Pandemonium

by Gail Aldwin

All Peta ever wants to do is have fun. Nobody notices she’s up to mischief until an assistant in the department store spots her. Does this put an end to Peta’s adventures? Of course not!

Full colour children's picture book for youngsters 2–7 years old.

Paperback

Published December 1, 2020

About the author

Novelist, poet and scriptwriter, Gail Aldwin has been writing for over a decade. Her first two coming-of-age novels where shortlisted in the Dorchester Literary Festival Writing Prize 2020 and 2022. Gail was awarded a creative writing PhD in 2018 and still laughs whenever she’s called Doctor Gail. She has appeared at Bridport Literary Festival, Stockholm Writers Festival and the Mani Lit Fest in Greece. Gail’s dual timeline mystery will be published by Bloodhound Books in July 2023. When at home, Gail writes by a window overlooking water meadows in Dorset.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to @victorinapress for asking me to be a part of the tour for Gail Aldwin's new book Pandemonium.

The story is about purple panda Peta who uses her fur colour to camouflage herself to create mischief in her department store home. It is aimed at young readers from 2-7 years.

I thought this book was delightful and the illustrations are beautiful. The first time I read it I couldn't quite make the connection as to why Peta was forced to change her appearance when she was being naughty, I didn't initially think there was a connection between the two incidences. After rereading I understood that it was due to her fur colour that she was able to get away with it but I feel this isn't obvious.That said, Peta is adorable and I would love her as a Teddy.

This book is a lot of fun for young children and opens up a great range of topics for discussion including being yourself, not conforming but also the balance between what is fun and what is naughty. If you have young children I highly recommend adding this to their Christmas list.

[Sandy Bennett-Haber · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids (5 and 7) loved Pandamonium. They loved the cheeky Panda playing in the store - especially the tumbling and the play on words (once I explained it to them). The book was a fun and playful way to open up a discussion on how it is ok to be different, and important to be yourself.

[Tilly Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely beautiful picture book - and I love the important message it conveys that you shouldn’t change yourself to try to fit in! My daughter is only 14 months at the moment so mostly just looked at the gorgeous illustrations, but it manages to keep her attention for the full duration which says it all! This is such a lovely story that I’ll keep reading to her until she’s too old for it.

[Sarah Tinsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book three times and my daughter (3) just wanted more! Something about this cheeky purple panda captured her imagination and she's been talking about it for days. The illustrations are beautiful and the language so simple yet conveying such a powerful message. Fantastic book.

[Kieshia Chun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, simple story of a little panda who just wants to have fun.

Aimed, I’d say, at 0-4 year olds, the wonderful illustrations tell the story as much as the words do and bring the book to life.

[Suzie Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pandemonium is a picture book that will win the hearts of all who read it. Peta is a cheeky and mischievous panda bear who likes to play in the department store where she lives - causing, yes you guessed it, pandemonium! You can't help but fall in love with the smiley and acrobatic Peta who just wants to be herself and have fun.
Gail Aldwin's use of repetition to retell the outcome of Peta's adventures, will no doubt help the young children to remember and recount the story. As for the illustrations - they are beautifully rich and vivid and will certainly keep the reader's interest.
A charming and playful read that celebrates inclusivity and the importance of being yourself. Highly recommended!

[Mandy Huggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly charming book with gorgeous illustrations. Pandemonium’s simple message of inclusivity is conveyed beautifully and is certain to make you smile. A children’s book to keep and treasure.

[Jonny Aldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully drawn watercolours and words that speak to children wonderfully. Great for Christmas.

[Sue Flint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most excellent for early years. Lovely illustrations and fun tale with message of acceptance if difference.

[Amy Mucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story about a silly panda with great illustrations! My two year old loved it!

[Pete Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book: sumptious artwork and a clear, cheeky story makes it a reading pleasure. An exuberant bear causes pandemonium through a department store as she cannot sit still. Young children will see themselves in the playful hero; wonderful illustrations, in a riot of colour, will draw them in. Certain to become a favourite on the bookshelf.

[Allison Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pandemonium is a funny picture book from Gail Aldwin. The wonderful illustrations that bring Peta, our heroine, to life so vividly are by Fiona Zechmeister.

Who wouldn’t fall in love with such a lovely bear?

This is a fantastic little story about inclusivity and you will laugh at loud at what Peta uses for a swing. A charming story which is sure to be a big hit.

[FrancesColville · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of children's book which parents (and grandparents) will love too - not just for the gorgeous illustrations but for the important message that it is okay to be different And the mischievous Peta can't fail to appeal to children.

[Deborah Cottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! Peta is an endearing character that I loved.