The Trouble with Owls; Watch out for Witches!

The Trouble with Owls builds on a misunderstanding that provides plenty of comic situations and, ultimately, role reversal. The Howlett owls live in the garden belonging to the Honeybell family, whom they admire tremendously. Convinced that the Honeybells feel the same way about them, they start to meddle in the family’s life at every opportunity. Unfortunately, their feelings are not reciprocated, and Mr and Mrs Honeybell, incensed by their behaviour, treat them as vermin. Luckily their son Michael has a deep respect for owls – and sets out to help the Howletts.

Watch out for Witches! – reissued after some ten years – finds Laura Jones relying on her natural charm and good nature to guide Prince Pompom, a spoilt brat of a boy, through a series of sticky situations in which a group of witches seek their revenge. Miffed at not being invited to the Prince’s christening party, the witches have put him under a spell whereby he’ll be theirs forever the moment he sets foot in the woods, which of course he does, despite his parents’ warnings.

In both stories, characters and predicaments are beautifully observed, and the writing fresh and engaging. Text in each book is divided into short chapters, set in large print and interspersed with appealing, action-packed black and white illustrations – all factors that are important in developing children’s confidence and reading stamina.