“Would you rather…?” is the last thing Max wants to hear. His younger brother Liam is constantly in his face asking that very same question, with an endless supply of options.

What Max would rather do is defeat his nemesis, Vertigo on his game console. Their mum would rather he was outside at the park with his friends for the school holidays, but that’s something else Max is avoiding.

Mum’s new boyfriend is not only Max’s History teacher, but also has a son Max’s age named Josh. Josh hasn’t taken kindly to his Dad’s new relationship and he bullies Max every chance he gets.

It seems simple to Max. Lie low in his bedroom with snacks and his game controller, and ignore the rest of the world. But little brother Liam has other ideas.

Just when Max is making progress against Vertigo, Liam appears with another question.

“Would you rather be able to jump like a flea or have the strength of an ant?”

Unfortunately a combination of a broken promise from Liam and Max’s angry reply, sends them back into the world of Shrinkle – an online, evil, cat entity who loves sending these brothers into world’s of chaos.

Leaping across rooms, squeezing through incredibly tiny spaces and running faster than anything else on Earth are just a few of the amazing experiences the brothers have – whilst trying to get back to normal, save their cat’s life and hopefully whatever Mum is cooking in the oven.

But first they must risk their human selves over and over, not to mention avoid hungry cats, sparrowhawks and being ankle deep in pigeon poo.

The third adventure in the exciting Game On! series.

Written especially for those who would rather be gaming than reading, these adventures take young readers into a terrifying but breathtaking online game app called Shrinkle.

Shrinkle is no picnic however, pushing these brothers to their limits, whilst also sorting out something happening in their real lives at the same time.

Critters has Max and Liam playing the ‘Would you Rather…’ game with heart pounding results, all as readers learn fascinating facts about animals along the way.

With clear fonts and wide spacing, full spread illustrations every chapter and action packed fast paced plots, this entire series is perfect for reluctant readers – especially boys.

Author / Illustrator – Emily Snape

Age – 8+

See the other books in the series here

(2024, Series, Exisle Publishing, EK Books, Action, Animals, Friendship, Brothers, Siblings, Family Dynamics, Blended Family, Mum’s New Boyfriend, Bully, Bullying, School Holidays, Gaming, Game App, Fast-paced, Flea, Pigeon, Cheetah, Mouse, Cat, Sparrowhawk, Fantasy, Humour)