Simon's cat by Simon Tofield

If you have not discovered Simon's cat yet, then you are missing out on a real treat.  What began as an internet phenomenon has evolved into a world of mini-movies, comic books, and merchandise.

From watching the clips and reading the books it is obvious that Simon really does own cats, and that he has some truly funny moments with those cats.  This first collection of his stories is told without any words and without any real structure, but that just adds to the charm of watching how one cat makes his owners life very interesting. 

There are some really laugh out loud moments here, especially when the cat does things that my own cats do, and I know other cat owners who also adore Simon's cat and eagerly wait for each new mini-movie to appear on YouTube or the official website.

A fun read for all ages that always makes me chuckle.

If you like this first book then try the other books in the series including Simon's cat beyond the fence, Simon's cat feed me! and Simon's cat in kitten chaos.

~ Reviewed by Elspeth Sweetman

A is for musk ox by Erina Cabatingan and Matthew Myers

I dare you to pick this one up and read it aloud... with a serious voice and poker face. Never gonna happen...

This is a read aloud with gusto and verve and panache. You will need a couple of voices - either yourself, or with a friend - to truly bring the energy required of this book.

You will need one to be an overwhelmingly pushy / try-hard musk ox (Joseph)... and one to be a put-upon and sarcastic zebra... Most of the text is carried by the musk ox - who manages to make almost every-single-letter fit with the theme of 'musk oxen'... (And, even with those he doesn't use a directly-related-to-musk-oxen-word for... has a link, tenuous, but a link, nonetheless.)

It is funny, and irreverent... it is a perfect read for word lovers. Older children will appreciate the wit and silliness of the whole thing...

So - next up, make up your alphabet about whatever you like, a la A is for musk ox.

Other great alphabet books are... Z is for moose by Kelly Bingham and Paul O. Zelinksy; G is for one gzonk by Tony DiTerlizzi; Alpha oops! by Alethea Kontis and Bob Kolar; The dangerous alphabet by Neil Gaiman and Gris Grimly.

Check out this book trailer...

~ Reviewed by Aud Selene.