Monster Max and the Marmalade Ghost; Robin Bennett, illustrated by Tom Tinn-Disbury

The boy who can burp himself into a monster and then sneeze his way back into human form returns in another monstrously exciting gross-out adventure. Along with his equal best friends Frankenstein and Peregrine, Max is determined to use his unique talent to ‘Protect and Do Good Stuff’ and will need all of his crime-fighting, evil-defeating skills if he is to save his town from the terrible Marmalade Ghost.

The summer holidays have been nowhere near as exciting as Max was hoping. With a lack of protecting and doing good stuff needed, Max and Peregrine find themselves volunteering at the local day centre for old people. But trouble is afoot. The old people are acting really, really bizarrely and Max’s monster senses are on high alert. Max and his friends need to stop the madness and fast.

​But with the local community and his mum under threat and a gloopy marmalade ghost turning into a sticky Godzilla things are not looking good. Will ‘Protecting and Doing Good Stuff’ be enough or will Max, Frankenstein and Peregrine come to a sticky end…

The Monster Max series is ideal for children who love getting lost in action-packed, ridiculous silly, laugh-out-loud stories. Max and his friends deliver a thoroughly madcap and bonkers adventure filled with sticky situations, daring exploits, gadgets with slightly naughty acronyms, kidnappings, fallings out and an out of control breakfast-spread spectre. Quirky for sure, ROAR-some…absolutely! There’s even room for themes of bravery, taking responsibility and navigating friendships within this deliciously gooey mess.

Robin Bennett’s zany narrative along with Tom Tinn-Disbury’s brilliant illustrations are a winning combination and everything comes together in one big gloopy bundle of fun that will delight young readers who are keen on mayhem, monsters and madness.

With huge thanks to Firefly Press for the copy I received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 7+.