Dixie O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery; Shirley Hughes, illustrated by Clara Vulliamy

This is book two in the Dixie O’Day series produced by mother and daughter team, Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy. What’s lovely about this series is that readers are not required to read the books in order and so can dip in and out as they find them.

Dixie O’Day and his best friend Percy are off on holiday to one of the finest seaside hotels - the Hotel Splendide in Brightsea. They are looking forward to a relaxing and peaceful break by the seaside but they are not the only ones visiting the hotel. Percy’s favourite pop-star, Peaches Miaow, is staying at the hotel too and when her fabulous diamond necklace disappears the duo are called into action to solve the mystery…

This is a fun little read that newly independent readers will really enjoy. Dixie and Percy are great characters and readers will love going with them on a holiday to the seaside that turns very eventful. There is excitement, drama and just a little bit of scary, but nothing to overwhelm or frighten young children. Lovely messages on being helpful, honest and doing the right thing are explored through the actions of Dixie and Percy.

Hughes and Vulliamy have produced a really accessible book with lots of extra little touches which really enhance the reading experience. Before the story begins there are introductions to the two main characters via a question and answer session, and supporting characters are presented in a portrait gallery with some important facts. There is also a lovely map of Brightsea so readers can see where the action is taking place and really get a feel for what there is to see and do in the town. The story itself is cleverly told over seven chapters so readers can enjoy this book over the course of an entire week. The book is highly illustrated throughout and the illustrations in shades of pink are full of warmth and charm. Lots of top notch bonus content is included after the story including a question and answer session with author and illustrator, a fun maze and a quiz to check understanding. And just in case one Dixie and Percy adventure wasn’t enough, there is a sneak-peek at the first chapter of another one of their adventures, ‘Up, Up and Away!’

Pack your suitcase for a thrilling seaside adventure that has plenty of glamour and glitz, secret passageways, some sneaky cat-burglars and a smashing duo that will be loved by young readers.

Recommended for 6+.