The Story Shop: Detective Dash

In Puddletown High Street, there is the most unusual shop- The Story Shop- which sells stories you can actually BE in. When shopkeeper, Wilbur and his assistant, Fred Ferret find a sleepy sloth in the shop, they decide the best kind of adventure for her is a mystery where she can play detective. With Fred to guide her, Suzy Sloth sets off to solve a puzzling mystery in a museum, locate a missing chef by the seaside and uncover the truth about the Demon Duck of Doom in Watery Bottom.

This is the fourth adventure in ‘The Story Shop’ series from Tracey Corderoy and Tony Neal, although each book can easily be read as a stand alone. Each of the books contains three adventures, presented in chapters which are achievable and offer a sense of satisfaction and encouragement for newly independent readers whilst the enjoyable plots are sure to keep the attention of older siblings should these stories be shared at home.

Humour in both illustrations and text make these stories very appealing. Fred Ferret has his work cut out trying to keep Suzie Sloth awake during their investigations, but together they manage to solve each case and escape back to the Story Shop where he can have a well deserved nap! Children will enjoy spotting the clues and trying to solve the mysteries alongside detectives, Suzy and Fred!

Tracey’s lively writing uses a rich vocabulary and the text is a pleasure to read aloud, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy. This series would make excellent class stories for children in KS1 as well as a very enjoyable bedtime book. Great fun!

The Story Shop Detective Dash!

Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788953337

You can read my review of ‘Blast Off!’ here, ‘Anchors Away!’ here and ‘Dino Danger!’ here.

The Story Shop: Dino Danger

Dino Danger! is the third visit to the Story Shop, a special shop in Puddletown High Street, which sells adventures which customers can really take part in. Shopkeeper, Wilbur, and his assistant, Fred Ferret, are ready to help everyone step into their own adventure…

When timid Bear is given a voucher for an adventure by his friend, Ted, Wilbur and Fred decide that a dinosaur adventure is just the thing he needs. With Fred’s help, this scaredy-Bear manages to find the courage to challenge Big T to a game of crazy golf, return a group of Tricereatots to their teacher and identify the veggie thief on the dinosaur allotments.

As with the previous ‘Story Shop’ books, ‘Dino Danger!’ is perfect for younger readers as an independent read or as a story to share. Tracey’s use of gentle humour and endearing characters make each book accessible and enjoyable and the three linked adventures in each book allow children to build their reading stamina whilst the short chapters with plentiful illustrations make the books achievable.

Fred Ferret is the perfect companion for Bear’s adventure and is on hand to support and encourage him as he faces each new challenge. Initially, Fred uses a special rock which he calls a ‘Crystal of Calm’ to make Bear believe in himself, but by the end of the story, it becomes clear that all the brave and clever things Bear has done are because if who he is and not because of the stone. Many children will identify with Bear, feeling nervous or frightened of unfamiliar situations and these stories are perfect for encouraging discussions about self belief. By the end of the book, timid Bear has enjoyed his Story Shop adventures and is keen to tell his pal, Ted, all about them, leaving the Story Shop quite a different character to the one who entered it!

These stories are a real celebration of the imagination and a wonderful starting point for encouraging children to develop their own adventures - ones which they would choose if they were able to visit Wilbur and Fred- and to act these out using their own props and costumes. Tony Neal’s lively illustrations add much to the text and the book ends with a guess the dinosaur from their silhouette activity and some dinosaur jokes! Great fun!

The Story Shop: Dino Danger!

Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788953320

Published 2nd March 2023

You can read my review of ‘Blast Off’ here and ‘Anchors Away!’ here.

Meet Tracey Corderoy

Tracey Corderoy is the author of over 40 picture books and about 30 fiction titles. All her stories are wonderful, but I am a Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam super fan so was delighted when a new picture book title came out recently. You can read my review of ‘Pirates Ahoy!’ here and I thoroughly recommend the rest of the series. Tracey’s events are always a joy to attend, usually involving making something, and always full of story-fun!

I asked Tracey some questions about Shifty and Sam…

1.       Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam have appeared in 6 picture books and four early novels so far and continue to be incredibly popular characters. Where did you first get the idea for these loveable robber dogs from?

I had the most beautiful Golden Retriever called Dylan. He reached the grand old age of almost 16 and died in 2020. He was my constant companion from the moment I embarked on my writing journey.

Anyway, one day, when he was a puppy, I took him to the vet to have some vaccinations.

What happened next was my fault really, I suppose, because as we went in through the door, I forgot to press the button on his lead. This meant that Dylan could zoom off if he so wished. And he did so wish as he spied a teddy displayed in the window, on a deck chair – very cute. Dylan LOVED teddies so FWIPPPP! off he went into the window display for the bear.

I was mortified, as you might imagine. All the other animals were behaving themselves impeccably and Dylan was destroying the window display with a very waggy tail. I ‘encouraged’ him out of said window and instructed him to “drop the bear”.

He actually did. So naturally I praised him, which made things much, much worse. Dylan got happier upon hearing my praise. Then promptly he did a big excited wee all over the floor. I was even more mortified. EVERYONE was looking. I said: “Oh no, what HAVE you done, Dylan?” And then Dylan looked up at me with his adorable big brown eyes. He looked sorry. He hadn’t meant to steal the bear or do a Golden Retriever-sized wee all over the floor. He wasn’t bad, not in his heart, he just ‘didn’t think’ that day, that was all.

Anyway, we saw the visit through, and when we left I thought it best to forget all about it. My brain thought differently, however, and it came back to me quite randomly one day when I was thinking of ideas for a story. Cue Shifty and Sam who just ‘don’t think’ – until they upset little Scottie Dog by stealing his FAVOURITE teddy, Big-Eared Bob. Then it’s time for the boys to have a BIG rethink!

2.       Having rejected a life of crime, Shifty and Sam have settled to work as bakers. Do you like baking and if so, what is your signature bake?

I was/am a rubbish cook, but I did learn to bake when my daughters were little as I was required to come up with birthday cakes. A plain honest sponge cake – with jam and buttercream is my signature bake I think. I sometimes use lemon curd instead of jam. And I sometimes make cupcakes – same recipe but smaller cakes. I have been known to decorate with melted chocolate and raspberries too. Oh yes!

3.       The books are illustrated by the very talented Steven Lenton. Did you have any say in the choice of illustrator for this series and did you discuss what Shifty and Sam looked like before Steven started drawing?

I was very lucky because I think Steven had just sent Nosy Crow some illustrations of dogs (by chance) about the same time as they received my story. Ping! The penny dropped that Steven would be PERFECT to illustrate the first story as his work was so great! Nosy Crow told me of him and lucky me – as he’s totally marvellous! I left it to Steven to experiment with different styles of dogs as this was his area of expertise, and I know he worked really hard getting it just right. I so love how Shifty and Sam look. They have become dear old friends now – for me and Steven alike.

4.       Shifty and Sam have met pirates and aliens and outwitted cats, penguins and polar bears. Where will their adventures take them next?

Well now! That is a BIG surprise – and we have another surprise up our sleeves too as an old face is set to make a reappearance in the next story! I’ll say they are going on a BIG adventure to somewhere far away. But beware for robbers in disguise. Cryptic, right? Oh, and there are masks involved – but not all robbing masks. My last clue is it’s going to be a purrrfect TOOT HOOT!

5.       You always do the most amazing events, full of fun and making things. Which festivals are you taking part in this year? Which is your favourite?

It’s so amazing to be back doing live events again. I’m just back from the Wells Festival of Literature and am about to head off to Edinburgh for three events at the marvellous Edinburgh International Book Festival. I’m also doing Chichester, Just So in Cheshire, an event on The Golden Hinde (a replica of Francis Drake’s Golden Hind!). Then later on there’s the brilliant Bath Children’s Book Festival, the Marlborough Festival, the Stroud Festival, the Stratford-upon-Avon Festival and the Northern Children’s Book Festival. I like them ALL as every one is so unique and friendly. These, coupled with school and library events are doing to keep me very busy!

6.        And lastly- and most importantly according to my niece- what is your favourite cake?

Oh! So many to choose from. Not chocolate. (I know! Don’t judge me for this. I just prefer chocolate just as chocolate.) So, I’m going to say … Victoria Sponge.    

             — And Carrot Cake, please and thank you!

Thank you so much, Tracey, for answering my questions! A ‘purrrfect TOOT HOOT’? I can’t wait!

You can read my review of ‘The Story Shop: Blast Off!’ here and ‘The Story Shop: Anchors Away!’ here.

The Story Shop: Anchors Away!

In Puddletown High Street, nestled between the hairdresser’s and the hardware store, is the most unusual shop- The Story Shop- where shopkeeper, Wilbur, and his assistant, Fred Ferret, sell adventures that their customers can actually BE in! So when Pearl Johnson, famous explorer, calls in, Wilbur suggests she sets off on a swashbuckling pirate adventure. But will everything go according to plan..?

Containing three linked stories, ‘The Story Shop: Anchors Away!’ offers a wonderful reading experience for emergent readers. The book is full of Tony Neal’s lively illustrations which are both engaging and entertaining, adding much to the humour of the stories!

In her adventure, the very confident (bossy!-Fred) Pearl first meets some very un-pirate-like pirates and helps them to steal back the Black Pearl from the crew of the Scabby Seagull with a sneaky plan! Although things don’t go quite according to plan, fortunately, Fred is on hand to nudge things in the right direction. Once finished here, they cause trouble in a pirate competition involving earning points in a raft race, building a shelter and cooking a delicious supper before setting off on a treasure hunt. Their final adventure involves a mysterious pirate ghost before heading back to the Story Shop.

Each adventure is full of fun and told in a light-hearted, pacey style which keeps the reader engaged and keen to find out what happens next. Having three stories in one book makes the book achievable for newly independent readers, offering a sense of achievement as they complete each tale.

‘The Story Shop’ is a lovely series, celebrating the power of the imagination and story telling. Children will have great fun creating their own Story Shop adventures- and are sure to look forward to Wilbur and Fred’s next adventure!

The Story Shop: Anchors Away!

Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788953269

You can read my review of ‘The Story Shop: Blast Off!’ here and join me for a Q and A with Tracey this coming Friday!

The Story Shop: Blast Off!

Looking for adventure? Want to be a hero for the day?

Then step inside the Story Shop… Wilbur and Fred can’t wait to meet you!

When a very boastful mouse enters the Story Shop, owner Wilbur and his assistant, Fred Ferret, are sure they can find the perfect adventure for him. They settle on something out of this world- and Mouse becomes Space Mouse. Accompanied by Fred, the daredevil Mouse travels first to the moon, then to Planet Winner before reaching Planet Cog. Narrowly escaping disaster, this rambunctious rodent and poor Fred eventually make it back to the Story Shop just in time for tea!

Who wouldn’t want to visit a Story Shop and mix up an adventure in the Story Pot?! Once again, the incredible Tracey Corderoy has come up with an idea which will capture children’s imaginations and catapult them into storytelling.

Overconfident and somewhat big-headed, Mouse’s attitude is sure to lead to trouble and the story offers plenty of giggles as his antics lead him and Fred into ever-hotter water. Children could easily add to Mouse’s adventures, letting their imaginations fly as they think of new settings and creatures for him to encounter.

The story is a gift for teachers looking to spark ideas and inspire children to write their own adventures. Where would they go if they visited Wilbur and Fred? What ingredients would they drop into the Story Pot- and what emergency items would they add to Fred’s backpack? What characters might they meet and how would they get back home? There are endless adventures they could write, act out and share, perhaps creating a book of ‘Story Shop Adventures’ for the class!

The book is bursting with Tony Neal’s lively, engaging illustrations which add to both the interest and the appeal of the book. Hopefully, this will be the first in a series, offering children many adventures to enjoy. Perfect for younger readers!

The Story Shop: Blast Off! Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal

Little Tiger ISBN; 978-1788953252