We have a review on What Mum should have told me, for the first time. My friend (yes, she’s called Kate -quelle surprise) sent the children a couple of books to read and asked if we would be interested in reviewing them. We LOVE books. Loads of books, different types of books, pictures, chapters, fact, fiction – we love the lot. We have nests of books all over our house, a box/shelf/bookcase in almost every room. I always knew if ever I were to agree to review something, it would always be books.

It’s probably dreadfully important to make lots of disclaimers about compensations and opinions and, well, quite frankly lots of things I don’t understand. So I’ll say this; we have not been paid, all our opinions are our own and we have not been (nor can I imagine my children would ever be forced to be…) influenced by anyone in our review.

Well, the sparkling conversation that led to this momentous day went something like this:

Me: Oh WOW! They’ve arrived! The books I was telling you about, I think they were the parcels waiting at the delivery office. [opens envelope]

Son: Which Kate?

Daughter one: I want to open it!

Daughter two: I like Kate.

Me: not our Kate, not Auntie Kate, not Huddersfield Kate (she is originally from Huddersfield but that’s not important…)

Daughter one: MUMMY! I said I wanted to… [collapses to floor in despair as the envelope is now open, I am holding the books]

Me: Ok! So, now you’re all happy, all we have to do is review them…

Long silence.

Son: What’s that mean then?

Daughter one: [tuts] Silly.

Son: Well you don’t know

Daughter one: Do.

Son: Don’t.

Daughter one: Do.

Son: Don’t.

Ten minutes later….

Daughter one: Do.

Son: Don’t.

Daughter one: Do.

Son: Don’t.

Daughter two: [holding up one of the books] I want read this one. I like this one.

Me: Yes! YES!!! Exactly that, well done my love.

And so we began…

Eliza Crisp and the Abominable Snow Company by Julie McKay & illustrated by Virginie Degorgue

My littlest daughter was immediately drawn to this one for the illustrations. She loves beautiful drawings and this books has some great ones. They are reminiscent of the Postman Pat characters and she loves the expression and humour in a lot of the illustrations.

Eliza Crisp is a phenomenal weather forecaster, who embarks on a wild adventure to discover what is delaying the snow from arriving in England. Helped along with her niece, Amy and Bertie (a faithful employee of the Abominable Snow Company) hilarity, japes and thankfully resolution ensues.

Son (6 years old): The story was funny. I love that it’s set at Christmas, because that’s when everyone wants it to snow so you get really excited. The lady looks funny and nice and I think Bertie is the best because he looks a bit like a gorilla [thats important, apparently]

Daughter one (3 years old): I wanted to open the envelope.

Daughter two (2 years old) Bertie not scary. I like Bertie. He’s not scary. He’s not monster. I like Bertie. He’s not scary. [eyeing picture of Bertie with some suspicion] he not bite me, Mummy. I like Bertie. You like Bertie Mumma? [after making clear I thought Bertie was utterly delightful and wouldn’t harm a hair on her little head] I love Bertie Mumma.’

Me: (32, a bit tired and keen for dinner): I loved the adventure of the story. The children love a book where there is a mystery that has to be solved. This ultimately leads to lots of questions, which I do my utmost to handle patiently (tell everyone in no uncertain terms they can ask questions only at the end of a page! A lovely story with some very endearing characters and charming illustrations that feel warmly familiar.