The Shop of Impossible Ice Creams

This charming comedy is the story of Liam (known to everyone as ‘Limpet’), who is – to put it mildly – a bit of a worrier! When his mum announces that she is to open a brand-new ice cream parlour, Limpet’s head is immediately filled with worry: will a chocolate flake get stuck up my nose? Will strawberry sauce on my lip attract wasps? Will sprinkles cause me to sneeze out my wobbly tooth? Much bigger worries are just around the corner, though, as Mr Fluffy (and his Mega Emporium of Amazing and Spectacular Ice Creams) are determined to put Limpet’s mother out of business before the Shop of Impossible Ice Creams even opens.

Limpet’s new home of Splottpool plays host to lots of curious, enigmatic people, one of whom – Norman – is quick to offer his friendship (and that of his pet chicken!). Norman introduces Limpet to Mrs Cricket and her mysterious garden that is looked after by fairies (apparently) and yields ankle-biting daisies and lemons that can bring good luck! Limpet hopes that the lemons will help him outwit Mr Fluffy for the sake of his mum’s new parlour but, naturally, he’s very worried that things won’t work out. Moreover, he’s not convinced that his mum’s ice cream flavours (tuna, cheese, spaghetti bolognese etc) will catch on…he’s more of a vanilla fan.

The Shop of Impossible Ice Creams is a joyful celebration of friendship. With the exception of the villainous Mr Fluffy, everyone Limpet meets is kind and friendly, even when they are laughing at his nickname or fleeing from the aftermath of one of his episodes of bad luck (Limpet suffers a catalogue of hilarious mis-haps). When he is helped beyond his anxiety, Limpet learns to see the best in people, which gives him the clarity he needs to redouble his efforts against Mr Fluffy!

There are no intense moments of drama or peril in Hegarty’s new story but, like his previous series – Boot – The Shop of Impossible Ice Creams is a warm, gentle comedy.