OUP ISBN 9780192767127 £11.99
This will be a familiar format to readers who have enjoyed Byrne’s previous book “This Book Just Ate My Dog”. It features Ben out playing with his cat when – you’ve guessed it – the cat half disappears into the centre fold of the book itself. This quirky illustration will appeal to young readers as you discuss where the cat has gone. The next page reveals the cat has totally disappeared from Ben’s world and has, as he sees it, been stolen by his book. His friend Bella appears to investigate, and she, too, disappears into the centrefold of the story along with a rescue dog, rescue truck and rescue helicopter. Finally Ben, too, disappears from the reader’s view into the book. With no rescuers left it is down to the reader to do some rescuing. Ben sends back instructions for the reader to carry out and through a process of reader participation and physical interaction of tickling and shaking hey presto all those who have disappeared are returned to the book. The text is large, clear and bold and reassuringly simple on the page for young independent readers. The illustrations are bright, characterful and engaging and will appeal to young children from 3-7 years and anyone else who loves tickling!
Jane Macleod