Murray the Explorer (Murray and Bun 5)

When Wizard Fumblethumb's magic creates a storm in the kitchen, Murray and Bun head out through the cat flap. Sometimes the cat flap leads into the garden, but often it takes them into an adventure and today, they find themselves turned into explorers and parachuting into a jungle. Here, they must avoid booby traps, snakes and quicksand as they try to find the biggest ruby in the world before robbers can steal it, but who can they trust on this perilous adventure?

Murray and Bun are back in their fifth adventure and Murray the Explorer is sure to be every bit as popular as all the others! Combing fantastic illustrations with short chapters and chaotic, humorous storylines, these stories are instantly appealing!

As it starts with a quick explanation of the antics of Fumblethumb and how Murray's magical cat flap and best friend, Bun, were created, Murray the Explorer can easily be read as a standalone. However, the appeal of these stories is so great that once introduced to the series, children will be keen to read them all!

In this Indiana Jones-style adventure, illustration and text combine perfectly to allow readers to be in on the joke, allowing them to see things which Murray and Bun don't. This high level of illustrations used allows early readers to move through the story at a really satisfying pace, offering plenty of opportunities for discussion.

This use of illustration also allows for children to pause and reflect on what has happened, to create their own sections of narrative and to absorb the story at their own pace. It is a joy to see pictures given such value, with their role in the story telling so important. Whether at home or at school, these books will quickly become firm favourites!

192 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+