#13 The Ice Monster

Now this title is almost a guilty pleasure. I’ve always been a fan of David Walliams’ books…particularly ‘Mr Stink’. So, when I saw him promoting this book on the Graham Norton show, I was immediately interested. But the fact that the targeted age was mine minus 10 years, I felt as though I couldn't read it. But then I walked into WHSmiths to buy my wrapping paper, and just went f*** it!

I also thought that I would review this so that people who have youngsters to buy for this Christmas could get this!

Elsie is an orphan living in an grueling orphanage in 1899 London. One day she has had enough so she runs away to live on the streets. Although she can’t read, Elsie catches on to the big London news that a wooly mammoth has been discovered frozen in a huge block of ice AND it is coming to the Natural History Museum.

When they come face to face, Elsie is determined to bring the mammoth back to life and then return her to the North. With the help of a long-lost scientist, some Chelsea Hospital pensioners and the wonderful Dotty... the plan that Elsie cooks up may just work.

This book is filled with some brilliant characters; Dotty (the museum cleaner), the Sticky Fingers Gang and Queen Victoria herself!

I smiled consistently throughout this book, whether it was due to silly conversations between characters or Dotty talking about her botty.

I also think that adults should give this ago. If they’re too embarrassed to whip out this beautiful hardback illustrated by the wonderful Tony Ross, then all I say is: it's available on Kindle.

Please someone read this so I can bond with them over this!

Hx