Blog Tour: The Beanstalk Murder by P.G. Bell

*Written by P.G. Bell*
*Illustrated by George Ermos*
*Published by Usborne*

The Beanstalk Murder is a terrifically twisty murder mystery that kept me utterly spellbound as I followed Anwen and Cerys to the Sky Kingdom to solve a gigantic whodunnit …

Apprentice meadow-witch Anwen Sedge is attending the weekly market in Old Stump trying to avoid trainee sorceress Cerys Powell who she blames for sabotaging her entrance exam to attend the Academy of High Magic. Cerys is not at all impressed with the way Anwen is exacting revenge which leads to an argument between the two. However, something much worse than pigeon poop falling from the sky is about to change their lives …

A giant falls from the sky, flattening the village of Old Stump. When Anwen and her Grandma Eira examine the body, Anwen makes a discovery: the giant has been murdered and dumped in their village! Despite no contact between giants and humans since the signing of a treaty at the end of the Great Beanstalk War, Eira is determined to seek justice and let the giants know what has happened to one of their own. Luckily, she just so happens to have an illegal magic bean which she plants to grow to the Sky Kingdom so that she can send a message to the giants. Unfortunately, her plan doesn’t quite go as she had intended and Anwen and Cerys find themselves at the top of the beanstalk and facing the giants whose King is missing …

And so begins an incredibly exciting, action-packed mystery as Anwen and Cerys discover that a royal murder has been committed, but who could be the culprit and what possible motive could they have? Anwen is determined to use her witchy-skills and her now-diminutive size to her advantage to solve the colossal case and drags Cerys into her investigations whether she likes it or not. But can these two daring young sleuths keep themselves safe whilst all around them there is giant danger for the tiny duo? I absolutely loved the twists and turns, the secret revelations, following the trail of clues and red herrings … and loved that I didn’t have a clue who the culprit was, but enjoyed guessing – and being proved wrong!

This is an ingenious twist on a fairytale and murder mystery and I can see so much scope both for another adventure in this world and for other fairytale murder mysteries to join this one. The world-building is fantastic! I loved wandering around the Sky Kingdom Palace, meeting some of its wonderfully helpful animal characters and would love to spend some time in Fortune Hall. I loved both the Folk Magic linked to an appreciation of nature that Anwen uses and the High Magic that Cerys excels at from projection to glamour.

I loved seeing how Anwen and Cerys begin to work together as a team and slowly build friendship despite a fractious relationship. Cerys is incredibly driven to attend the Academy of High Magic and is proud of what she has achieved so much so that she can appear boastful and derogatory about Anwen’s Folk Magic skills. Anwen is an astute, keenly observant and curious young girl who gives as good as she gets. I loved that both girls come to accept and respect both their own, and each other’s, magical abilities which leads to a much closer friendship.

A wonderfully warm-hearted, magical whodunnit that reaches giant-sized heights of delight, perfect for readers of 9+.

Author Information

P.G. Bell is a native of South Wales, where he was raised on a diet of Greek mythology, ghost stories and Doctor Who. He’s had all sorts of jobs over the years, from lifeguard to roller-coaster operator, but has always wanted to write stories. He lives in Wales with his wife Anna and their two children.
The Train to Impossible Places, P.G.’s debut series, has enjoyed widespread success, including shortlistings for the Branford Boase Award, the Crimefest Awards and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pgbellwriter

X: https://twitter.com/petergbell

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Usborne for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below:

Review: Ghost Tide by Jim Cockin

Written *by Jim Cockin*
*Cover Design by Nell Wood*
*Cover Illustration by Martha Vine*
*Published by Lightning (an imprint of Eye Books*)

Ghost Tide is a gripping, ghostly adventure that held me absolutely enthralled throughout with its eerie atmosphere, sense of foreboding and chilling occurrences.

Fourteen-year-old Charlie does not want to leave his friends in London behind during the Christmas holidays, but his mum is working nights and his dad is working abroad. So Charlie finds himself sent to stay with his Uncle Patrick and his daughter, Ariel, in the coastal town of Dunstrand in East Anglia.

Charlie arrives at the isolated, run-down Darkwater House to discover that there is no wi-fi access, but there is laughter from an empty room. Deciding to explore the beach, Charlie finds a strange locked brass box, a box that a stranger in an antiques shop warns him is dangerous. But before he can heed this advice and throw the box back into the sea, the box is opened … and something sinister escapes …

And so begins a chilling, spine-tingling mystery as the two cousins unite in their quest to stop a terrifying presence from wreaking havoc on the local community as it seeks something it has lost. Can they discover what has been freed from the ‘box of souls’? Will they be able to re-capture what should never have been released before harm comes to others? I absolutely loved the coastal, wintery setting, the perfectly-gauged building of tension, the ever-increasing danger as the children become more isolated and the revelation of secrets that made this a real page-turner that frequently sent shivers down my spine.

This story starts with an intriguing prologue which is blended into the mystery brilliantly as clues are uncovered by two daring and determined children. I loved learning more about the history of Dunstrand and visiting its museum, antiques shop and lighthouse giving a real sense of time and place. I really enjoy spooky, supernatural stories that bring frissons of fear: the ominous happenings, the terrifying presence and the real sense of peril and threat certainly make this a scary read – but not too scary for readers of 9+.

There is initially friction between Charlie and Ariel as neither really wants to be in Darkwater House. Ariel is grieving the loss of her mother which is causing her to lash out at her father. This makes Charlie feel uncomfortable, especially as Ariel does not hide that she doesn’t want him there. However, their shared ability to sense the supernatural brings them together and helps them to work as a team with determination, strength and courage when battling the presence that has been released from the ancient box.

A strikingly spine-chilling, mesmerising ghostly tale, guaranteed to bring shivers of delight and fright to young readers of 9+.

Thank you to the Jim Cockin and Eye Books for sending me an early copy of Ghost Tide in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Summer I Saved the Wild by Rachel Faturoti

*Written by Rachel Faturoti*
*Cover Illustration by Mirelle Ortega*
*Published by* Hodder Children’s Books
*(an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)*

The Summer I Saved the Wild is a powerful and heartfelt eco-adventure in which nature-loving Kamaria’s life is forever changed when her summer brings new people, new creatures and new adventure … a story that completely captivated me as I followed this courageous young girl on her quest to save mythological creatures desperately in need of her help.

During her summer, thirteen-year-old Kamaria is sent a journal and letters posthumously by her beloved Aunty Fisayo, a zooarchaeologist, who encourages her to believe in herself through her positive messages as she shares details of her Asoca adventure. Kamaria loves nature so, when she discovers that the Wilderness Wanderer competition is taking place in her home town of Pennyville, she is determined to take part in the hope of winning an opportunity to attend an eco-camp in Sweden where one of her best friends from her virtual school lives. But will her overprotective parents allow her the freedom to take part on the series of quests that form the competition? This problem is solved by the arrival of her cousin, Precious, who offers to team up with Kamaria for the competition so that her parents, with conditions, allow her to take part. Precious has her own condition for helping Kamaria: she wants her to keep a secret, a secret that requires Kamaria to lie to her parents as Precious pursues her own dream …

And so begins a powerful and evocative adventure as both the fragility and regenerative nature of the environment and family relationships are explored; as a community comes together, through the courage and strength of a young girl finding her voice, to save something precious and vital; and, where the freedom is found to follow your dreams. I loved the magical realism elements within this adventure with the link between the mythical creatures, the connection to the emotions of others, care for the environment and the messages in the journal.

Kamaria is an incredibly likeable and sympathetic young girl who clearly loves nature and has a real connection with and desire to save the flora and fauna of her local natural environment, but she also finds it difficult to find her voice in a world where her parents are over-protective, have kept secrets from her, and where she feels she cannot speak out against others even when they bring her distress. I loved the connection she has with her beloved Aunty Fisayo through the entries she has written in the journal she sends to Kamaria three years after her death. I also really enjoyed the friendship that forms between Kamaria and Precious as they work together to support each other to pursue their dreams, learning more about each other as their friendship deepens, but also having fractious moments which made the friendship feel genuine.

An inspirational eco-adventure where a deep and heartfelt connection to nature proves a catalyst for both personal and environmental change. An empowering read for those of 9+.

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

Review: I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

*Written by Ross Montgomery*
*Cover Illustration by* *Keith Robinson*
*Published by Walker Books*

I am Rebel is a wonderfully warm-hearted adventure that brought smiles and tears as I followed a most courageous and loyal friend’s epic journey through danger, loss and separation in the hope of being reunited with his human. Told from the perspective of a faithful, loving and good dog, this is a heartachingly tender, humorous and unforgettable tale of bravery, hope and true friendship.

Rebel has lived his whole life with his best friend, Tom, who found him as a pup and brought him to his parents’ sheep farm where the two have become inseparable, bonded by love, loyalty and friendship.

But their idyllic life is torn apart when the King’s guardsmen threaten Tom’s parents’ livelihood with a demand for higher taxes. Whilst his parents are not prepared to defy the King, 12-year-old Tom seethes with the injustice meted out by a tyrannical King, and joins a rebellion against him, a decision which sees him leaving Rebel behind as he heads to war …

But Rebel knows that his human is marching into terrible danger, and he is determined to find him and bring him safely home before it’s too late … and so begins an epic quest as Rebel digs deep for the courage to leave his home for the first time ever, to follow the boy he loves most in the world and to never give up hope that their unbreakable bond will bring them back together before war can separate them forever … Rebel is a beacon of courage, hope and love, but will this be enough to save his human when he needs him most?

This is not only an action-packed, thrilling adventure, but is also one that pulls at the heartstrings as Rebel faces terrifying danger and takes heart-racing risks to find Tom. But he also makes some wonderful new friendships with other animals along the way and proves himself to be a true friend, helping those in need despite his own desperate need to be reunited with Tom. One friendship in particular, with Jaxon the masterless dog, is the most beautiful portrayal of the growth of a strong, loving friendship, one where the discovery of the true meaning of freedom flourishes and where love challenges each to confront inner truths, conquer fears, loss and separation, and ultimately find where their heart truly belongs.

I’m Tom’s dog, and he’s my human. We belong to each other.

Not since Cosmo in I, Cosmo have I found a dog I have adored as much as Rebel. He is the BEST dog! He is torn away from his idyllic world by a decision, which he doesn’t really understand, made by the boy he loves more than anything in the world, a boy who saved him when he was a pup, and one who he is now determined to save from the horrors of war. Rebel never wavers in his love for, and loyalty towards Tom, even when he has some doubt over Tom’s love for him. He has such a big heart and a boundless capacity for love, empathy and friendship that engenders loyalty and reciprocal friendship in others.

An incredible and heart-warming story of friendship, belonging and the indestructible bond between a good dog and his boy. Perfect for animal lovers and adventurers of 9+.

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

Blog Tour Review and Extract: Pirate Academy Missing at Sea

*Written by Justin Somper*
*Illustrations by Teo Skaffa*
*Published by uclan publishing*

Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea, the second book in the Pirate Academy series. I will be sharing my review of Missing at Sea and an extract from Book 1: New Kid on Deck.

Review: Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea

Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea is the second book in the Pirate Academy series which opened with the wonderfully exciting New Kid on Deck and this one is just as sea-tastically thrilling as Barracuda class face new challenges and dangers in this swashbuckling adventure …

It’s 2507 … and four weeks after Barracuda class’s last adventure when they stood up for the ideals of the Pirate Federation, who control the world’s oceans, and fought against those who would usurp their position, the newly-established League of True Pirates who intend to take control of the oceansthrough foul means.

Barracuda class are fizzing with excitement as they prepare for the Oceans Bound weekend where they will face a series of challenges to test their pirate skills … without their teachers. But, when the class learn that Jasmine’s Uncle Noah, a member of the League of True Pirates, has escaped from the Pirate Federation’s prison, they find themselves in dangerous waters … Could the unscrupulous League have seized control of the Oceans Bound weekend for their own nefarious purposes? Can Jasmine, Jacoby, Neo and their friends work together to defeat these villainous pirates?

And so begins an absolutely riveting, fantastically thrilling adventure as Jasmine, Jacoby and Neo encounter peril from some terrifying challenges. I mean, who wants to encounter snakes, spiders, sharks and skulls on a weekend adventure away from class? The increasing danger and tension as I followed the story kept me on the edge of my seat and, I must admit, I gasped at the unexpected revelations which make me desperate to read the next adventure.

wound one Barracuda and you wound us all

Barracuda class have such strong bonds of friendship and make a wonderfully supportive team, always showing courage and a willingness to come to each other’s aid when faced with danger. Like all friends, they enjoy plenty of banter, some disagreements, healthy competition and even a little jealousy, something that makes them feel more genuine as a group.

Both Neo and Jasmine have been through a lot of turmoil with the loss of a parent, and parents who have been missing for months, which made my heart ache for them so I loved the emotional support that they offered each other. Despite how frightened they are by what has happened to their parents and the threat of the League, neither lets fear hold them back, showing great fortitude as they face deadly dangers and difficult decisions.

The partial-and-full-page illustrations are fantastic – energetic, expressive and highlighting both the strong friendships within the story and the peril Barracuda class face.

An action-packed, swashbuckling delight with a shiver of danger and a heart of friendship, perfect for young adventurers of 8+.

Extract from Pirate Academy: New Kid on Deck

Enjoy this extract from Chapter 2 where we first meet the New Kid on Deck:

The boy stood on the burning deck. At least, it was easy to imagine that the deck was burning, as the setting sun turned the light from pale gold to the deep orange of flames.

He was alone on the deck of the old “Scavenger”. It was a small sailing ship which had seen better days. Nowadays, it was mostly used to trawl for any bits and pieces washed into the shallows. The stuff nobody wanted anymore. Like him.

The boy had a pair of binoculars pressed tight against his eyes. He was watching the arrival of the fine pirate ships in the distant harbour. Seeing a flicker of movement, he raised the binoculars to see the sprawl of buildings that crept up the hill and people racing down it. Even through his binoculars, they looked like ants.

He felt rough hands grab him by his collar, giving him a start. He had been watching the harbour and the hill so intently, he hadn’t heard the telltale footsteps. Now, he could identify his attacker from his rotten breath alone. As his binoculars fell, he found himself looking into a red face, with angry eyes and a largely toothless mouth.

“I thought we agreed you’d stay below decks until I gave you the all-clear.”

The boy’s eyes narrowed. “I was bored. We’ve been travelling for so long and I know every inch of that cabin . . . not that there are many inches to get to know.”

The man spat – something yellowish-green dripping slowly down from his blistered lips to the deck below – then shook his head. “You ungrateful so-and-so. There’s many a lad of your age and position in life who’d be mighty thankful for a cabin to call his own and fish-scale broth for his supper.”

“A cabin barely a metre from port to starboard? It’s more like a dog cage! As for your vile—”

Before he could finish, he was grabbed roughly again, this time one hand gripping his collar, the other tugging his left ear. In this painful position, he was dragged over to the very edge of the foredeck.

He knew there was no point in struggling. This thug was three times his size and packed with muscle.

The muscled thug yanked the boy up and over the edge of the deck, so that he seemed to be flying over the side. He felt queasy – not for the first time that night. Was this how it was going to end – dropped into the icy water, in the darkening night, having to swim for it? He wasn’t the strongest swimmer. He wasn’t the strongest anything.

Thank you to Graeme Williams and uclan publishing for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of New Kid on Deck.

Do check out the other stops in the Blog Tour:

Review: The Houdini Inheritance by Emma Carroll

*Written by Emma Carroll*
*Cover Illustration by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini*
*Published by Faber & Faber*

The Houdini Inheritance is a spectacular showstopper from the Queen of Historical Fiction: a gripping historical mystery where a transatlantic voyage takes two young friends to Coney Island’s amusement parks to protect the secrets of the world’s greatest escapologist … and discover some of their own.

It’s summer 1926 and 12-year-old Glory and her best friend, Dennis are watching a master of escapology, none other than the great Harry Houdini, as he performs a death-defying stunt. As he jumps off Sidford-by-the-Sea’s pier locked in chains, he holds the crowd entranced …

When Glory and Dennis learn that Houdini is putting on an extra show at their local theatre, they are determined to see him perform again. After returning a missing dog to its grateful owner, they are made special guests at the show. As soon as an opportunity arises during the performance, Glory offers Houdini her Grandfather’s Boer War handcuffs to escape from: a decision that is the catalyst for an incredible adventure as Houdini entrusts her with his priceless trunk containing all his secrets.

And so begins the most wonderfully thrilling, action-packed mystery as Glory and her older sister Effie, with Dennis and his Granny Vic, find themselves on a transatlantic journey to Coney Island, New York to return the trunk to its rightful owner. Can they keep the trunk safe, or will its secrets fall into the hands of a merciless adversary who will stop at nothing to take what is kept within?

This is a real rollercoaster of intrigue with suspects to be investigated, suspicions to be confirmed, secrets to be unravelled not to mention threats, danger and death-defying acts. Absolutely superb and utterly unputdownable!

I loved the 1920s setting, in both England and America, which are richly described and really immersed me in the adventure. This is a story that juxtaposes the excitement of theatrical shows and stunts and the glamour of transatlantic crossings with the prejudice shown towards others, with bitter rivalry, and with the hurt and emptiness felt by loss.

Glory and Dennis are wonderfully likeable protagonists who have a strong and loyal bond of friendship; they work brilliantly as a team who trust and support each other. Glory is a curious, impetuous and fearless young girl who wants nothing more than a dog in her life. Dennis is more gregarious and is drawn to anything theatrical, whether that be magical shows or attending a séance. Both children show determination and courage when faced with difficult decisions and dangerous situations. I really liked that Glory and Dennis also had support from their family and thought that both Effie and Granny Vic were brilliant – and such strong characters.

As I read, I really appreciated the title of this book as the theme of ‘inheritance’ is threaded throughout. I enjoyed seeing how it related to each family and how it affected and shaped them, but also how it leads to a realisation of the importance of living your own life, of having your own dreams. The ending was incredibly heart-warming – and just perfect!

Escape into an exhilarating rollercoaster of an adventure, guaranteed to get your heart pounding and your mind racing as you discover the secrets hidden in this mesmerising mystery. Perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Bethany Carter and Faber Children’s Books for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Michael the Incredible Super-Sleuth Sausage Dog

*Written by Terrie Chilvers*
*Illustrated by Tim Budgen*
*Published by Firefly Press*

Michael The Incredible Super-Sleuth Sausage Dog is a woof-tastically fun treat for younger readers: hilarious, heart-warming and wonderfully charming.

Following the events in Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog, Michael has now found much-wanted fame with his own TV series (An Audience with Michael) in Hollywoof, interviewing and reading the minds of his dog star guests. But fame can be short-lived, and his ratings are plummeting …

When his next guest, Susan the Chocolate Labrador, is dognapped by supervillain, Dog X, Michael spies a paw-fect opportunity to improve his TV ratings. He will become a super-sleuth hero and rescue Susan from her dognappers. With his awesome mind-reading skills and best friend Stanley Big Dog at his side, what could possibly go wrong?

I absolutely adored this fun-filled adventure as Michael and Stanley travel to Three Paw Creek with basset hound Detective Wrinkles to hand over the ransom to secure Susan’s release. Things quickly go wrong for the super-sleuthing sausage dog when he fails to follow orders and misses an important deadline. Determined to put things right, Michael goes on his own detective trail and finds himself paw-to-paw with danger …

I loved the balance of humour and peril, the doggie puns and charm, the wonderful friendship between Michael and Stanley and the gentle lessons to be learned – just perfect for young readers.

Michael is the most gorgeous, snazzy waistcoat-wearing, sausage dog. He is determined not to lose the success he has gained which can lead to him being over-confident and not listening to others, but he also has a heart of gold and is a fantastic friend to Stanley. He never gives up, even when things go wrong, which is a wonderful message for younger readers.

The illustrations are an absolute joy and brilliantly capture the energy, fun and personalities of the dog stars of this adventure.

A paw-fectly delightful mystery served with oodles of humour, a fantastic filling of friendship and a dash of danger – a guaranteed winner for young readers of 6+.

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

Review: The Day of the Jackdaw written by Jo Simmons and illustrated by Lee Cosgrove

*Written by Jo Simmons*
*Illustrated by Lee Cosgrove*
*Published by Barrington Stoke*

The Day of the Jackdaw is a fantastically funny, warm-hearted and empathetic adventure about overcoming fears, belonging and acceptance.

Alex and his family are moving from the city to the countryside, but Alex is not at all keen on the move. In fact, he has made a list of things he dislikes about the countryside in his Top-Secret Stuff notebook, top of his concerns being angry badgers! Imagine his horror when he discovers from a local online newspaper article that angry badgers are the least of his concerns. Why? The village of Noggings is being terrorised by an aerial acrobat – a jackdaw called Graham – who is attacking the villagers when least expected.

Shortly after moving to Noggings, Alex makes a new friend, his neighbour Callie, who introduces him to her 12 guinea-pigs. Just as he is leaving her garden, he has his first encounter with Graham, an encounter that leaves him frozen in fear.

Later, Alex attends a meeting in the village hall with his family where the villagers are discussing how to rid themselves of their menacing avian foe before he can create chaos at their upcoming summer fete. Can Alex discover the reason for Graham’s ruinous rampages and put a stop to them before he brings more mayhem to the villagers?

This is an adventure that is guaranteed to being plenty of giggles as Graham’s antics have the villagers in uproar. They are determined to stop his attacks, but this clever corvid is always one swoop ahead of the hapless villagers.

Alex is a clever, empathetic and kind-hearted boy who overcomes his initial fear of Graham to find out more about him, putting aside his, and the villagers, pre-judgments and giving him a chance to be understood. Alex, despite his pre-judgments of life in the countryside, finds the courage to give his new community a chance, finding friendship and a sense of belonging. I think this is a wonderful message for young children as they are faced with changes in their lives, whether that be moving home or school.

The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and capture the mayhem and warmth of the adventure perfectly.

This is a deliciously delightful tale of mischief and mayhem, flying high with heart and humour.

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

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

May Wrap-Up

It’s been a very busy month at work with the run-up to SATs and SATs week. We also had Sports Day. We also opened our new library and I arranged an author visit from Guy Bass who spoke to the children and opened the library. He was absolutely brilliant and the children loved listening to him, chatting to him and having their books signed. I’m glad I’ve had a week off for half-term to re-charge. I’ve just come back from a quick visit to Ireland to visit family which was wonderful. Now, to report writing and Year 6 production!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 15 books in May: 13 physical books and 2 audiobooks. I have written and posted reviews for 11 of these and will be posting my reviews for The Wanderdays and Nush and the Stolen Emerald shortly.

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 97%. I have requested and been approved to read one book in April.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent twelve books by Publishers this month.

Books bought:

I bought 15 books in May – no wonder my TBR never decreases!

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

Review: Super Sausage to the Rescue!

*Written by Rachel Morrisroe*
Illustrated by Jenny Taylor
Published by Puffin Books

Super Sausage to the Rescue is the first adventure in a new ‘Super Pets’ series for younger readers of 7+: hilarious, exciting and full of warmth.

Dottie, an absolutely adorable dachshund puppy, yearns for her forever home after having been left at Doris Darling’s Home for Dogs by her previous owner. When nine-year-old Harry arrives at the shelter with his dad, he is excited to get to choose a dog, and quickly decides that Dottie is the perfect dog for him!

When Harry spots a squirrel outside his window, Dottie accidentally reveals the secret she has been keeping from humans. She can talk and fly! Harry’s dog has superpowers, powers that are urgently needed by Rebecca Refractor who runs Superpets, a secret organisation of superhero pets who keep the world safe from super villains.

But how can the superpets keep the world safe when they are being kidnapped by a supervillain intent on making them part of her collection? Can ‘Super Sausage’ Dottie and Harry stop the remaining superpets from being taken by Sparkletta Crystal, or will they become her next victims?

I absolutely loved this brilliantly funny, action-packed superhero adventure told from the dual viewpoints of Dottie and Harry. There is just the right amount of peril for younger readers blended with lots of laugh-out-loud moments with giggles guaranteed. I’m not sure I’ll ever think of broccoli in the same way again! The language is wonderfully playful – I’d love to fly in a wheelsparrow and visit the Factual History Museum!

I adored both Harry and Dottie who have an instant connection. They quickly build a trusting, supportive and accepting friendship. I liked that Harry needed to understand the responsibility of having a pet before he could have one although I’m not sure anything could have prepared him a superhero pet! I also really liked Rebecca who is a brilliant STEM role model with her fantastic inventions – even if they don’t always work as expected!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are gorgeous, capturing the energy, warmth and humour of the story perfectly.

A woof-tastically wonderful start to this new series for younger readers brimming with friendship, humour and heart. I have no doubt that they will be eagerly waiting for the next superpet adventure in this series.

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