Agent Weasel and the Abominable Dr Snow

Agent Weasel and the Abominable Dr Snow is the second instalment of the Agent Weasel series. Although ostensibly a spy caper, the story also manages to convey a love for the eccentricities of the British woodland.

Agent Weasel, along with his best friend Doorkins (a door mouse) and a motley crew of woodland creatures including, but not limited to: stag beetles, foxes, an ermine, a moth and a mole all set off as a team of ‘United Woodlanders’ entering the 21st Winter Whopper games. However, after a few false starts and a delightful scene with some Beavers reminiscent of C.S Lewis, the gang gets unstuck by a hot chocolate stealing menace.

The story manages to anthropomorphise the characters without them losing their essential animal characteristics. The postie pheasant who nearly gets run over and doesn’t like flying is a particular favourite as is the mole, who exhibits distinct lack of awe at a mountain top (he’d always preferred underground). The characters drive the story which is not to say it is lacking in any adrenaline fuelled plot. There are rapid chases and near-death experiences abound, enough to keep any year 3 on the edge of their seat. It is a page turning romp of a book. A delightful and exciting tale which will make children see their surrounding countryside with widened eyes and may even provide the inspiration for many a winter walk.