Flush It Down: The Story of Sewers Through Time

Any teacher will tell you that one of the most frequently asked questions when on a history based trip will be around how people used to go to the loo! This very human fascination with this very human function is comprehensively covered in this surprisingly interesting book!

Having started with a focus on poo entitled ‘Ew Gross!’ which explains not only what it is, but also why we find it so distasteful, the author moves on to a look at poo through the ages from prehistoric to modern times. Developments in toilet technology across the world are covered as well as the devastating impact of the deadly diseases spread by dirty living conditions.

The book is packed with entertaining illustrations and plenty of word play and puns, adding much humour to the subject. However, more serious issues around the problems of human waste and dealing with these challenges today are also raised with a look at future, more sustainable solutions.

A fun addition to any bookshelf, ‘Flush It Down’ is full of historical and scientific information, allowing readers to discover more about sewers through time!

Flush It Down: The Story of Sewers Through Time

Rob Flowers

Cicada ISBN: 978-1800660649

Hotel Flamingo: Frosty Fiesta

It’s very quiet at Hotel Flamingo as the nights are getting darker so Anna is delighted when she is asked to arrange a hibernation party for Mrs Turpington, one of the hotel’s longest residents. Finding themselves completely snowed in, however, Anna is just feeling pleased there aren’t more guests when lots of bookings come in and she learns that the Winter White-out Games are taking place on Animal Boulevard, leaving Anna and the hotel staff with plenty to organise!

I love the Hotel Flamingo series and know how many children enjoy them so I was delighted to discover ‘Frosty Fiesta’, the latest in the series.

Offering the perfect mix of text and illustration, ‘Frosty Fiesta’ is perfect for newly independent readers developing their reading stamina as well as making a most enjoyable shared read. The gentle humour and cast of colourful and endearing characters are so engaging and there are some new guests to get to know amongst the familiar faces.

Anna once again shows herself to be caring, hard-working and loyal, determined to make sure everyone’s stay at her hotel is the very best it can be, even if it means building an ice hotel to accommodate extra guests! When it looks as if the Winter Games are going to have to be cancelled, she rallies everyone to make sure that everything is ready. She also ensures that Mrs Turpington’s guests manage to make their way through the snow so that her party is a great success.

The illustrations are as delightful as ever, helping to make this a very tempting read!

Hotel Flamingo: Frosty Fiesta

Alex Milway

Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1835870891

Adventure Mice: Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth

When Uncle Bernie visits the Adventuremice, he brings them his latest invention, the Mechanical Mole. Taking it for a test drive, they discover an amazing underground world, inhabited by some friendly cave mice- and a not-so-friendly Hamstersaurus Rex. Can the intrepid Adventuremice save the day?

This series just gets better and better! Fabulous illustrations and humorous, pacy adventures combine to create very satisfying and engaging stories, perfect for young readers.

In ‘Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth’, Pedro and his team discover a fascinating underground world. As usual, through teamwork, dedication, creativity and imagination, they find solutions to problems and help others. With the Hamstersaurus stomping around, threatening the peaceful Cave Mice, it takes all their ingenuity- and some empathy and understanding from Pedro- to make everyone happy. The story is perfect for encouraging readers to consider things from other viewpoints, considering why some might act as they do and looking for a happy path, catering for the needs of all.

Everyone of the books in this series offers so many opportunities for developing creative ideas and encouraging imaginative play. As usual, there is a step-by-step drawing guide, this time for how to draw the Hamstersaurus Rex, encouraging children to create their own adventures and illustrating them. A wonderful map of the ‘Fern Cavern’ is included at the end of the book, allowing children to follow the action in the story - as well as sparking ideas for storytelling.

The Adventuremice also create a hot air balloon which allows them to return home. Children would enjoy creating their own balloons from different materials and experimenting with flying them using a hairdryer to provide the hot air, deciding how to make this a fair test… or simply for the fun factor!

I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Visually engaging, bursting with imaginative ideas, full of humour and heart, they are utterly delightful. Having keen eyes and having noticed the message at the front, I also know that there is a website- Adventuremice.com- where you can find out more about the team!

AdventureMice: Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth

Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788453530

You can read my review of ‘Otter Chaos’ here, ‘Mice on the Moon’ here, ‘Mice on the Ice’ here and ‘Mice, Camera, Action!’ here.

Sin Bin Island

When Jack Winston Claremont Digby- Digs to his friends- finds himself with the family solicitor after the death of his mum, stepfather and sister, he has no idea how strange things are about to become. He has been left a strange set of Russian nesting dolls and discovers that, instead of being taken care of by family friend, Mrs O’Malley, he is to be sent to the Cyril Snigg’s Correctional Orphanage for Wayward Boys and Girls. The doll, it turns out, opens to reveal instructions to help him navigate his now uncertain future- and Digs is going to need all the help he can get to survive the bizarre lessons, systems and punishments of his new school. At the end of each year, the four worst-behaved pupils are sent to Sin Bind Island, a terrifying place where they must survive for a week…

As a huge Red Dwarf fan, I was very keen to read ‘Sin Bin Island’ as its author, Doug Naylor, is one of the creators of that excellent series. Fast paced, packed with adventure and full of humour, the story is every bit as good as I hoped it would be!

The first part of the book focuses on Digs arrival at the Cyril Snigg’s Correctional Orphanage for Wayward Boys and Girls, or ‘Cowbag’ as the pupils call it, following his fortunes as he builds friendships and learns more about the orphanage, its creation and its secrets. Digs is a thoroughly likeable character, determined to do his best in the face of adversity, loyal and kind-hearted. Baffled by the decision which has landed him at this very odd school, he wastes no time moping, but quickly makes friends- and learns who to avoid. These friendships will stand him in good stead when he has to face the horrors of Sin Bin island!

Although the story shares many of the expected elements of a boarding school story, it is peppered with original twists. The second half of the book tackles the children’s experiences on Sin Bin Island. Full of peril and excitement, the story romps along to its conclusion which leaves plenty of scope for future adventures for Digs and his friends. The layered plot and pleasing pace make this story perfect for those looking for a more challenging and very entertaining read in Y6 and into secondary.

Can’t wait for the next one!

Sin Bin Island

Doug Naylor

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788453707

The Beast from Beneath

Malory Vayle is getting used to her new powers as a necromancer, but still has a lot to learn about her new, very talkative and self-obsessed, friend, Maggoty, a skull with a penchant for wigs. Having made the mistake of walking past a shop called ‘Les Wigs’, Maggoty is now determined to own the ‘Eleganza’, an elaborate hairpiece complete with ostrich feathers which is far too expensive for Mallory to hope to afford- there is no money for food, let alone wigs! However, Aunt Lilith, who Mallory now lives with, has come up with a scheme. Holding a Grand Séance will raise the money they need. But when this goes horribly wrong and an evil power is unleashed, Mallory and Maggoty must face great peril to thwart its evil plan. Will they succeed and, more importantly, will Mallory get his wig?

I have to confess that I was not sure about this one before I started it, but soon found myself giggling in the corner of a coffee shop at the antics of the somehow loveable Maggoty and the long-suffering Mallory! ‘The Beast from Beneath’ is a delightful romp of a story, with a slightly spooky edge!

Although the sequel to ‘Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull’, it is possible to read this one as a stand alone. Plenty of background information is given, quickly catching the reader up with past events; however, if book one is as hysterical as book two, no one will want to miss it!

Maggoty is very much the star of the show! He has no filter and says things as he sees them regardless of the situation. However, when it comes to the crunch, it seems that he is more fond of Mallory than it might first appear! Although the subject matter of the book is quite dark- necromancers, evil spirits, ghosts, seances and death do not make for a light read- there is so much humour in the story that this does not read like a horror story.

Mallory is a really interesting character. Aware of her powers, she, unlike her Aunt, knows they need to be treated with care and caution, giving her a wisdom beyond her years. Both courageous and loyal, she is determined to save her aunt and is also prepared to sacrifice her own happiness to do what she thinks is the right thing.

There might be adults who have reservations about the content so this would need to be carefully considered before choosing this as a class story. Having said that, I think it would make a very entertaining class book, enjoyed by adults and children alike!

Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull in The Beast from Beneath

Martin Howard, illustrated by Pete Williamson

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805132264

The Last Bard

When Will’s father dies, he and his mother, Mary, have to move in with Will’s Uncle Claude and his cousin, Jon. Treated like servants by Claude, who never loses an opportunity to remind them that they are only there because of his ‘kindness’, they are relieved to leave his home for a while whilst they sort out Will’s grandfather’s flat in a complex called Arden Heights. Here, Will meets Ani, another occupant, who is determined to save the flats from being sold off for redevelopment- and sees Will as someone who can help her. Will also makes a curious discovery amongst his grandfather’s possessions- a copy of The Complete Works of Shakespeare which contains some of the characters from the Bard’s plays. With their ‘help’, can Will find the courage he needs to turn his life around?

‘The Last Bard’ is bursting with humour, heart and lots of Shakespearean references, making it a fabulous read!

Will is such a relatable character. His grief at the loss of his father combined with his new living conditions make it impossible not to empathise with him, making the reader really invested in his story. His relationship with his mother is beautifully portrayed and seeing her diminished and bullied by her brother, Will’s Uncle Claude, only adds to his pain as he keeps secrets from her, attempting to lessen her burden. There are plenty of poignant moments in the story, allowing for discussion and reflection, but these are balanced by a comedy of errors as his new Shakespearean friends get to work!

Will is not the only brilliantly captured character! His mum, Mary, is just wonderful and each of the inhabitants of Arden Heights are well developed and believable. Uncle Claude and Jon are thoroughly nasty pieces of work, highlighting the complexity of some family relationships, yet others whom seem less likeable are given more depth as Will comes to know and understand them. Ani is a force of nature- outspoken, determined and courageous, she also has a more complex ‘back story’ which is gradually uncovered as the story progresses.

The Shakespearean element of the story is pure genius! Anyone familiar the Shakespeare’s life and plays will delight in spotting the links and anyone who is not is sure to be tempted to find out all about them! Even the chapter headings and some names draw on his works! As Puck, Lady Macbeth, Yorick’s skull and Juliet, the remaining characters trapped in his copy of ‘The Complete Works’ strive to help Will save Arden Heights, things go horribly and hysterically wrong and yet allow Will to quietly observe, listen and help in his own way, making sure ‘all’s well that end’s well’!

There is so much to love in this story that I felt quite disappointed when it ended. Not because of a poor ending (quite the contrary!), but because I was enjoying it so much! Although this would make an excellent class story, sensitivity to the possible experiences of listeners is essential.

The Last Bard

Maz Evans

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696900

Unicorn Post

One day, when a little girl is playing in her tree house, a unicorn arrives. Keen to help her new friend, the little girl takes the unicorn to visit places around the town which might make a suitable new home. From the pet shop to the fair, together they explore until, at last, the unicorn finds its perfect forever home.

Simply delightful from start to finish, ‘Unicorn Post’ is a gentle, heart-warming story, perfect for sharing.

Children will love lifting the flaps to explore the leaflets and letters which are found throughout the book, enhancing the story with lots of additional details and humour. These are so delightful that readers are sure to be inspired to create their own little leaflets and letters, perhaps as part of their own book made in this style. The Funfair map includes a key to help identify the different rides and locations whilst the leaflet from the pet shop is full of ‘purrfect’ puns and and ‘cheep’ offers!

The illustrations are gorgeous and the whole book has a rosy glow which adds to the warm feeling of the story. As the little girl tries her best to find the unicorn a home, the relationship between them blossoms until, although happy she has found the perfect place for the unicorn to live, the little girl is deeply saddened to leave her new friend behind, leading to a long walk home with no singing and a grey tinge spreading across the landscape. Fortunately, the perfect happy ending is just round the corner and the new friends are happily reunited!

Although not many people write and post letters these days, this book reminds us how nice it is to receive something so personal! ‘Unicorn Post’ is a real joy!

Unicorn Post

Emma Yarlett

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529525175

You can read my review of ‘Nibbles The Very Hungry Book Monster’ here and ‘Dragon Post’ here.

Hank meets Frank

Hank the goose can be a little bit objectionable- that means bad-mannered and rude- at times. However, he can also be good when he tries which is really important today as his sweet little cousin, Frank, is coming to play. However, cousin Frank might not be as lovely as everyone believes leading to a little cousin-ly rivalry!

Like ‘Hank Goes Honk’, ‘Hank Meets Frank’ is a wonderfully funny story which both children and adults will love to share again and again!

Although Frank might appear sweet and innocent, he is full of mischief and soon starts making trouble for Hank. But Hank ups the ante and soon things get out of control as they try to get one up on each other. The illustrations are bursting with humour and readers will enjoy spotting each prank until the final spread where they are pulled into the action! Whether reading with a class or snuggled up with someone special, the story will have everyone giggling- and perhaps plotting a few pranks of their own.

The story also offers the opportunity for discussing how quickly things can get out of hand if ‘jokes’ are taken to excess! In the end of this book, the devious duo join forces, but these things can often escalate and cause problems.

Colourful, attractive illustrations and comic narration combine to make this a real treat!

Hank Meets Frank

Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838918552

You can read my review of Hank Goes Honk here.

Oh Dear, Look What I Got!

A child sets out to the shop in search of a carrot, but finds he has been sold a parrot. ‘Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No, I do not!’, he cries. Off he goes once more in search of a hat…and comes home with a cat! And so the story continues until an unexpected puppy causes chaos. When the doorbell rings, all the shopkeepers are at the door, bearing the items which has been originally requested, leading to an impromptu party!

‘Oh Dear, Look What I Got!’ is a delightful cumulative tale, full of fun and fabulous illustrations.

The bouncy rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud and children will enjoy predicting what comes next as well as joining in with the repeated refrain of ‘Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No, I do not!’ which comes after every mistaken purchase. The illustrations offer little clues - a bear’s clawed paw poking from one bundle, a forked tongue from another- adding to the fun of predicting what is about to appear. The story lends itself to creating additional trips to the shops, with children adding rhymes of their own before joining in with a chorus of ‘Oh dear, look what I got! Do I want that? No, I do not!’!

The illustrations are wonderful! On each journey to the shops, the child (I chose to use ‘he’- no indication is given as to whether it is a boy or girl) is followed by all the previous creatures acquired and there are so many details to notice and enjoy. The story starts and continues on the end papers, offering children the opportunity to continue the tale with their own ideas about what happens next!

Simply delightful!

Oh Dear, Look What I Got!

Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Walker ISBN: 978-1529510898

Dragon Dave the (Not So) Brave

Stuck in a book with an ending which he really doesn’t like, Dragon Dave escapes to the title page. When Prince George finds him, looking sad, Dave explains and together, they set about changing things. Having identified the disappointing parts of the story, they re-write these to Dave’s satisfaction!

‘Dragon Dave the (Not So) Brave’ is a wonderful, fun- filled book, showing people can re-write their own stories and make positive changes.

Loosely based on the story of George and the Dragon, Dave ends up as dragon soup with a squirrely Prince George and the other villagers triumphant. However, together, they create an alternative ending along with some fun edits which alter how Dave is viewed by readers as well as making the story more entertaining! A surprising little twist at the end shows that Dave is not the only one keen to change things!

Teachers could have great fun using this story to challenge children to edit and improve writing, showing how to develop characters and add detail and encouraging them to add imaginative details. Dave and George are lovely personalities and the gorgeous illustrations add much to the story.

A really positive, laugh-out-loud story to share and enjoy!

Dragon Dave the (Not So) Brave

Alex Latimer, illustrated by Phillip Cullen

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702314858

One Cat, Two Cats

Bright and beautiful, ‘One Cat, Two Cats’ is quite simply brilliant! Bursting with gentle humour, children will love the simple rhyming text and the feline antics on every page.

The book is wonderfully interactive with lift-the-flaps and pop-ups galore encouraging children to count the cats along the way. Each feline is full of character and every reader- grown-ups included- is sure to have their favourite and track them through the book. Cat Number One is already called Peggotty in our house, named after one of our beloved cats whilst Number 7 is Ebenezer, not because of the colouring or shape, but because of his cheeky expression!

The story might lead to children drawing twenty cats of their own- or making simple finger puppets- giving each a collar bearing a number, which could then be used to help children sequence numbers to 20. The illustrations in the story lend themselves brilliantly to oral story telling, developing descriptive and positional language whilst talking about the pictures. There is so much to explore and enjoy with this book- and not just with little children as it could easily be used to inspire paper engineering projects with older ones!

Robust pages and quality production make this a book which can - and will be!- enjoyed again and again!

One Cat, Two Cats

Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Rob Hodgson

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805136125

Publishing 14th August 2025

You can read my review of ‘The Tyrannosaur’s Feathers’ here and ‘The Plesiosaur’s Neck’ here.

Go Go Dodo!

When Dodo takes a stroll through the gentle jungle, across the friendly swamp and over the soothing sea, he is completely oblivious to all dangers, including the very hungry tiger stalking him every step of the way!

Perfect for a lively story time, ‘Go Go Dodo!’ is one of those joyful stories in which pictures and text combine to create a genuinely funny and satisfying read.

Children will love following Dodo on his walk and calling out all the dangers which Dodo is so blissfully unaware of! Playing with the tradition of pantomime ‘It’s behind you!’ visual jokes, the reader is in on the joke through the whole story and then offered an extra chuckle at the end! The simple, repetitive text will be quickly learned, even by the youngest children, allowing them the fun of joining in. For a really interactive story time, actions could be added along the lines of those used in ‘Bear Hunt’ story telling sessions.

The story could also be retold from the tiger’s point of view as he pursues Dodo on his stroll, perhaps collecting and playing with different verbs and adverbs to describe how the tiger is moving at different points of the story!

Great fun to share again and again!

Go Go Dodo!

Huw Lewis Jones, illustrated by Fred Blunt

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838918316

Happy Hills: Mr Big Fluff Rules

The baddest hamster around, Mr Big Fluff, has decided that he is not as happy as he might be so he decides to steal some happy from Happy Hills. Will the Happy Hills gang be able to stop him?

The third ‘Happy Hills’ book, ‘Mr Big Fluff Rules’ continues the bonkers fun and complete chaos of the series perfectly! Sophy Henn’s genius for comedic timing, visual humour and crazy- yet appealing- storylines is well known and seems to get better with every book!

Bold, bright colours burst from every page as this comic strip caper introduces a new baddie- and threat to the happiness of Happy Hills- Mr Big Fluff, a mafia gangster style villain whose dialogue delivery will have adults chortling as well as kids. As might be expected, the Happy crew keep their home safe and help Mr Big Fluff find his own kind of happy along the way.

As usual, there are the additional sub-plots scattered throughout the story and some excellent drawing advice from Sophie at the end. One section shows Sparks finding fame on Spit Spot, a genius story showing the futility of chasing likes from ‘friends’ you don’t even know and constantly trying to up the ante only to be discarded the minute something else becomes ‘popular’!

I would say that this would make an excellent bedtime story- but it is guaranteed to cause lots of laughing and inspire an immediate desire to draw so perhaps it is better suited to other times of the day!

Happy Hills: Mr Big Fluff Rules

Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398524668

You can read my review of ‘Happy Hills: Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens’ here.

Duck Delivers

Duck is happiest when at home, reorganising his sock collection. However, Great-Granduck is keen for him to experience adventure and, having offered some good advice and his lucky compass, encourages Duck to get out into the world. Deciding to become a delivery duck, Duck is ready to see the world and make his first delivery. What could possibly go wrong?

Full of fun, ‘Duck Delivers’ is a delightful story. Happy to stay in his own little world, when Duck steps outside his comfort zone and faces all the chaos and confusion life sometimes brings, he learns that he can overcome obstacles, problem solve and persevere until he accomplishes his task.

Illustrations and text combine perfectly to make the book a genuinely funny read. At every step, things appear to go wrong and yet Duck delivers! The pictures are full of details, allowing the reader to be in on the joke as Duck goes wrong, but they are also a joy to linger over, with plenty of potential for story telling along the way, Brilliant for reading aloud, children will love joining in with phrases like ‘Oh, breadcrumbs!’ and chanting Great-Granduck’s three simple rules.

Sure to become a firm favourite at home or school!

Duck Delivers

Tom Tinn-Disbury

Hachette ISBN: 978-1444976335

Donut Squad Take Over the World

Meet the Donut Squad. Led by Sprinkles, they are planning to conquer humanity and take over the world. However, the Bagel Battalion are plotting against them…

Deliciously ridiculous, ‘Donut Squad Take Over the World’ is just brilliant! The book opens with each of the Squad being introduced, giving a taster of their personality. Jammyboi leaves things splattered with jam, Spronky, the unusual one, behaves strangely, Caramel Jack’s language is a bit salty. Chalky (the ghost one), Justice Donut, Anxiety Donut, Daunt and Li’l Timmy also appear doing daft things. Between their adventures, merchandise is advertised and other donuts-rejected, babies, new tastes- are included, adding to the madcap flavour of the book! And then the Bagels make an appearance- a complete contrast to the donuts- but who will drive who out of the book entirely?

In a wonderful section at the end of the book, Neill Cameron shares lots of hints and tips for drawing Donuts and developing their personalities. Readers are sure to be inspired, having enjoyed the adventure, to create their own characters and, perhaps, create stories for them- the wilder and whackier the better! I particularly liked the section on expressions! Information about drawing tutorials on the Comic Club website plus a sneak preview of a new Mega Robo Bros story are also included, offering plenty of additional entertainment and enjoyment. Great fun!

Donut Squad Take Over the World

Neill Cameron

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788453400

Torla and Smorla and the Deeper than Average Hole

When Torla, the taller-than-average giraffe, is stuck in a deeper-than-average hole, it is up to her smaller-than-average friend, Smorla, to find a way to get her out!

I absolutely loved ‘Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud’ and was so excited when I spotted that another adventure for this loveable duo is on its way! ‘Torla and Smorla and the Deeper than Average Hole’ is just as brilliant as the first book and I hope that there are many more to come!

As with the last book, the friendship between these two giraffes is at the heart of the story. When Torla falls into the hole and gets stuck, Smorla is determined to help, coming up with different ideas and persisting until Torla is at last free. Not being able to free Torla alone, Smorla first seeks help from others and when that doesn’t work, comes up with an ingenious solution to solve the problem!

The illustrations are a complete joy and add much to the humour of the story. The tall, thin format of the book emphasises the height difference between the two and readers can fold some pages out or up, allowing them to be part of the adventure as the story progresses. The giraffes’ faces show a whole range of emotions through the ups and downs of Torla’s time in the hole, allowing for plenty of exploration of emotions.

There is much repetition of the phrase ‘(something)-than-average’, encouraging children to explore what this means (in simple terms!), perhaps leading to discussions about the joys of being unique and the fact that being different from your friends is absolutely normal! The book really lends itself to a book groups session as there are so many crafty ideas which it inspires as well as being a really fun read!

Can’t wait to see what these two get up to next!

Torla and Smorla and the Deeper than Average Hole

Kes Gray, illustrated by Chris Jevons

Happy Yak ISBN: ‎ 978-0711288126

Published 3rd July 2025

You can read my review of ‘Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud’ here.

A Mouse Just Ate My House

A naughty little mouse with very sharp teeth is constantly eating…the kitchen, the bathroom, the pest controller. Will anything make it stop?

Fast paced and funny, ‘A Mouse Just Ate my House’ is a riotous romp, perfect for reading aloud!

Many readers will be familiar with Kes Gray’s ‘Oi Frog’ series and his latest story does not disappoint. The lively rhyming text keeps building as the mouse’s eating antics get wilder and wilder until everything is resolved…or is it?!

Cut through sections add extra excitement to the illustrations and children will enjoy peeking through the pages as the mouse chomps its way into the story. They will quickly learn to join in as each possible solution is followed by ‘The mouse just ate my…’ and the story romps on. It’s the sort of story which inspires children to create their own additional scenarios whether in rhyme or not and perhaps illustrate these as well. As the mouse’s meals become more and more unlikely, readers are sure to try trump these ideas with whackier and whackier suggestions.

I would not recommend this as a bedtime read, however, as it will do nothing to lull little ones off to sleep- quite the reverse in fact!

A Mouse Just Ate my House

Kes Gray, illustrated by Sebastien Braun

Happy Yak ISBN: 978-0711288034

My Rice is Best

Shane loves to eat rice and peas and believes it is the BEST FOOD EVER! However, when he takes some to school for his lunch, he soon discovers that his friend Yinka is just as passionate about jollof rice. So- whose rice is best?

‘My Rice is Best’ is an absolute delight! Full of humour, it is perfect for sharing and starting discussions.

Everyone has a favourite food, but this story shows the wonderful versatility of this staple and how it can be enjoyed by different people in different ways, allowing readers to explore cultural diversity. Used in schools, it would be perfect for starting discussions about food, the origin of various dishes, favourite dishes the children enjoy at home…the possibilities are endless! Children might enjoy creating their own stories based on this one, but changing the food- to potatoes, for example, or beans! Exploring the similarities and differences between different families, different cultures, different traditions could lead to food tasting sessions (obviously paying attention to allergies etc!) or community events, embracing new cuisines.

Although Shane and Yinka squabble over which rice is best, when things go wrong, Yinka and the others are all ready to share with Shane, making sure he has plenty of lunch to eat. Friendship is more important than food! The book also captures the close relationship between Shane and his mum as she shares the secret of their special family recipe.

The illustrations are wonderful. Bold, bright and engaging, they add much to the humour and joy of the story. A must have for every class and home!

My Rice is Best

Selina Brown, illustrated by Maxwell A. Oginni

Puffin ISBN: 978-0241635537

Published 8th May 2025

Once Upon a Journey

Percy has rescued a rusting old car and converted it into a ‘sailing car’ which is powered by the wind. He decides to take all his friends on a camping trip to Wildwood Heath. After one of Percy’s fantastic picnics and some fun and games, they think it’s time to settle down for the night. But Percy had forgotten to put the brake on and the car is now in a pond! Luckily, Percy’s friend, Randolph the reindeer, arrives in the morning, just time to give them a hand and they are soon on their way again!

I have a huge soft spot for Percy the Park Keeper! Along with ‘Kipper’, most bedtimes featured these wonderful, stories about the animal-loving park keeper and his friends. Full of gorgeous illustrations and gentle humour, every story is a delight and ‘Once Upon a Journey’ continues this tradition.

In this story, hardworking Percy has left his park and is off on an adventure, taking all his animal friends with him. Children love the gentle humour of these stories- like how Hedgehog is scooped up in a net by Fox so he can join the trip. Although things go wrong, Percy’s calm manner and reassuring presence quickly dispel any fears readers might have.

The illustrations are so beautiful and there is a fold out picture, showing the magic of the night sky about their heads as they settle down for the night. The story would be perfect to share before, or whilst on, a camping trip as it subtly celebrates the joys and beauties of the outdoors and the fun to be found there! Children might also enjoy creating their own wind-powered vehicles like Percy’s car and experimenting with these.

The book ends with everyone setting off on a new adventure in the wind-powered car so perhaps there will be more stories centred around where the car takes them all and what they find there! I hope so… we all need a little Percy magic in our lives!

Once Upon a Journey: A Percy the Park Keeper Story

Nick Butterworth

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008536053

Adventuremice: Mice, Camera, Action!

When a letter arrives from Hollybush, the Adventuremice learn that a film is being made about their adventures. The team travel to the film set to watch the filming where things get a little too confusing for Pedro, who attempts to rescue the actress playing Juniper from the pretend otter threatening her. Luckily, Ivy is on hand to repair the otter, saving the day and the movie…but it turns out that the otter is very real, meaning a real-life Adventuremice rescue is needed!

I absolutely love the ‘Adventuremice’ books and this latest adventure- ‘Mice, Camera, Action!’- is every bit as enjoyable as the others. Fun, pacy stories and appealing characters mixed with incredible illustrations and quirky humour make these stories a joy from start to finish.

At the heart of these lovely stories are positive messages about teamwork, collaboration, friendship and self-belief. Characters learn from their mistakes and are prepared to take risks, showing perseverance and determination. These elements enhance the stories rather than intrude on them and there is plenty of humour to enjoy as the Adventuremice swing into action and save the day!

The perfect size for little hands, with illustrations- and drawing tips!- which are sure to inspire budding artists, this series is really is something special.

Adventuremice: Mice, Camera, Action!

Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788453363

You can read my review of ‘Otter Chaos’ here, ‘Mice on the Moon’ here and ‘Mice on the Ice’ here.