Squishy McFluff: Big Country Fair; Pip Jones, illustrated by Ella Okstad

Squishy McFluff and Ava are back in another wonderful little adventure that this time sees them experience all of the fun of the fair.

Ava is really excited as it is the Big Country Fair and she plans on winning the Prettiest Pet Competition with the adorable Squishy McFluff the invisible cat. Squishy has been pampered completely; tail brushed, nose powdered, claws polished and fur washed. The fair is everything Ava had hoped for with its food stalls, games to play and rides to go on. After seeing the competition, Ava is sure that Squishy McFluff will be crowned the prettiest pet but the judge is having trouble seeing invisible pets. That is until a thief tries to steal a prize-winning vegetable and Squishy McFluff finds himself in the sight of everyone…

Ava and her invisible cat, Squishy McFluff, are up to more mischief and causing just a little bit of mayhem at the Big Country Fair. It is hard not to question some of Ava’a behaviour in this story as she does seem to get away with rather a lot of behaving badly without any consequences - the bouncy castle incident particularly stands out. That said, I love the Squishy McFluff books, they are so endearing and are the absolute perfect introduction to chapter books for emerging readers. This one has fun, excitement and just a little bit of drama. The rhyming prose are as delightful as ever and just beg to be read aloud. Ella Okstad provides the charming illustrations that feature a limited colour palette of purples, pinks and yellows.

Delightful!

Recommended for 5+.