Hattie Brown versus the Cloud Snatchers

The opening of the story takes you straight into the action: Hattie being pulled through her own fridge by an elephant and taken to a magical far-away land, Somewhere-Nowhere. This book is action-packed with lots of colourful, interesting characters that will keep children entertained and engrossed. Hattie's adventure in the world of Somewhere-Nowhere had an Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz feel about it as she meets a host of strange characters in a seemingly crazy world ruled by Lord Mortimer. As Hattie tries to find her way home she makes special friendships along the way and realises that she must put the hundredth children first by attempting to rescue them rather than escaping herself. Hattie, who is normally quite reserved discovers a new found confidence in herself along with other qualities such as determination, perseverance and bravery, which surprises but motivates her further.

This book was a pleasure to read and I can really visualise children becoming absorbed in the magical world of Somewhere-Nowhere. The descriptions and imagery were vivid, the chapters short and punchy with a good mixture of dialogue, characterisation, setting and action. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series and finding out more about Hattie's adventures in the realm of Somewhere-Nowhere.