I was interested in this book for the illustrations alone and they didn't disappoint. It was different and probably not something I would normally choose to read. If you are a fan of rhyming then you will enjoy the structure of this book.

This was a fab book – I loved the different characters and the images were great, they really brought the story to life, the writing is great and I loved the rhyming structure.

It’s a different story and very entertaining and I can easily see it being a massive hit and firm favourite with young children – 4 stars from me for this one!

This is the second book that I have read from Natalia O'Hara, who is well supported again by her illustrator Lauren O'Hara. The book is imaginative and full of charm with illustrations that bring the book to life. The style of writing adds to the experience whether it is a parent reading to a child or a child reading the book themselves. The author presents a story which draws in the reader with a simple tale, but contained within this simplicity there are lessons to be learned. This is a book that is worthy of a place on the bookshelf.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After Hortense and The Shadow, I knew my daughter would be looking forward to this. She wasn't disappointed. Again it's a quirky and original story, full of gorgeous illustrations. This would be a great addition to any little readers library.

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Such a cute picture book!
Last year I was lucky enough to review Hortense and the Shadow through Netgalley and this year I was able to review the Bandit Queen.

You can definitely see the development through this book in comparison to the first they wrote/illustrated.
I love that a lot, the story was a cute one and of course it being a picture book I flew through it!
I can't wait to read a new one when it comes along eventually, thoroughly enjoyed this one!

This is an amazing picture book about a Queen who thirsts for some excitement in her life. So she joins up with a group of bandits, and goes on lots of adventures. Funny, quirky, should appeal to reluctant readers, especially those who prefer pictures to words, the characterization, and the story flow naturally, and the sense of story and fun is palpable! As I am a former children's librarian (25 years) i know a good book when I see one!

These are a mad bunch of bandits it is true

Getting up to mischief in all that they do.

They stole an orphan child and make her their Queen

But their behaviour and tricks were too bad to be seen.

She wants to learn so leaves and goes to school 

However, she finds missing the Bandits just isn't cool.

Whatever should the Bandits and their Queen do?

With lovely pictures throughout this lovely story told in rhyme

It is another fun read, a winner for me every time!

I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

A stunning picture book with illustrations and ideas that sweep you along. Shared this with my class and they were captivated by the characters and settings - we’ve read it three times now. They loved how horrible the little orphan girl was but loved seeing how she changed. Beautiful to read aloud.

Fabulous! Such a treat, very beautifully illustrated! It reminded me of the Oliver Postgate stories in the seventies and eighties !!It made me smile and was perfect for feisty young readers . Definitely one for reticent readers too as it engages without being too taxing

Even though I only read the Kindle version of this book, the beauty of the illustrations is evident. This is the story of a mischievous little girl who is kidnapped by bandits, who make her their queen. She has lots of opportunity for rebellion but finds out that belonging is more important. There are dark themes to this story but ultimately the bandit queen learns what is really important and that family is found in many forms.

The story is in rhyme and will hold children's interest. The moral of the story is clear but delivered in a story like way making it understandable to children of this age group. For maximum enjoyment, I suggest you read the hardback picture book to really enjoy the colourful illustrations.

I received a copy of this book from Penguin Random House Children's UK - Puffin via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

An engaging story filled with rich language to explore with Key Stage one or lower Key Stage two children.
The illustrations are carefully thought out and add to the feel of the tale. They give additional points of discussion to children studying the book and provide opportunities to identify and describe mood and characteristics using the style and colour of illustrations.
An enjoyable book I would encourage children to read.

I had high hopes for The Bandit Queen because I enjoyed the sister first picture book, Hortense and the Shadow so much. I was not disappointed. The Bandit Queen is a delightful book. I really loved the illustrations. They are beautifully done and really bring the story to life. I savoured every page just for the illustrations alone. This would be a perfect book to read your child before bed. Children will like the orphan girl and now horrible and mean she is. As well as the beautiful illustrations, the book is written in verse. I thought this was impressive and a great way to engage children and adults. The Bandit Queen is a lovely book.

This is an engaging and well illustrated picture book. My grandsons loved the bandits. Who doesn’t love a rhyming story to read out loud? The pictures are colourful and fun.

I went into this book a bit blind; I was literally going on the fact that it had a beautiful cover and is published by Puffin, and then I realised that it was from the pair behind Hortense and the Shadow, which explains why it's so beautiful!

The Bandit Queen is a poetic story with morals intertwined that are subtle and open to interpretation. This makes for a really engaging story since you can get a lot out of it with each reread. I personally loved the message about needing structure and support in order to grow up, and how you can have everything that you think you want, but ultimately it's family and friends who make the difference. That said, you could just see this as a fun children's rhyming story, full of chaos and mischief!

Beautiful illustrations, with a sense of nostalgia found in Hortense and the Shadow, but this has an appeal that can’t be beaten.
A simple message, beautifully told, with plenty of opportunities to read the illustrations.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me see a sneak peek.

I think that my Kindle ARC didn't translate very well, which is a shame because I really enjoyed the first Hortense book. The pages were all out of sequence so I focused on the art instead, which is once again the star of the show. From what I could gather, this reminded me instantly of Where The Wild Things Are as the little girl is made queen but also later I noticed some images that reminded me fondly of the old Madeleine books. I do love the bright spots of colour and the bandit characters. Another fun book, but probably much better in physical form than the digital version.

A gorgeous book. The O’Hara sisters are doing again with there second, beautifully illustrated book.

When bandits find more than they were expecting amongst their ill gotten gains we are off on the story of The Bandit Queen. A charming tale, not as dark than the first, which demonstrates that family can be made in different ways and found in all sorts of places.

Setting aside my thoughts which shot off towards kidnapping, borne from years of reading crime fiction, because this is a children’s book, a fairytale, and a wonderful one at that.

As we know fairytales were often based on scary, even criminal activities and used as a way of warning children in terms that they could easily understand to be careful. Here it is more a heartwarming tale of realising that family is wherever you feel most welcome, comfortable, loved and knowing that’s where you want to be.

I think it should appeal to both girls and boys of the recommended age range of 5-7 year olds. I hope the sisters, author and illustrator, continue to produce more books of this quality.

Highly recommended.

With thanks for the invitation from Puffin who provided an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thoughts are my own, I have not received any payment for this.

Love love love this whimsical tale! Highly original, full of lovely rhymes and beautiful pictures, as well as a lovely message. I'm sure children everywhere will enjoy this book

The bandits are bad, they are horrible rude and then they meet their match and crown her their queen. Will things ever be the same again? Illustrated with absolute strokes of genius. I had to read this book again and again just to take it all in.