Thimble and the Girl from Mars — Jon Blake

Fourth book in the series which began with Thimble Monkey Superstar, shortlisted for the Laugh Out Loud awards. Once again Thimble causes chaos in Dawson Castle, the bungalow home of failed children's author Douglas Dawson and his disabled son Jams. This time, however, there is a new character on the scene: Bunches Rattigan, a feisty, football-playing, internet-savvy girl from Mars (or so Jams sees her). When Bunches sets her sights on Thimble, and Jams makes an ill-advised bet with her, the scene is set for a struggle for Thimble's affections which leads to both hilarious and downright dangerous adventures. Jon Blake, author of over 60 children's books including the quarter-million selling 'You're a Hero Daley B', once more teams up with brilliant illustrator Martin Chatterton - a partnership which stretches back to the nineties, when they were shortlisted for the Children's Book Award. The result is a whole lot of fun and a few things to think about as well, particularly on the subject of disability.