Sea-ing is Believing!

I'm always wary of reading the second or third book in a series, particularly when I have thoroughly enjoyed the first book. And it is for this reason alone that I hadn't read the second Nothing to See Here Hotel book. Having guffawed out loud while reading about the antics of Frankie Banister and the magical guests at the Nothing to See Here Hotel I was certain that such humour and adventure could not be maintained. I am relieved to say that I have now been proved completely wrong and am looking forward to going backwards to read the second book in this 'humdefferous' series. Needless to say this is another brilliant read by Steven Butler. Sea-ing is Believing, the third book in the Nothing to See Here hotel series, is an absolutely splendiferous read. It truly has something for everyone; action, adventure, magic, fun, fairies and goblins. Not to mention Maudlin Maloney, an exceptionally bad-tempered leprechaun! An all round great read, brought to life by a collection of 'honkhumptious' illustrations by Steven Lenton. This fast paced third book in the series is jam packed full of magical twists and turns. The weird and wonderful are very much the norm at a hotel run especially for its magical, mythical clientele, but when the ghost of Frankie's great, great, great grandad Abraham turns up to his own 175th Birthday celebrations then things start to get even more than a little crazy. Abraham's ghost leads Frankie and the rest of the hotel's extraordinary guests to a yet undiscovered part of the hotel, way beneath the ocean, and it is here that most of the story takes place. What should be the grandest ever celebrations for Grandad Abe's birthday quickly becomes a battle of magic wands, spells, potions and a gargantuan village eating fish. This is a book that everyone would love to read, old and young, boys and girls, teachers and students. Butler's ability to mix and blend his own magic of language and word skills makes this a read aloud delight. Who wouldn't enjoy reading, 'Bog off, you bunch of Ninkumpoopers! I hope the snacks go off and you all get squittly!' to an unsuspecting audience? Ideal as an independent read for fun from 8 years up, but also a delight for a whole class or guided group text in a Primary Key Stage 2 classroom. 256 pages / Ages 8+ / Reviewed by Sam Phillips, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+