Tally and Squill: In A Sticky Situation: Book 1 (The Trapdoor Mysteries)

A wonderful book. If you (or your children!) are already fans of Abie's other books, like the Magic Potions Shop series, then this is aimed a little older. More text, slightly longer chapters, less illustrations, slightly more mature subject matter - but it is all the more engaging for it. I read it to my 6 year old, and her 10 year old brother listened to every chapter, every night, utterly captivated. The story has some great twists and turns, and is clearly setting itself up for a (hopefully) long-running series.

My daughter LOVED reading this book. It's a beautifully imagined story with wonderful characters. She enjoyed the footnotes. It's also a gorgeous book to hold and the illustrations are stunning. Can't wait for the next one!

A brilliant book from the author of the 'Fairytale hairdresser' (which we love in our household). This book was no different. Poor Tally lost her mother when she was two and was put to work by Mrs Sneed at Mollet Manor. Tally finds herself a friend in the form of a cute squirrel. I read this in a few sittings because the writing is so good. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Well written, ideal material to encourage reading.