Murray is a cat. He has a very special owner named Fumblethumb. But although his owner is a real wizard (a rubbish one), this story is about Murray and his very special friend named Bun. Bun is a tiny, very enthusiastic and bouncy rabbit. So why is he called Bun? Because he used to be one. A very sticky bun with a cherry on top.

Bun is a result of their wizard owner’s rubbish wizardry, and now wherever Murray goes, Bun goes too.

One day, when Fumblethumb has filled the kitchen with smoke – again, Murray knows he must escape the house. He also knows that going through the cat door means chancing where he will end up. His cat door is another victim of Fumblethumb’s terrible magic. Whenever Murray goes through the door, he closes his eyes and hopes for the best. As the smoke gets thicker, Murray and Bun know they can’t wait any longer. They leap through the cat door….

‘PA – POOOF!’

Murray opens his eyes to find Bun beside him and very hairy people in front of him. They are Vikings! These Vikings believe Murray and Bun are Troll hunters, ready to hunt down the trolls that took their Viking friend named Eggrik.

And so Murray and Bun’s adventure begins. Viking armour, longboats, and a sea voyage are in the mix. And then they meet the trolls. The trolls have another story about where Eggrik could be. There is a very whiffy something in their woods….

This illustrated junior novel is packed with action, intrigue and tons of laughs. The illustrations are clever, even involving the reader in Murray and Bun’s first adventure in this series.

Bun the rabbit is hilarious, giving a whole new vision of an ‘energiser bunny’ He pings all over the place and often gets stuck to things (due to his past life as a sticky bun).

Well worth more than one read, just for the laughs and to enjoy the illustration style. I can’t wait to show young readers this series in the bookshop I work in, and also the school librarians that I visit. I just know they’re going to love this as much as I did.

(By the illustrator of many David Walliams books)

My new favourite graphic for junior readers!

Author / Illustrator – Adam Stower

Age – 7+

(2023, Harper Collins, Humour, Animals, Friendship, Action, Historical, Series, Mystery, Vikings, Trolls, Eggs, Adventure, Courage, Rubbish Wizard, Cat flap, Cat Door)