 A turtle's life is a tough one... tougher than a slug's? Tougher than a slug's that runs the risk of ending up in an Elias Zapple stew? It is tough none the less as a turtle is on its own from the beginning. Hatching from its shell, breaking through then making its way to the water during which time a hungry hawk could come swooping down to snatch it up for breakfast. The little turtle then also has to find its own food! Poor little mite. Reminds me of when I was born and arose out of a tulip. Nobody helped me either. Therefore I can thoroughly recommend this book as it's tender, (much like the slugs in my slug stew), informative and makes for excellent bedtime reading.
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 I think my slugs and I both agree that this is our favourite Melinda Kinsman book yet. Odd Sock is adorable, almost as adorable as Guiseppe the Slug, and her inquisitive nature makes for not only an entertaining read but also the portal to a wealth of information. Odd Sock and M, not the character from James Bond, go on a big Scottish adventure to the Highlands where we learn important things about camping, how to, nature and information on the places itself with gorgeous photographs to boot. I never knew that there was a goldmine near one of the mountains. There's also some good advice, to paraphrase 'take only photos, leave only footprints'... Never spoil nature! The book also serves as a great way to learn new vocabulary and there's a useful glossary at the back to help. Odd Sock's BIG Scottish Adventure has been very well put together and is a most enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
 The Seren Trilogy is about a little girl's adventures in a fantastical place created by the imaginative Darren Lewis. The chief protagonist, Ellie, is based upon his own daughter which makes the story extra special as it's written from the heart with great love and affection. The characters are lots of fun as Darren's clever writing and wonderfully descriptive narrative flows along, interweaving between the three stories. The three stories are Ellie and the Rabbits where she meets talking rabbits and is turned into a rabbit herself! The second Ellie and the Dragon - as good a dragon as my own Jellybean? Hmm... By the way, she meets Cole, an orphan dragon in a basement! And the third, Ellie and the Battle - where she and Cole need to save the world with unexpected results.
A perfect story for children that is sure to make them excited and dreaming of their own fantastical adventures. Looking forward to the next adventures of Ellie.  Spirit Warriors: The Concealing has me itching to read the follow-up which I believe is due out at any moment. My slugs can't wait! This is a wonderfully written story which explores many themes including sexuality, love, death etc... and it also provides a fascinating insight into Native American culture as our main protagonists are able to leave their bodies and merge with other animals. Quite fascinating. Unfortunately, they don't merge with any slugs - their loss! D.E.L. Connor takes us on a wild ride with lots of twists and turns and this book is more than worthy of 5 stars. Great cover too!
 The Cloud Diary brought a tear to my eye. Very moving and heartfelt, told from the perspective of a boy who's lost his mother and is not only grieving himself but witnessing his father's breakdown. It's very well-written with appropriate illustrations throughout. I would highly recommend this to anybody who knows a child going through a similar experience.
 Children and little slugs will find this most appealing as the cover and the rest of the illustrations are really top-notch. Full of colour and very modern. The story's about a bored little boy who'd like a dog but can't have one. He then hits on the idea to build his own robot. He soon does and they have lots of fun together. The book should inspire little inventors everywhere as it's certainly inspired some of my slugs who've already gotten to work on a robot themselves... Unfortunately, it seems to be similar to the T1000. Highly recommended.
 This is another rhyme/story in the Alex, Dragon and Spider series and I think it's my favourite so far. I liked how the story built to the race and the tension that was created. I'm sure little slugs will enjoy this aspect, especially if they're of a competitive nature as they wait to see who'll win the race up the mountain. The rhyme works very well and the illustrations match it perfectly. Plus I do enjoy the games at the end. Another fine children's book from Natalie Finnigan.
 In this book, the first in the series, a puppy called Streak is dognapped (?) and two spiders help in trying to rescue him once they spot a little twolegs (a girl) crying about. The puppy belongs to a butcher called Mr Penfold (Dangermouse? Who didn't love that cartoon?) And so another mystery happens in Chichester. It's another fun, mysterious novel by Christopher Joyce with some cute characters and innovative ideas such as how the animals speak to each other - reminds me of my slugs, though my slugs speak rather naturally and don't 'spink'. I would highly recommend it for your young slugs.
 Jason Ellis has written a quite wonderful character in Amelia, one in which I think a lot of girls will identify with. Strong, brave yet sometimes unsure and confused, very real traits. She goes on a fantastic and elaborate journey and meets her evil twin! We all have one. I had one until my slugs and I managed to eradicate him. This is the first in the series and sets off at a terrific pace. My slugs and I are already looking forward to the others.
 This is a rather novel and mad story as two twin hamsters witness a burglary then set out to solve it along with some fellow creatures - no slugs. Whilst out there's a fire and their home, a pub, is burnt down. Luckily their child owner is saved but his mother has gone missing! The hamsters then try to solve this mystery too. Of course, if they had enlisted the help of slugs then it would've been solved within a jiffy. This is a marvellous story full of twists and suspense - whoever thought that hamsters could be this smart? Could they give my slugs a run for their money? No. Along with bees, a ladybird and the wonderful setting of Chichester, it's a fun story and well worth getting.
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