By Mini Grey (Jonathan Cape, hardback, £11.99)
Hermelin is just a mouse, but he is a brilliant detective and his reputation is spreading. He finds lost property then writes to the owners explaining where they can find their belongings. Local residents decide it is time to find out the identity of their mystery detective, but his neighbours meet him with a scream rather than a round of applause when he enters the party held in his honour. A fellow sleuth tracks him home and together they form 'Hermelin and Emily - Private Investigators'.
This story is a real hit - excellent plot and illustration, intriguing characters and huge scope for related role play and literacy activities. And the scene is clearly set for 'Hermelin and Emily 1, 2, 3, 4'.
