Lollipop and Grandpa's Back Garden Safari - Softcover

Witty and characterful, with stylish, expressive cartoons by Cate James, this is a delightful story about courage, make-believe and the joys of the outdoors.

Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times, 'Children's Book of the Week'

Wit is shared equally between illustrations and text here as young Lollipop is given a guided tour of her Grandpa's garden. Because the old man is a good sport innocuous objects like hose pipes or clothes lines are described by him as savage animals, each of which has the power to do terrible things to Lollipop unless she can tiptoe past them. This strategy works, but when the intrepid two finally return to the safety of indoors there is one more surprise to come. Cate James's cartoon figures signal from the first that this is all going to be good fun and Penelope Harper's text is a joy to read. Well done both!

Nick Tucker, Carousel Magazine

From the Croco-logus and the Hippo-potta-compost to the Chimpan-trees, Harper's wordplay is hugely enjoyable for the child reader. Its insights into the transformative power of the imagination, to make a coiling snake from a drain pipe and a terrifying monster from the compost heap, is one which cannot fail to amuse and to remind us of the potential of one's own back garden. The very young audience will be especially engaged by the repeated motif of the appearing monster and Lollipop's excited and frightened response. This is a triumph for Harper and James; a combination of beautiful wording and perfectly accompanying illustrations makes this an example of great storytelling for 4-6 year olds.

Inis Magazine