Tanya, The Moo-vie; Cosmic Whizz Kid; Max and the Petnappers

These three titles in Macdonald's 'Storybook' series have red spines which means they are 'for confident readers'. Their size (20.5cm x 14.5cm) is attractive, as is the clear typeface and mixture of colour and black and white illustrations. The text is broken into chapters and the mix of text and illustration on each page makes the books very approachable.

As the title implies Tanya, The Moovie misses not the slightest opportunity for a pun, neither textually or visually. Novice readers may not get all of them, but the exploits of supercow superhero Tanya, Hoofed Crusader provide plenty of fun as she unites with UFOs (Unidentified Furry Objects) to defeat the villainous Equus, the Masked Stallion. Cosmic Whizz Kid shows that at least some of the concerns of school life in future times may not be much different from now as daydreamer Shiza suddenly gains magic powers which enable her to star in the Intergalactic School Quiz. Max and the Petnappers is more down to earth - Max outwits kidnappers Belladonna Snitch and Gretel Grappel. These are lively and well-constructed stories likely to provide enjoyment as well as a sense of achievement to newly confident readers.