Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Missing Masterpiece

In their latest adventure, Shifty and Sam are in Paris where they are going to bake a huge gingerbread Eiffel Tower for Gallerie Bonbon, an upmarket art gallery. But a master criminal is at large and when sneaky fox, Cunningham Sly, steals a precious painting from under their noses, the chase is on. Can our brilliant bakers save the day- and get their gingerbread tower built in time?

Our lovable duo are off on their adventures again. Tracey's lively text is a real joy to read aloud- the pace and energy are perfect. In keeping with the Parisian setting, there are French words and expressions woven into the story, adding that extra 'Je ne sais quoi' to the tale! This was also developed through the illustrations and led to wonderful conversations about Paris and its landmarks with my class, clearly demonstrating how a fabulous book can offer so much more than a brilliant story!

As ever in these stories, so much character is conveyed in very few words. Shifty and Sam's new adversary, Cunningham Sly, is a great example of this. If using this as a class text, a great deal of character building and language development could be done based on him- as well as Shifty and Sam, of course- and even their little spider friend.

Talking of the spider, I was so pleased to see that the traditional spider hunt on each page has been maintained - with some very challenging hiding places! Every illustration in the book is an absolute joy- full of detail and humour. Steven has played with some famous masterpieces, giving them a doggy make-over, once again encouraging discussion and further investigation of the originals. As events take place around them, the sharp-eyed reader will delight in noticing changes in each painting.

Each 'Shifty' adventure leaves me longing for the next one and this is no exception! Fun and light-hearted humour are guaranteed, but the quality of both text and illustration make them something really special. I hope they are going to work their way round Europe!

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Missing Masterpiece  Tracey Corderoy,

illustrated by Steven Lenton

Nosy Crow     ISBN: 978-0857639745 

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Santa's Stolen Sleigh

Everyone’s favourite baker dogs are back in a new adventure! They’re heading to Lapland to create a feast for Father Christmas. However, when they arrive, they find that all of the elves are covered in spots. Help appears in the form of Flo Frost, a polar bear with lots of helpful gadgets. Whilst the boys bake a feast fit for Santa, Flo sets to work, but does she have a sneaky plan which could see the end of Christmas..?

I love Shifty and Sam so much! Since the first title appeared in 2015, these lovable dogs have been firm favourites. ‘Santa’s Stolen Sleigh’ is a fabulous festive treat, just right for sharing. As with each of these stories, Tracey’s wonderful rhyming text is a joy to read aloud. Bursting with moments of humour, the lines trip along perfectly and the story lends itself perfectly to encouraging children to tell their own Christmassy adventures for these adorable dogs!

Every spread is full of details to notice and offers plenty to discuss. As with the other books, there is a spider to spot on every page. I really feel they need a book all of their own as they are bursting with a cheeky personality and an adventurous spirit! The whole thing is a delight from start to finish and I can’t wait to share this!

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Santa’s Stolen Sleigh

Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Steven Lenton

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788007771

Genie and Teeny Make a Wish

When Grant the Genie is cast out of the Genie World for an accident involving Queen Mizelda, his lamp is damaged and he needs to find somewhere new to live. Having settled into a convenient teapot, Grant meets Teeny, a lost puppy, and the two become best friends. However, they are kidnapped by the very purple-loving and very evil Lavinia Lavender, who has a cunning plan to win the big dancing dog show, beating her old rival. Can a genie who is not very good at making wishes come true save the day?

‘Genie and Teeny Make a Wish’ is the first in a new series which Steven has both written and illustrated. The book is an explosion of the most wonderful pictures, making it instantly appealing. There are even little stars round the right hand side page numbers! The story is written in a chatty, light-hearted tone, often directly appealing to the reader and engaging them with the story. Grant’s magic wishy word is an instant giggle inspirer and will no doubt be adopted by many!

The fact that Grant, a magical being who you would expect to get things right, often makes mistakes is very reassuring and makes a great starting point for discussions around not having to be perfect or live up to impossible expectations. He keeps trying, does his best and everything works out in the end.

There is much fun to be had with the story as well. Children would really enjoy designing Grant a new home in various different containers- a watering can, perhaps, or a kettle - and thinking of hats to add to his collection. There is a page at the beginning of the book for children (or adults!) to list their three (you can’t wish for more wishes so don’t even bother trying) wishes which makes a perfect starting point for perhaps fulfilling some of these and enjoying the idea of others- some wishes should be just for dreaming, I think! As ever, Steven encourages children to have a go at drawing with a step by step guide for drawing Grant at the end of the book and a special page for their picture, encouraging the artist to share their work on social media.

Brilliantly illustrated and full of fun, ‘Genie and Teeny Make a Wish’ is a magical treat, perfect for sharing. I can’t wait to see what they get up to next!.

Genie and Teeny: Make a Wish Steven Lenton

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008408206