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Fang & Bang Book 4: The Call From The Lake District
Fang & Bang: The Call From The Lake District is a cheerful mystery adventure about two cat detectives called to Hill Top Farm when Suki Kitten’s prized Eden Valley Brie begins mysteriously shrinking before a very important birthday tea party. The culprit, Midnight Mouse, keeps slipping just out of reach, turning the investigation into a lively chase through the Lake District, complete with a hot air balloon, a runaway cheese, and a softer question beneath the silliness: what does someone really want when they keep trying to steal the spotlight?
I found the writing bright, playful, and nicely tuned for young readers. The repeated sound effects, little cliffhangers, and direct questions give it a read-aloud energy that would work beautifully at bedtime or in a classroom. I especially liked that the story doesn’t flatten Midnight Mouse into a simple “bad guy.” The idea that she might be lonely, or craving attention, gives the book an unexpected emotional warmth. It’s still funny and fast, but it leaves room for a child to think about fairness, mistakes, and belonging without being lectured.
The artwork has a handmade sweetness that really suits the story. The cats’ expressions, the rolling green hills, the busy tea party, and the dramatic cheese escape all feel inviting, which makes the world feel approachable and childlike in the best way. I also appreciated the Lake District details and the gentle nod to Beatrix Potter. Those extra layers give the picture book a sense of place and history, while the accessible layout and clear font make it feel thoughtfully designed for early readers.
I thought this was a charming, funny, and surprisingly tender children’s book with a good balance of adventure and heart. It made me smile, but it also gave me something to talk about afterward, which is what I always hope for in a children’s book. I’d recommend it for families with children ages four to eight, especially young readers who enjoy animal mysteries, silly wordplay, gentle suspense, and stories that end with kindness rather than a tidy punishment.
ASIN: B0H3ML51LF
Absurd in the Best Possible Way
The Call From Buckingham Palace follows two cat detectives who are charged with protecting a giant wheel of cheddar at the King’s birthday ball at Buckingham Palace. Where did the idea for this story come from?
The idea grew from observing our own lovely cats, Otis and Zeno, who really are brothers. Otis has large, goofy fangs, and Zeno stands up on his hind legs and bangs the door with his large, fluffy paws. This sparked my imagination and inspired me to create a crazy world where Fang and Bang could live a life of adventure. I had a desire to place Fang and Bang in a setting that felt unmistakably grand, playful, and a little absurd in the best possible way. I wanted the first set of stories to be set in notable landmarks across the UK (though there is a possibility that they will go international at some point…), and celebrating Buckingham Palace naturally carries that sense of occasion off the back of 10 Downing Street in Book 1. Pairing locations that are meaningful to me with something as delightfully specific as a giant wheel of cheddar created the kind of contrast I enjoy writing. At its core, the story is about friendship, resilience, and trust, but told through a lens that keeps things light, imaginative, and entertaining for young readers, which works superbly well when I visit schools.
The illustrations in your book are wonderful. Can you share with us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Katie Tayler?
Working with Katie Tayler has been a genuinely rewarding experience. From the outset, she understood the tone I was aiming for; something expressive, character-driven, and visually engaging. Her vintage-style illustrations don’t just accompany the story; they expand it. She has a strong instinct for bringing out personality in Fang and Bang, and a little-known fact is that she is the ‘cat-mummy’ to Fang and Bang’s real-life sisters, and she has a knack for adding small visual details that give each scene extra life. I should add that I love how she’s created Midnight Mouse; it’s everything I wanted her character to be, which frankly is a smart, sassy antagonist! Our collaboration has felt very natural – we are long-standing friends – with a shared focus on making the book as immersive as possible for children.
What inspired you to incorporate interactive elements in this tale for young readers?
I’ve always been interested in making reading feel participatory rather than passive, especially for younger audiences. Many moons ago, when reading to my own children, I realised that interactive elements invite children to slow down, observe more closely, and engage directly with the story world. It turns the experience into something closer to play, which I think is where a lot of early enthusiasm for reading begins. The aim was to create moments where readers feel like they’re part of the investigation alongside Fang and Bang.
Can we look forward to more adventures featuring Fang and Bang?
Yes, absolutely. There’s plenty more to explore with these characters, and I see their world as one that can continue to grow in scope and imagination. Each new adventure offers an opportunity to place them in fresh, unexpected situations while keeping the humour, mystery, and PSHE themes of friendship, resilience, and trust at the centre. There are certainly more cases ahead for Fang and Bang, indeed, I am writing Book 4 at the moment…!
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Disguised as members of the Royal Company of Archers, Fang and Bang join forces with Tilly the guard dog to protect the prized cheese. But when the palace clock strikes twelve, the Midnight Mouse makes her move sending the runaway cheddar rolling through the ballroom with her surfing on top!
Can Fang and Bang stop the daring thief, save the cheese, and still make it home to their rickety barn? With dancing kings and queens, flying arrows, and a chase through the palace, this adventure is full of mischief, mystery, and plenty of laughs. A beautifully illustrated and funny book that introduces the PSHE themes of resilience and friendship makes it a great teaching aid for the classroom.
Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Call From Buckingham Palace
Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Call from Buckingham Palace is a funny and fast-moving picture book about two cat detectives who get called to Buckingham Palace to protect a giant wheel of cheddar at the King’s birthday ball. Of course, things do not stay calm for long. A sneaky mouse shows up, the cheese goes flying, and the whole story turns into a goofy royal chase before midnight. It is packed with humor, bright illustrations, and a playful mystery that feels perfect for a read-aloud.
I had a really good time with this picture book. It feels warm, silly, and full of life. Fang and Bang are easy to like right away, and I loved the addition of Tilly the guard dog because she gives the team a fresh spark. The writing keeps things moving. It has that nice storytime rhythm. I also really liked the interactive parts where you look for the Midnight Mouse in the scenes. That kind of thing makes a book fun to share, and it would have kept me hooked as a kid.
What stood out most to me was how the book mixes fun with heart. It’s not just chaos and cheese, even though that is a big part of the charm. There is teamwork, problem-solving, and a sweet sense of friendship running through it all. The illustrations are a huge part of the magic, too. They are colorful, lively, and full of little details that make each page feel busy in the best way. I also love the bonus bit about the history of cheddar cheese. That is such a wonderful extra. It made me smile because it feels unexpected and clever.
I would definitely recommend this children’s book to parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone reading with kids around ages four to eight. It’s especially good for children who love animals, gentle mysteries, and stories that invite them to join in. I think it would shine at bedtime, during classroom read-alouds, or in family storytime. For me, it’s the kind of book that kids would ask for again, and the kind adults would not mind reading over and over.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FQ63PCH3
Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Christmas Call
The Christmas Call, the latest installment in J-J Murray’s Fang, Bang, and the Midnight Mouse series, is tailor-made for cozy holiday read-alouds shared with family. Illustrated by Katie Tayler, the story opens on a snug Christmas Eve with the Jollie family, where cat detectives Fang and Bang are reveling in their favorite season. The warmth doesn’t last long. Trouble strikes at the Hill Inn when a prized wheel of Stilton cheese disappears without a trace. Summoned to investigate, the two feline sleuths follow a tantalising trail of crumbs far from home, all the way to Cambridge, where they come face to face with Midnight Mouse and her mischievous crew. What follows is a brisk, festive mystery packed with sharp twists, seasonal mayhem, and more than a few cat-astrophes.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how naturally it weaves together humor, intrigue, and genuine warmth. The pace is swift and confident, keeping young readers absorbed as Fang and Bang pursue clues through snowy streets, bustling museums, and even a Christmas carol service. The language remains light and approachable, sprinkled generously with cat puns that will prompt giggles from children and knowing smiles from adults. At times, the narrator speaks directly to the reader, posing questions and inviting them to think alongside the detectives, which adds a playful, interactive dimension to the story.
Katie Tayler’s illustrations brim with energy and charm. Every page feels alive with movement and warmth, allowing Fang and Bang’s distinct personalities to shine. The festive settings are richly imagined, and the artwork supports the text beautifully, guiding young readers through the action while deepening the cozy Christmas atmosphere.
Beneath the mystery lies a thoughtful message about generosity and empathy, particularly fitting for the holiday season. Midnight Mouse is not portrayed as a simple villain. Her motivations are handled with surprising tenderness, offering children a nuanced understanding that mistakes do not define a character’s worth. A brief section at the end exploring the history of Stilton cheese adds an unexpected educational touch, enhancing the story without interrupting its momentum.
Overall, this is a delightful choice for families seeking a festive tale that balances entertainment with heart. The Christmas Call is witty, inventive, and warmly inclusive, an excellent pick for young readers who enjoy mysteries, animal heroes, and Christmas adventures wrapped in charm.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FXNP9YC4
