discover the initial ‘TB’ on the items. Could they have found a connection to one of the elusive collectors of magical beasts? Could a collector be using magical beasts to create beauty products with almost magical abilities?

Deciding to share their discovery with Rusty Fizzbang, a Vet to Magical Beasts, they visit him in Stonechatter Cave where he is surrounded by magical beasts needing help, including a very determined pygmy dragon, Whirlwind, who is intent on eating his beard! Rusty advises them to visit their teacher, Mrs Rickety-Knees, to undertake some internet research on the company behind the beauty products. But, on their way to visit her, they are kidnapped and find themselves aboard a flight to the Amazon rainforest.

And so begins another terrifically thrilling adventure as Ember and Arno find themselves at the mercy of a cold-hearted, cruel villain intent on causing harm to magical beasts. Can Ember and Arno come up with a plan to foil this villain? Can they escape their clutches and save the magical beasts who are in desperate need of their help?

I absolutely loved joining Ember, Arno and Forty Winks on their daring, action-packed adventure which is brimming with excitement and danger, with old friends and new, with incredible courage and moments of fear as well as plenty of humour and warmth. I was utterly gripped by Ember and Arno’s perilous adventure, their determination to defeat a merciless villain and her minions and their courage and resilience when faced with dangerous and difficult situations.

As always with Abi’s stories, I adored the richly imagined world with its own fantastical creations, the array of magical beasts, the brilliance of the names such as Whirlwind, Tuggetty Vine and Loose Cannon. I never fail to be awestruck by the imaginative delights, the warmth and humour, the wonderful messages and the astounding adventures that greet me in Abi’s books. So, it is no surprise at all that Ember Spark was the first class story I read to my new Year 3 class and they absolutely adored it as they have Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix. This is a series that the children are eager to continue, and to re-read, with some even telling me that they have pre-ordered the third book. I even had a parent telling me that Ember Spark was the first book her child insisted she bought for him and they’re reading it as a bedtime story. Now, if that’s not magic, I don’t know what is!

I absolutely adore both Ember and Arno who have very different natures with Ember being more feisty and impetuous whereas Arno is more cautious and considered. Their friendship feels really genuine, including the disagreements that they have and how they work through them to put the well-being of the magical beings at the forefront, learning that working as a team is better than working alone.

As always, the illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the magic, excitement and warmth of this adventure perfectly.

A mesmerising, magical adventure, brimming with warmth, peril and humour, that will undoubtedly continue to ignite the hearts and imaginations of its readers as they wait eagerly for Ember Spark’s next adventure – just as I am!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton

Hidden Treasure is a stunning, historical mystery adventure set in London during the Great War, a story of loss, of family and friendship and the healing power of memories.

Searching for items to sell on the banks of the River Thames, young mudlark Bo hears the call of the river and finds a precious treasure which, when held, shows her a vision of the past. Bo is not the only one the river has spoken to on that day and she soon meets Billy, an orphan who the river has sent to meet her. Could these two children’s destinies be linked by the treasures the river has given to them?

When Bo’s older brother goes off to to war, she knows that selling the precious object would help her family but Bo cannot part with it and keeps its discovery a secret from her family. Only Billy and her best friend are aware of what Bo has found so she is shocked and frightened to be confronted by a man who demands that she return his treasure to him.

And so begins the most gripping mystery as Bo and Billy learn more about the magical power of the object, as they discover its other half and the ballad that tells a story of a past tragedy. But there are others intent on getting the treasure no matter the cost. Can Bo and Billy reveal the secrets of the river treasure and have one of the most precious things they have ever lost returned to them? Can they learn the real meaning of the treasure before others take it from them for their own gain?

I absolutely loved this intriguing, heartfelt mystery and loved the twists and turns, the unexpected revelations, the increasing danger and the discovery of the secrets of the river’s treasure which has waited many years to give up its poignant truths to the river girl. This is also a story of loss and grief and the importance of memories in keeping loved ones with us. I loved the lyrical, at times ethereal, quality of the writing which made this such an evocative, touching story.

Bo and Billy are incredibly sympathetic young children who have both lost parents. The river brings them together to help them find what they have both lost. The strong bond of friendship and trust that develops between them is gorgeous and I loved how they are there for each other when they both most need a friend.

This is an enthralling historical adventure flowing with magic, intrigue and friendship, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: The Last House in the Row written by Lesley Parr and illustrated by Richard Johnson

The Last House in the Row is a poignant, yet heart-warming story of cross-generational connection and friendship – a story that held me completely captivated throughout.

Eleven-year-old Hayley thinks that her elderly neighbour is trying to steal her cat, Judy Garland. Attempting to entice her beloved pet out of Boo’s garden with salmon, Hayley is doubly berated by her mum when she gets home: once for opening the salmon and twice, for using an unkind nickname, Boo, for her elderly neighbour, Lillian. Hayley knows very little about the elderly lady who lives alone in the last remaining house in what was once a row of 15 houses, never leaving her home and whose only visitors are Judy Garland and the doctor.

When searching for her cat, she climbs the wall to look into Lillian’s garden and sees Judy Garland under the apple tree clearly enjoying Lillian’s company but, when she lifts the cat, it proves too much for Hayley and she shouts at her elderly neighbour. Hayley’s parents are cross with her for encroaching on Lillian’s privacy and insist that she apologise.

Reluctantly, Hayley drops a note through Lillian’s door and quickly leaves, only to twist her ankle when she trips over a large stone. Lillian comes to her aid and brings her in to her home, showing her care and kindness that Hayley had not expected and so the seeds of a wonderful friendship are sown …

I absolutely adored the bond that quickly forms between strong-willed Hayley and Lillian as they discover they share some interests including a love for old films and acting. I love how they look forward to spending time together and the joy and happiness they so clearly bring each other. My heart ached as I learned the reason that Lillian refused to leave her home, the reason for the sadness in her heart that Hayley has helped lift. But when there is a misunderstanding between the pair, their friendship is broken. Will Hayley be able to heal the damage she has unwittingly caused to their friendship? Can she help Lillian find her way back into a world that she had left behind?

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the emotions and deep connection in the friendship between Hayley and Lillian perfectly.

A touching story, perfectly portraying a beautiful cross-generational friendship and connection which brought both smiles and tears.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Review: Vanya and the Wild Hunt

*Written by Sangu Mandanna*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

Vanya and the Wild Hunt is an exhilarating, magical fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of both danger and delight, a world that kept me utterly enthralled as I ventured with its awe-inspiring young heroine …

Eleven-year-old Vanya lives in the flat above her parents’ bookshop which gives her the perfect opportunity to sneak down in the middle of the night to spend time in the annex of rare books, an annex which stores books that Vanya can talk to – and which talk back!

When she forgets her homework, Vanya goes home to get it only to discover that the bookshop is closed and her dad has been injured. Ignoring her Dad’s, and the books, pleas for her to get away, she enters the bookshop to find her mum confronted by a monster. With some unexpected help, Vanya is able to defeat the monster and save her mother, but she needs answers …

Her parents have been keeping secrets from Vanya. Her mum is an archwitch with her own familiar and her dad is an archivist. After learning that the fantastical creatures that should only exist in myths and legends are real, Vanya learns that her mum protects people from powerful Old Ones and it is one of these who has attacked her parents. Vanya is an archling who can use magic and see the Old Ones. In order to keep her safe, her parents allow her to be taken to a magical library and school, Auramere, which is hidden in the mountains of India and reached through an enchanted door …

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed and magical adventure as Vanya learns that the Wild Hunt is on the prowl and not even Auramere is safe from its reach. I was completely swept into this adventure as Vanya learns to navigate her new home, make friends and explore this new world including meeting its wonderful fantastical creatures. I was held utterly enraptured by the increasing sense of danger, the unexpected twists and turns, and the astounding revelations which left me eagerly turning pages … and even more eager for the next book in this exciting series. Can Vanya discover how the Wild Hunt has been able to breach the magical protections of Auramere? Can she unmask the new leader of the Wild Hunt? Can she stop them from destroying the place she now feels she truly belongs?

The world-building is rich, vivid and wonderfully immersive and really draws the reader into this enchanting world of archwitches, archivists and archlings living within its enchanting library towers and wonderful collection of town shops not to mention the woods, mountains and waterfalls, all protected from outside harm by magical enchantments. I loved the magical system with its use of runes to offer protections, the blend of Indian mythology and British folklore, the rare talking books and the fantastical creatures, especially the felicorns and patrallak and, of course, Kasha who is just brilliant!

Vanya is the most wonderful young girl who feels that she doesn’t belong at school, having to hide her true, neurodivergent self to try to fit in with others’ expectations. When she moves to Auramere, she is encouraged to belief in herself and to be true to herself. Her courage, kindness and strength really shine through as she fights to save her new friends and the place she feels she really belongs.

The illustrations are stunning and really complement the enchantment and wonder of this exciting adventure, portraying both characters and places perfectly.

Enter a magical, breath-taking world for an unforgettable, thrilling adventure that will captivate readers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods by Jennifer Killick

*Written by Jennifer Killick*
*Cover Illustration by Ricardo Bessa*
*Published by Farshore*

Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods is a seriously spooky start to what promises to be another incredible, spine-tingling series from the Queen of middle-grade horror!

Travis is not looking forward to yet another visit to Hazard Museum with his school but at least this time he has best friend Zayd for company – and it’s his first time at the Museum as he has only recently moved to Hazard. When their teacher gives her students a project to study an aspect of local history, Travis is not best impressed to be teamed up with mean-girl Seline and his ex-best friend Danielle. Seline quickly takes charge of the group – and responsibility for choosing their project, determined to get a top grade. And it’s not long before she decides on the group’s project – the local urban legend of Blood-Eyed Mary, a witch who lives in the woods. Of course, there couldn’t possibly be a 120-year-old witch wandering the woods so what harm could there be in going along with Seline’s insistence in undertaking some fieldwork? Just as long as they keep together and have enough snacks, everything will be all right – won’t it?

And so begins THE most tense, edge-of-your-seat, creepy adventure as the four teenagers head into the woods to discover the truth behind the legend, but will they all make it out alive? What if Blood-Eyed Mary is real and she is looking for her next victim? This is a story full of jump scares, danger, nail-biting tension, trepidation and gruesome moments but it is also one infused with humour, warmth and friendship. I don’t want to say too much about the plot for fear of spoilers but suffice to say that this is a story that I found impossible to put down as the fear factor increased inexorably, as the twists and turns made me gasp out loud and as the macabre occurrences sent shivers down my spine.

I loved discovering more about the history of Hazard from its sinkholes destroying parts of the town to the mystery of its missing people to its insular and isolated community with small town vibes and the sense that there is something hidden within that is controlling and dangerous. I get the uneasy feeling that there is so much more to come from a town synonymous with danger – and I can’t wait to find out its secrets! And I just have to mention the map which has left me intrigued by what more Hazard has to offer!

I really enjoyed the changing and evolving dynamics of the relationships between the four teenagers: Travis, Zayd, Danielle and Seline. These children are brilliantly portrayed and feel incredibly authentic with their differing feelings about their home town which impacts on how they act and interact. The danger they find themselves in brings them closer together, working as team, facing their fears and finding the courage and determination to keep going, stronger together. I’m really looking forward to finding out more about their family history and motivations as the series continues.

Visit Hazard, if you dare, to unearth a spine-chilling tale of danger and secrets shrouded in the mystery of an urban legend.

Thank you to Farshore for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Picture Book Reviews from Little Tiger

I was very excited to receive a wonderful trio of picture books from Little Tiger and really enjoyed reading each of them and looking at their beautiful illustrations. These will all be published on 3rd April. I have reviewed each of them in this Blog Post.

*Written and illustrated by Jessica Meserve*

Our Tree is a stunning hardback picture book celebrating togetherness, community and acceptance.

Tree feels a small animal’s feet climbing up their trunk. They welcome Little Red who wants the tree all for himself but Tree good naturedly reminds him that lots of other animals and insects rely on them for food, rest and shelter from caterpillars to swifts to elephants. Little Red would rather be swishing leaves than eating them, jumping on branches than resting in them and playing by himself than being together with others. He is not at all impressed when he discovers that Tree is for everyone and not just for him so decides to find a tree that’s all for himself. In his rush to leave Tree, he falls and finds himself in need of friends …

This is a wonderful story that will teach young children the importance of friendship and community as Little Red learns lessons in sharing, tolerance and acceptance.

The language is a joy to share with younger children with its use of onomatopoeia, action verbs and repetition of the phrase “Look behind you!” which I can imagine young children enjoying joining in with as they listen to the story.

The illustrations are stunning with an image of Tree personified on every page, full of gentleness, kindness and celebrating the community that they welcome. The colours are a blend of both muted pastel natural shades of browns, greens and blues with Little Red and the other creatures shown in brighter hues. I really liked this contrast and the wide variety of animals and insects on the pages which I have no doubt young children will enjoy finding and identifying. I also loved the movement within the images which suits the use of the action verbs within the story perfectly.

A gorgeously illustrated picture book for young children of 3+.

*Written by Laura Dockrill* *and Illustrated by Kip Alizadeh*

I am Strong Just Being Me is a beautifully illustrated poem celebrating ways to be strong for ourselves and others told through the imagery of strength in nature.

This beautiful, thought-provoking story begins with a series of questions about the meaning of what it is to be strong and whether it is something we should strive to be.

Bean sets out to explore the concept of strength and begins by asking her nanna what strength is. Her Nanna answers her question by first sharing what strength is not and then by sharing a range of ways in which strength is shown from knowing when to speak up and when to be quiet to making mistakes and asking for help as well as finding the courage to say sorry, forgive and give others a second chance.

Bean and her Nanna share their conversation in her Nanna’s beautiful, wild garden and the illustrations of nature act as metaphors for the written traits of strength such as a mouse keeping quiet when a cat is hunting, birds defending their chicks or a tiny seedling growing in strength into a tree capable of changing and growing. I love the final message that there is strength in just being yourself – wonderfully empowering!

The illustrations are gorgeous with both bright and pastel colours depicting a wild, spring garden with its plants and creatures. I loved how Bean and her Nanna stand out against the more impressionistic depiction of the garden. The close bond of love between Bean and her Nanna is perfectly portrayed in both words and illustrations.

The endpapers are beautiful with beautiful illustrations of plants and herbs with a note of what they are associated with from friendship to protection to happiness and bravery.

A stunning hardback picture book with an empowering message about strength, perfect for children of 3+.

*Written by Annemarie Cool and Illustrated by James Jones*

Small Steps, Big Change is a wonderful picture book on sustainable living, inspired by The Sustainable Development Goals (formulated by the United Nations).

Children are introduced to illustrations of twelve heroes from Nature Hero to Fairness Hero and Energy Hero before they start the book. The characters encourage children to take small steps for change to protect our earth, ourselves and each other and to share these steps with friends and family.

Each of these 12 heroes share small ways in which we can make a difference for ourselves and others from sourcing food locally to taking care of our minds and bodies to saving water and energy and treating others fairly. This book is both informative and empowering and I can really see it being a catalyst for children to make changes in their own lives and to encourage the adults in their lives to do likewise. I think this is a wonderful book for teachers to share with their class to open up discussions around sustainable development. The message that taking small steps can lead to big changes is such a powerful and hopeful one.

This book is incredibly engaging with direct questions to the reader, practical advice from the sustainable development heroes and factual information. The illustrations are both fun and helpful and complement the encouragement from the heroes perfectly.

A wonderful book to encourage and inspire young readers – and their adults- to make a difference through small steps that will lead to big change. This is a book I’m excited to share with my class and is ideal for readers from 5+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with copies of these three fantastic picture books. It was my choice to review them and all opinions are my honest reviews of these books.

Review: Solving Crimes is NOT my Superpower

*Written by Nathaniel Lessore*
*Illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Solving Crimes is NOT my Superpower fizzes with humour, heart and friendship wrapped up in a wonderful mystery that is sure to delight young readers.

For many years, the people of Walsham have enjoyed the benefits granted by a mysterious treasure: endless sunshine and amazing superpowers, albeit some possibly more useful than others. But who am I to argue that musical hiccups are better than colourful farts!

The only person who does not have a superpower is ten-year-old Sara despite the fact that her parents are members of the IPA (Incredible Protection Agency) who use their incredible superpowers to protect the country. Could this be because all superheroes need a nemesis and Sara hasn’t met hers – yet!

Sara meets best friends Georgie and Jasper at the school gates. It’s not long before the friends are discussing Georgie’s upcoming football match, a match she is sure they will win as her school have a lucky charm – a special football trophy. But, when they get in to school, they discover that the trophy has been stolen. Georgie is understandably upset at the loss of her team’s good-luck charm, especially as she is the team captain. Sara is determined to help her bestie and promises to track down the culprit … but what if more is at stake than a football match?

And so begins a brilliantly funny, action-packed mystery as Sara and her friends search for clues, build a list of suspects and follow the trail of the missing trophy with some genuinely hilarious encounters that are guaranteed to bring chortles of delight – maybe even enough to bring musical hiccups! I really enjoyed following Sara, Georgie and Jasper as they gather their list of perfectly plausible suspects, as they follow their investigative trail and as they eliminate from, and add to, their list. I have no doubt that young readers will love this marvellous mystery brimming with playfulness, humour and heart, but also with intrigue, suspense and twists that will keep them eagerly turning the pages to discover whodunnit!

I loved how supportive both Sara’s friends and her parents are, believing in her even when she doesn’t believe in herself. They can see something in her that Sara finds it more difficult to see: she is kind, supportive and helpful towards others and acts out of love and friendship. She’s a tenacious, courageous young girl who faces her fears and does what she believes is right. I’m not sure what this says about me but I also loved that she finds her own jokes hilarious (they are!).

The illustrations are absolutely brilliant and so expressive, capturing the humour, joy and energy of this story perfectly.

A super-tastic, exciting start to a wonderfully hilarious and heart-warming new series.

Thank you to Little Tiger for sending me a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Appletree Animal Agency

*Written by Katya Balen*
*Illustrated by Gill Smith*
*Published by Walker Books on 6th March*

The Appletree Animal Agency is the first book in a heart-warming, charming new series for younger readers.

Mattie Robins adores animals and longs for a puppy of her own. When she sees a shooting star from her tree house, she makes a wish for a puppy. However, she knows her wish is unlikely to come true as her dad does not think she is old enough to take responsibility for looking after a puppy.

Mattie may not have a puppy of her own, but her best friend Zoe has an adorable dog, Heinz. When the girls are cycling through Mossdale village, Heinz runs off … and finds an injured puppy which the girls take to their local vet.

But they are surprised to see that there are lots of animals in the garden. When a boy with a jackdaw on his head comes out of the vet’s cottage, they discover that Casper’s mum, Dr Polly, is the new vet and she also runs an animal rescue centre. The rescue centre is so busy that Dr Polly cannot accept any more animals until she is able to re-home some of those she already has.

Mattie, Zoe and Casper offer to help look after the animals which is just perfect for animal-loving Mattie and her friends – and means that Mattie can help look after the injured puppy as well as the kittens, goat, tortoise and myriad of other animals in the rescue centre. But Mattie knows that these animals deserve their forever home: can she and her friends find a way to match them to new owners who will be just perfect for them?

This is an absolutely delightful story, brimming with humour, warmth and friendship. I loved meeting the wonderful assortment of animals, especially Bruno the goat and Archie the ferret who bring lots of humour – and chaos! I also loved the village setting and its residents as well as the fete which gives this story such warm and cosy vibes as well as a real sense of togetherness.

Mattie is such a kind-hearted, helpful young girl who clearly adores animals and cares about their welfare. She is also a whirlwind of energy and ideas which sometimes leads to her making impulsive decisions, but she also takes responsibility for her mistakes. I loved her friendship with Zoe and Casper as they help and support each other and form a great apprentice vet team!

The black and white illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and complement the warmth and charm of this story perfectly.

A delightful start to a heart-warming, humorous new series, perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Grumpfort written and illustrated by Jamie Hammond

Grumpfort is a hilarious and heart-warming monstrously marvellous adventure which held me absolutely entranced throughout with giggles and smiles galore!

The villagers of Bogfoss live in fear of the monsters who come from the forest to feast – or nibble – on them. Rather wisely, young Mo chooses to hide at the first sign of trouble as becoming lunch for a monster does not at all appeal to him! Unfortunately for Mo, he also happens to be Monday the Sixteenth, the newest Warden to accept the role of protecting the village from monster attacks. Well, when I say ‘accept’, he doesn’t really have a choice as this is a hereditary role which he must take following the death of his grandma, Monday the Fifteenth.

Arriving late on his first day at The Roost, he is thrown in at the deep end when monsters attack the village and he is given the task of fighting them. When Mo is beaten by the goblins and needs to be rescued, the villagers ridicule him, making him a laughing stock. Feeling dejected, Mo decides to prove himself by going into the out-of-bounds forest, catching a monster and bringing it back to Bogfoss to prove himself the hero the villagers expect him to be.

But, when his plan to catch a monster backfires, Mo finds himself running for his life and, as luck would have it, straight into the home of the monsters via a booby-trapped sausage roll – a giant fortress: Grumpfort.

And so begins the most wonderfully exciting, action-packed and hilarious adventure as Mo meets the inhabitants of the fortress who are not at all what he had expected according to the entries in his not-so-trustworthy book, A Beginner’s Guide to Monsterology. When Mo is tasked with the mission of helping some of the other monsters catch the terrifying Grumpsnatcher, who has been snatching monsters, he hatches the perfect plan to solve his problem, but he didn’t reckon on friendship getting in the way …

I absolutely loved this zany adventure which has just the right amount of peril for young readers with lots of giggles with the situations the monsters find themselves in. The creatures are absolutely brilliant from the grumpy gnome to the feisty troll and the kind-hearted, sausage-roll loving snotwoggle. The villain is perfectly cast and will undoubtedly make the reader question: what makes a monster?

Mo is an incredibly likeable young boy who has the courage to be true to himself and write his own story rather than living with the weight of others’ expectations. I think this is such a powerful message for young readers.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and complement the action and humour of the story perfectly.

Enter Grumpfort for a monstrous treat of mayhem, giggles and gasps of delight – perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Usborne for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Marty Moose: First Class Mischief written and illustrated by Claire Powell

*Published by Walker Books on 6th February*

Marty Moose: First Class Mischief is a first-class start to a new two-colour illustrated series for younger readers – and it’s completely charming and fantastically funny.

Marty Moose is definitely not a moose, but a mouse, but has this name due to the rather unfortunate placement of an ink splodge on his Birth Certificate. It’s his first day as a Postmouse at Little Ditch Post Office and he’s feeling perfectly prepared with his ironed uniform, polished buttons and waxed whiskers. He is both excited and nervous that he is at last able to follow in the paw steps of his Great-Aunt Ada, the greatest Postmouse who ever lived. After introducing himself to 27-times-in-a-row Employee of the Month, Cyril Snorter, he is taken to the sorting room where he takes charge of his first bag of postal deliveries …

With a successful start to his day, Marty is feeling confident, but then things take a downhill turn as he heads underground to Whisker Warren and promptly gets lost. Luckily, he meets Nibbles Frizzby, a brilliantly bonkers rabbit, who helps him deliver his letter and decides to keep help him with the rest of his deliveries … When the two find themselves in a booby-trapped yard with two warring toads, Marty begins to wonder if there is any way to escape … and get home in time for his favourite jam sandwiches. Could his far-from-perfect start to his new job have anything to do with a postal prankster?

Giddy goodness! This book is absolutely gorgeous from the detailed map of Little Ditch to the lively, expressive illustrations to the chapter headings and typography which will offer endless appeal to young readers not to mention the smaller size of the book which suits the tale of a mouse to perfection. And then, of course, there’s the story which is filled with zany humour and just the right amount of peril and scares for younger readers which will keep them giggling and turning pages but not too quickly as there is so much to explore in the illustrations. I really loved Marty’s marvellously awesome alliterative phrases which definitely made me giggle as I have no doubt they will be remembered and enjoyed by young readers.

A terrific tale of fearless friends and postal pranks, guaranteed to delight young readers of 6+ who I have no doubt will enjoy returning again and again to explore Little Ditch as they wait for Marty’s next adventure.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.