Shiny Pippin and the Broken Forest; Harry Heape, illustrated by Rebecca Bagley

Bad things are happening in Fun Springs. Three things are certain - the water has all gone, the animals are disappearing and something is definitely not right with the forest. It is up to Pippin and her forest friends to solve the mystery and in doing so defeat the evil Doctor who hides in the Old Laboratory hidden deep within the forest…

Pippin is amazed to learn from her granny that they both have a secret superpower. The ability to ‘Shine’ means they are able to communicate with animals. When Pippin learns about her gift, her granny encourages her to go off and investigate the strange goings on in the forest.

As Pippin investigates, she makes many forest friends including an adorable bow-tie wearing frog who she names Oddplop and Turbo Alan the badger. She will need all the help she can get as she gets closer to the villainous Dr. Blowfart and his sidekicks Gary the mean cat and an evil emperor penguin named Count Visbek. Pippin, her forest friends and her granny must work together to save the forest and defeat the evil Doctor.

Oh what an enjoyable and charming read this is packed with adventure and mystery. This warm-hearted and funny story is filled with silly wordplay that creates nonsense words, poems, illustrations and an author voice that at times speaks directly to the reader. It all makes for a read that will have young readers laughing out loud and will have them speaking words that adults and non-readers of Harry Heape books will just find baffling. The wacky writing style will not be appreciated by all - it’s very much like vegemite (or marmite if you’re in the UK), you’ll either love it or hate it.

There are lovely messages on friendship and bravery woven into the narrative and there are heart-warming connections between humans, animals and nature.

Recommended for 6+.