Melanda Notwitch is back in another hilarious, heart-warming adventure in The Notwitches: Prison Break – and what a terrific treat this is for readers of 7+.

Eleven-year-old Melanda Notwitch is no longer living with her awful aunts, but with Mitch the witch and her almost-talking-cat Rolo. Life is almost perfect for Melanda – writing stories and eating soup – but there are two very important people missing: her parents. Unfortunately, they are imprisoned in the Dark and Horrible and Disgusting Prison for Witches, a prison that Melanda is determined to break them out of. All she needs is a plan!

And what better plan to get into a prison than to get arrested? All the Notwitches need to prove that they are witches is a Public Display of Witching, something that is guaranteed to get them arrested – if only they can get people to come to the performance – and be unlucky enough to be spotted by a witch hunter. And it just so happens that witch hunter Craig is looking to catch his first witches …

And so begins a wickedly fun, fast-paced adventure as Melanda, Mitch and Rolo find themselves on the way to prison to carry out a prison break. Can they outwit a moustachioed Chief Guard, a wrestling-loving Governess and witch hunters to rescue Melanda’s parents? Will the rather unusual creatures they meet, including a Slug Beast and wombats, be a help or a hindrance?

This is a brilliant second adventure for Melanda which can be read as a standalone. But I have no doubt readers will want to catch up with her first adventure – and find out about those awful aunts – if they haven’t already done so. The blend of humour and heart, wackiness and wickedness, in this adventure is just perfect. The short chapters, playfulness of the language, fast-paced action and wonderful twists and turns will keep young readers turning pages and is ideal for building reading stamina.

I really enjoyed being back with Melanda, Mitch and Rolo and love the close bond of friendship between them. Melanda shows kindness and empathy towards others and stands up to, and for, others, proving herself a good friend when support is needed. I think this is a wonderful message that shines through the wonderful humour in this story. And can I just mention Rolo – what a hero – absolutely adorable and deserving of all the soup!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely brilliant: expressive and energetic, complementing the humour and heart of this adventure perfectly.

A feast of wacky fun, with family and friendship at its heart, serving up giggles galore for young readers.

Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.