Postman Planet: The hilarious, high-energy new young fiction series for kids!: Volume 1

Postman Planet considers himself to be the cool dude hero of the Intergalactic Postal Depot, he is the greatest postman in the whole galaxy so its no surprise when he is given a very important task, so important that he even gets an unwelcome assistant. This is because his mission is to deliver a canister of helium to the deflating balloon Planet of Fluffy Unicorns. Not only is the destination a distressing proposition (unicorns are misunderstood due to their excellent PR), but previous consignments have failed as they have been intercepted by marauding Space Vikings . . .

And so, Postman Planet takes us on this action-packed, chaotic adventure across the universe which is loud, in your face, gag- and pun-filled, and includes some interesting innovative details which moves the action along in a way that would captivate a young reader.

I particularly enjoyed the interweaving of the illustrations and text of the pig striking a gong every time the "action-y things" switched focus. The use of metafictive elements including directly asking questions of the reader also made this illustrated chapter book one that I can see engaging readers who like comics and cartoons. Fast paced adventure, madcap slapstick humour, zany characters with black and white illustrations to match make this a silly, dynamic, quirky, high-energy read. Oh, and Postman Planet has his own theme song as well.

160 pages / Reviewed by Natalie J McChrystal Plimmer

Suggested Reading Age 7+

If your New Year's resolution was to read more great books then look no further; Postman Planet is here! Award-winning author Ben Davis comes up trumps again with this hilarious story about Postman Planet and his trusty companion, Stamp, the half-robot, previously frozen helpmate that every hero needs.

The storyline is fast paced and funny. I LOVED the groan-inducing 'dad' jokes; my favourite was the meatier meteor at the start of Chapter Fourteen . . . don't miss it. As they hurtle through space to save the rapidly deflating Planet of the Fluffy Unicorns, postman and dog face many hazards, including invading Space Vikings. The jokes come thick and fast as our heroes attempt their dangerous mission.

Throughout is adventures, Postman Planet fights to keep his 'big secret' to himself - but if you want to know what it is you will have to read the book! Postman Planet is guaranteed to chase away the January blues. Newly independent readers will love it and it would make ideal bedtime reading. Add Postman Planet to your bookshelf today, you won't regret it!

160 pages / Reviewed by Tina Derry, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

Planet Orderon might be grey and boring, but it is essential to the smooth running of the galaxy since this is where all the boring jobs are done. Organising the postal service is something that is taken very seriously and when a tricky mission comes along, only Postman Planet is considered for the job! However, Postman Planet is hiding a very big secret . . . he is only nine years old. Despite this, he and his new assistant, Stamp, must make an important delivery to save the Planet of Fluffy Unicorns.

Postman Planet fizzes with fun and energy from the very first page! Packed with highly entertaining, comical illustrations, the story romps along at a lively pace, perfect for engaging reluctant and keen readers alike! The use of short chapters allows the reader to move through the action quickly and keep track as the story moves around, giving additional information about events and characters.

Although full of quirky humour, the importance of teamwork and friendship is also celebrated. Postman Planet would make a great bedtime story, making a special, shared experience to remember!

160 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+