Clever Cakes; Michael Rosen, illustrated by Ashley King

Two short stories, one awesome little package, and another lovely addition to Barrington Stoke’s Little Gems series of books for emerging and newly independent readers.

Quick thinking and cunning plans are needed when you’re faced with a very hungry bear and a bored and arrogant King who doesn’t really want to share his royal spoils. After Masha disobeys Granny’s advice and gets taken from the woods by Mr Bear she hopes to bake her way out of trouble. When the King organises a tournament to find the best liar, one little girl has a right royal whopper to tell but will the King fall for it and give up his Great Golden Belly-button…

Clever and crafty young female protagonists use their wits and creative thinking to get the better of more powerful foes in these modern fairytales with a twist. With some very tasty cupcakes, Masha has the perfect recipe for escaping from Mr Bear. And after talking the King into a tricky situation, Peggy takes home the riches. Packed with warmth and humour, the power of intelligence to solve a problem shines in both stories.

Michael Rosen’s brilliant storytelling and Ashley King’s charming illustrations are a winning combination in what is a fun and enjoyable read. There’s even some fabulous bonus content too; paths back to Granny’s house to untangle and riddles to solve can be found on the inside front and back covers. True to Barrington Stoke form, it is printed in dyslexia friendly font and on tinted paper ensuring the book can be accessed by every child.

Recommended for 5+.