Charming books for children out this month: GEORGE AND LENNY ARE ALWAYS TOGETHER by Jon
George and Lenny is available now
GEORGE AND LENNY ARE ALWAYS TOGETHER by Jon Agee (Scallywag Press £12.99, 40pp)
Jon Agee’s distinctive illustrations and dry wit find perfect expression in this sensitive and funny story about two best friends – big bear George and little rabbit Lenny.
They have huge fun together every day until Lenny wonders what it would be like to spend some time alone. George panics and feels rejected as Lenny enjoys some downtime reading, drawing and just being himself, until he wonders what George is up to.
This gentle book explores everyone’s need to sometimes take time out, whatever their age, and how best to explain it to people they love. It resolves the dilemma with utter joy and, as ever, the expressions convey a world of emotion. Age 3+
A Killing at the Box Office is available now from the Mail Bookshop
A KILLING AT THE BOX OFFICE by Paul Westmoreland (Puffin £8.99, 400pp)
Interactive books are a great way to draw children into stories and these three murder mysteries, in one volume, are so jam-packed with puzzles, quizzes and endless red herrings that they could keep readers guessing all holiday.
Schoolboy Arlo Banks works for the British Secret Service and is sent to LA to investigate the death of a demanding film star in his hotel room.
The reader plays along as Arlo, but beware – make a wrong decision (as I did) and you could end up dead or on the plane home.
Luckily, you can turn back and start again. From LA to the Alps, from showbusiness to terrorism, this is rip-roaring, brain-teasing stuff. Age 8+
The Museum of Lost Umbrellas is available now from the Mail Bookshop
THE MUSEUM OF LOST UMBRELLAS by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (Faber £7.99, 352pp)
The first in a new fantasy series from award-winning Fitzpatrick, this imaginative adventure is set on an island that harbours magic, secrets and dark enemies.
Orphaned Dilly arrives to live with her great aunt, but as soon as she enters her cottage strange things happen – things she has wished for.
When the Museum of Lost Umbrellas reopens after years, Dilly and friend Callum find themselves at the centre of a rebellion from people who don’t want it to happen. And Dilly soon learns why . . .
An exciting mystery and a lesson in how beliefs can divide a community. Age 9+