Between the jokes and the sentiment, we are left with an encouraging tale of overcoming fears and maintaining values

Subtly layered . . . This distinctive collection of stories, touching and funny, will be a joy to read

Laugh-out-loud funny

Hats off to a winning canine antihero

Cheery contemporary stories . . . The characters of child and dog are delightfully drawn

Switching between Chuck and Danielle's viewpoints and with knowing asides to his child readers, Dickinson produces great comedy . . . An approachable book that will also read aloud well and provide a lot of amusement (and some food for thought)

Brims with elegant prose, enchantment, comedy and mischief . . . It's the perfect gift but also a book to squirrel away for yourself and enjoy on a rainy afternoon

Smartly written, the tales can be enjoyed afresh, imbued with a love of words that will no doubt excite and delight your child. The new hardback collection is printed in large type so should be a good first read. It would also make a lovely gift

Each of the stories in this anthology is a magic bean: a wondrous take that will capture your imagination. Lovingly crafted by some of the finest authors and illustrators in the business . . . these 'magic beans' will delight and thoroughly entertain

All the stories give a fresh and immediate version of the often cruel but funny originals where the darkest sides of human nature are contrasted against innocent honesty; magic intervening first on one side, then the other, until virtue triumphs. Skilful writing from modern storytellers

A bright cover and good sized print are attractive but the irresistible factor is the list of 14 authors . . . Amazing, brilliant and a comparative bargain

Stephens' top-notch time-travel thriller has a quirky mixed bag of heroes and villains, a clever and compelling plotline and graphic action sequences that just cry out for the big screen treatment

A wonderful story you can easily lose yourself in

First-rate fantasy