Traditional, turn-of-the-century rural life is beautifully rendered and the friendship between the young boy and the old man is touchingly betrayed . . . The real magic of this book, however, lies in its enchanting evocation of the wonder of nature

As always, Dick King-Smith has produced an appealing story for those of five or so to listen to and slightly older children to enjoy whilst practising their reading skills

If you've not come across this series, get ready for a severe injection of unconventionality . . . Jilts from random thought to comic memory

Hilarious

Accompanied by fun illustrations throughout, this series is a real find as a strong male narrator is a rare thing indeed

Packed with blackmail, murder and revenge, Shoot to Kill is Young Bond at his best.

Cole, Steve Cole, has picked up the bond baton from Charlie Higson with this his first book in the Young Bond sereis. It's set in mafia-soaked, golden-era Hollywood, giving this proto-007 plenty of scope for adventure. It's a cracking read with fantasic fight scenes, glam parties and some pretty decent plotting

Nail-biting excitement

I loved this gorgeous little book. Its subject is dreadfully dour, but it's not a dour book at all. Firstly, no matter the faults of the adults in the book - and they are legion - the genuine love in the family shines through. It's always clear that where there's love, there's hope. This is an important message at any time, but it's crucial when you're writing for tweens and pre-tweens. Secondly, Simon Mason has an enviable lightness of touch. He can write about a midnight picnic so that it makes you smile even though you know it's actually a very dark event, symptomatic of how dangerous Martha's father's drinking has become. And thirdly, there's a wonderful cast of larger-than-life supporting characters. 5 stars

Best known for his Quigleys books, Mason tackles the sensitive topic of an alcoholic father with great aplomb. It's happy, sad, compassionate and funny with wonderfully drawn child characters Martha and Tug.

It is a well written book, which children aged 9+ would enjoy. It tackles the subject of parents with alcoholism however that is not the only story within the book. It is about friendship and laughter and working towards your dreams. Some dreams do come true and are worth working towards.

The characters make this book live. They positively spring off the page. Tug is one of the most loveable and believable five year olds I've encountered in a book...Critics will use the word 'heartwarming' about this book and they'll be right.

Candid and humorous...Moon Pie is a moving tale of the serious side of life.

Love conquers all in this big-hearted and heartbreaking story.

full of warmth and humour, often of the laugh-out-loud variety, skilfully intertwined with moments of sheer poignancy

Moon Pie is a charming story that will appeal to any child who enjoys true-to-life tales...With plenty of humour, this book addresses issues that affect many children with a light touch.

It will have you smiling happily one moment, sadly the next. ... It is a realistic story about the problems of dealing with an alcoholic parent, beautifully written and a joy to read.

The modern and realistic storyline makes it easy relate to and understand and increases your knowledge and understanding on the subject. The author makes what could be a depressing or boring topic into a exciting interesting one. Making me laugh at times, the personality and quotes of tug and Marcus were very funny. Mason manages to make the deep connection in this family clear even throughout upsetting situations.

Simon Mason is highlighted as being shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction prize for
his "moving tale of the serious side of life" Moon Pie.

Moon Pie is a wonderful, witty, well written book that addresses important issues in a funny way... The way Mason has portrayed the characters in this book is just brilliant. You can easily get lost in this book because the dialogue is written in a quirky, humorous way that won't make you lose interest.

The characters are real and wonderfully done. Although Mason is brave enough to address alcoholism, he has chosen to avoid using the word depression anywhere in the novel, even though that is clearly what Dad is battling with.

The topic of this book is awful, but the story is, although harrowing at times, beautiful. It is about family, love and making tough decisions that can hurt people you love even though it's the right thing to do. This book has more than a little Jacqueline Wilson about it, and it will appeal to readers of that gritty real life genre. As a little light relief, you will be charmed by Martha's best friend, Marcus, a sometimes cross-dressing speed movie maker!

Mason tackles the sensitive topic of an alcoholic father with great aplomb. It's happy, sad, compassionate and funny with wonderfully drawn child characters Martha and Tug

Incisive observations combined with perfectly timed comedic movements make this a sure winner

Topics like dead mothers and alcoholic fathers are extremely difficult to address for this age group, but Mason tells the story with compassion and humour

I loved this gorgeous little book . . . the genuine love in the family shines through