Sweet and funny with plenty of panda filled mayhem.
Pudding the Panda, star attraction at Edinburgh zoo, is devastated to learn that she's heading to China. When ten year old Cal emails to tell her he's had the worst birthday ever, she decides she decides to fulfil her life-long dream of being Mary Poppins and escapes to help him. But with missing dads, nosy neighbours and a three million pound reward for her safe return, will Pudding's presence cause more harm than good?
This is a lovely lower Middle Grade story perfect for readers aged seven and up. Every chapter is full of chaos and fun, but there's also a sensitive exploration of more serious topics like bullying, family problems and financial difficulties. It's a story with family at its heart - even if the family in question is unconventional enough to have a live-in panda nanny!
The text is accompanied by comic-strip style pictures which bring the characters to life and add more humour to this already laugh-out-loud funny story.
Panda at the Door is the first in what promises to be a brilliant series that will be greatly enjoyed by young readers looking for something with the warmth of Mary Poppins or Paddington, and the humour of Roald Dahl - it has future classic written all over it.
Panda at the Door is written and illustrated by Sarah Horne
I was provided with an advanced copy for review.