'The bright narrative proceeds unerringly and often hilariously to the climax She [Elen Caldecott] handles the tricky subject of death superbly. It's a central theme, but it never overpowers the light breeziness of the yarn. The iron clamp of realism is unshackled to allow a primary colour world to peek even into Mr Thomas's rude and grumpy heart' Western Mail 'Funny and quirky with a wonderful main character ... a warming and moving story from a talented new author' TBK magazine 'Its ingenious ideas, humour and clear, unfussy style keep the pages turning speedily to the feel-good conclusion, which is moving without being mawkish' The Sunday Times 'Creating novels that engage children and at the same time show how books can help them explore difficult questions about their own experience is perhaps the ideal of children's fiction, but it's a difficult balancing act ... Elen Caldecott has achieved this balance beautifully' The Observer