Mikey Please, HarperCollins, (48p) ISBN: 9780008639013. Picture Book, read 26/03/25, Paperback ★★★★☆

The Café at the Edge of the Woods

It was really nice to see an illustrated picture book win the prize this year, especially seeing the huge growth in comics and illustrated stories for children happening right now.

Written in a nice rhyming scheme that takes full advantage of some of the funner words used throughout playing on the fact that we all like a bit of gross and a bit of silly.

We accompany Rene in following her dream of opening a cafe that serves fine cuisine and she works hard for it, and eventually sets up a cafe at the edge of the woods.

Eventually with the help of Glumfoot the waiter and some unexpected twists and turns her dreams come true, though to get there the story becomes so silly.

Full of rich illustrations that bring to mind Fungus the Bogeyman, with a lot of energy this is a perfect read for all ages and would be a great class read or something to make you laugh at night.

A lovely book about going for your dreams, team work, and friendship.