Marty Moose: First Class Mischief
Claire Powell
Walker Books

This is the first instalment in an exceedingly funny new series presented in two colours by Claire Powell. First of all don’t be misled, Marty is a mouse, not a moose – that was an ink blot on his birth certificate. We meet Marty on his very first day in the his first ever job – the very important role of Postmouse of Little Ditch. He’s particularly excited as his now retired Great Aunt Ada was reputed to be one of the best at the job.

Determined to be a first-class deliverer too, off he sets to the Post Office where his first encounter is with Cyril Snorter, employee of the month twenty seven times in a row. He also meets other members of the team who appear somewhat sneery. Then with post bag duly slung over his shoulder and instructions to leave no parcel undelivered and to watch out for rotten blueberries – no idea why – he’s on his route.
With several letters duly delivered, Marty is feeling upbeat but then he gets rather lost in a rabbit warren.

Fortunately however, he finds himself unexpectedly embraced by Nibbles Frizzly who is a trifle loopy but she does explain how the confusing number system works

and helps deliver the post. Before long they get stuck in what proves to be a booby-trapped garden where they’re caught between feuding toad siblings, Velma Carbuncle and her young brother. From booby trap to toady trap go Marty and Nibbles. Suddenly Marty recalls reading in an encyclopaedia of his, that toads are known to eat mice. Yikes! Surely his first day at the post office isn’t to be his last.
Light bulb moment! Is star employee Cyril behind all the problems and if so what should he, Marty, do?

Really fun, this zany adventure is told brilliantly both verbally and through Claire’s red and black illustrations. Younger readers (and many adults) will love this and eagerly anticipate The Great Stamp-ede, Marty’s next adventure.