Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth

When Fabio Fangtooth is the first victim in a series of mysterious disappearances, it is fortunate that the incredible Monsieur Mustard is on hand to investigate. With the help - or hindrance - of a highly-excitable side kick and the local police, the very dapper, diminutive detective sets about solving the case. 

Packed with brilliant illustrations, The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth is a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek detective story which will have readers giggling as they work to solve the case alongside this very quirky detective. Monsieur Mustard is surely the mouse incarnation of Hercule Poirot! With complete confidence in his ability, pride in his appearance and meticulous attention to detail, he is ready to tackle any crime which comes his way. 

Through a clever combination of text, illustration and comic strip, children are able to fully follow Monsieur Mustard's exploits - and enjoy plenty of humour along the way. The illustrations are completely wonderful, adding so much to the story, developing children's visual literacy and enjoyment of art. When Monsieur Mustard meets Mobbsy Slewfoot, rodent of mystery and master of disguise, he (MM) loses his monocle and in the illustration of the meeting, Mobbsy is blurry to reflect the fact that Monsieur Mustard can't see very well. This is just one of many details which support children's understanding of the story - and, I think, show what fun the author/illustrator had in writing it!

Visitors to Bath will love the reference to Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights, agreeing that it is known for 'being a warm and welcoming place' and this makes me wonder how many of the locations in the book have been inspired by Bath and its surroundings!

Children - and adults - are going to love this whimsical and charming story and be very keen to hear more about Monsieur Mustard and Mobbsy as they solve many a case to come!

240 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth is a quality production by Andersen Press: the glossy paper, the binding, the colour printing, the embossed lettering on the cover, the fun end papers. The story is amazing. Or should that be 'maze-like': tricky to follow and a little confusing? We have to make sense of a flurry of ideas, as well as rather disjointed conversations and encounters between an array of character,s who appear and disappear fleetingly throughout, much like magician Diana Daggers' stage props.

Charley Rabbit is possibly better known as a creator of humorous greetings cards and art prints. This book, it would seem, is her first foray into children's fiction. Maybe, in that arena, she will be as Monsieur Mustard is in the world of detection: equally famous and popular. Which, of course, depends on how this debut is received among young (mostly KS2 / ages 8+) readers. I shall be interested to see.

I think readers will enjoy the humour and be drawn to the pictures which wonderfully convey the craziness of Charley Rabbit's imagined world.

240 pages / Reviewed by Jane Rew, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 7+