This series is the "must-read" of the summer. The books' travel-based themes also make them ideal for holiday reading

The Jack Stalwart books have been a great weapon in the bookseller's armoury for hooking reluctant readers. Now re-launched, they are set to reach a much wider audience of young readers who want a piece of the secret-agent action

Plenty of laughs and a plot involving poo so it’s bound to be a hit

Jolly and engaging and humorous

Like a donut, this book is somehow sweet and disgusting at the same time. Oh, and it's very funny too!

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