Squishy McFluff: Big Country Fair

Squishy McFluff #6

by Pip Jones, Ella Okstad (Illustrator)

From the funniest voice in young fiction today, the sixth in this irresistible series for young readers about imaginary friends in hilarious rhyming text and with adorable illustrations by Ella Okstad.Squishy McFluff has been blow-dried and primped to perfection. He must win the Country Fair prettiest pet competition - and will if Ava has anything to do with it . . .But not everyone can see he's the winner. The Mayor seems to have a particular blindspot . . . That is until Ava and her invisible pet foil a dastardly robbery!Another joyful, hilarious, instant classic of a tale for five year olds and upwards, stunningly illustrated by Ella Okstad.'A surefire hit.'Guardian'Charming.'The Times'Bound to ensure catisfaction.' Independent'Cleverly bridging the gap between picture books and longer fiction, the lovable Squishy is certain to be a success with under-sevens.'BookTrust'In delightful rhyme reminiscent of Dr Seuss, this charmingly illustrated book is bound to become a bedtime fave.' Gurgle

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2016

About the author

Pip was born in Cheltenham, UK, where she spent her childhood gobbling up books and dreaming about being an author herself. At the age of 19, she began a career in journalism, writing and editing for local and national newspapers and magazines. After the births of her daughters, Pip began writing for parenting magazines and websites. In 2012, she won the inaugural Greenhouse Funny Prize, with a series of stories about Squishy McFluff: The Invisible Cat, who Pip had based on her elder daughter's 'real' imaginary kitten. The first book in the series was published by Faber Children's in 2014. Pip's first picture book, Daddy's Sandwich, was published by Faber Children's in May 2015 and was shortlisted in the Sainsbury's Children's Book Awards Picture Book category in the same year. Pip continues to write the Squishy McFluff series, and a raft of new titles are planned in the coming three years, including three further picture books, and a new young reader series. Watch this space!

Reviews

[Michelle Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another charming and funny story of Ava and her havoc-wreaking invisible cat. These stories are cleverly written in rhyme with quirky, sweet illustrations. The characters’ expressions alone are enough to make you chuckle (especially the budgie in this one)!

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ava and Squishy McFluff are all excited about going to the County Fair. Ava is sure Squishy is going to win the prize for best pet. Her parents aren't so sure. In the meantime, they get up to their usual hijinks. And end the day in the most surprising way.

I have decided that my problem with these books is that I don't know whether to believe Squishy McFluff is a real invisible cat or an imaginary invisible cat. If he is a real invisible cat and his hijinks are his own fault, I'd like these much better than if he's imaginary and Ava's just using him as an excuse for her own misbehavior. (Because that is totally unacceptable. I really don't like how she responds to her Mom asking for the hair dryer in this.) This one does end on a positive note with Squishy and Ava being genuinely helpful and saving the day...and getting a medal, just not the one they thought they'd get. I guess Squishy and Ava do open the door for parents to talk to kids about what behavior is appropriate and what isn't, when imagination is ok to run rampant and when it needs to be reined in a little more. On the positive side, these books are adorably illustrated and told in amazing rhyme all throughout. And I learned some new British vocabulary...I never realized that the Brits call squashes marrows...but I guess it makes sense since a squash is a very different thing in Brit lingo. So I'm going to end up with 3 stars, realize that the positive behavior is rewarded instead of the negative behavior, and give Squishy the benefit of the doubt that maybe he is real.

[I _teach_muggles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squishy McFluff and Ava are back in another wonderful little adventure that this time sees them experience all of the fun of the fair.

Ava is really excited as it is the Big Country Fair and she plans on winning the Prettiest Pet Competition with the adorable Squishy McFluff the invisible cat. Squishy has been pampered completely; tail brushed, nose powdered, claws polished and fur washed. The fair is everything Ava had hoped for with its food stalls, games to play and rides to go on. After seeing the competition, Ava is sure that Squishy McFluff will be crowned the prettiest pet but the judge is having trouble seeing invisible pets. That is until a thief tries to steal a prize-winning vegetable and Squishy McFluff finds himself in the sight of everyone…

Ava and her invisible cat, Squishy McFluff, are up to more mischief and causing just a little bit of mayhem at the Big Country Fair. It is hard not to question some of Ava’a behaviour in this story as she does seem to get away with rather a lot of behaving badly without any consequences - the bouncy castle incident particularly stands out. That said, I love the Squishy McFluff books, they are so endearing and are the absolute perfect introduction to chapter books for emerging readers. This one has fun, excitement and just a little bit of drama. The rhyming prose are as delightful as ever and just beg to be read aloud. Ella Okstad provides the charming illustrations that feature a limited colour palette of purples, pinks and yellows.

Delightful!

Recommended for 5+.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rhyming book that reminded us both very much of Dr Seuss. We are reading the books out of order (which doesn't impact our enjoyment). I love how in-depth her imagination is and how she has such good intentions (despite being oblivious to consequences). I love child-centred books like these (though parents will certainly be aware of how the parents are likely to be feeling as the bouncy castle inadvertently collapses thanks to a certain 'hairdryer' incident). I also like that, ultimately, the books validate her feelings in a positive way. Appealing to neuro-typical kids but perhaps also especially to autistic and ADHD kids.

Miss 6 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Dorthe Svendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kjempesøt, skrevet med masse fine enderim. Deilig rytmisk og morsom attpå til. Handler om en usynelig katt, og kan derfor være kjepefin å lese om noen har usynelige venner. Litt mye tekst i ett klasserom på barnetrinnet, men fin til opplesing kanskje!

[Aoife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squishy McFluff is my favourite invisible cat!