The Witch's Children and the Queen

 I had lost track of Russell Ayto after our family's extensive love affair with Ella and the Naughty Lion by Anne Cottringer. His ability to draw meaningful expression on such a wide range of characters is impressive. His drawings are full of action and fun. Ursula Jone's story of three siblings with magical powers gone wrong, lends it self perfectly to his whirlwind style.
It was not until I got to the last page of this story that I realized it was a sequel. (There is an advertisement for the original,The Witch's Children ). This whiz bang story takes place en route to Buckingham Palace on a number 16 Routemaster bus. For all those nostalgic for the tall English buses (that are being sold off right and left to the horror of Londoners and others) this story is for you. Watch it change into a number 16 red magic carpet.
    Jones takes time in telling the story. There are a lot of details but it will still hold the attention of the 3 year olds, while drawing in 6 and 7 year old independent readers.
    Thumbs up and we look forward to reading and reporting on the original soon.