This one starts off a bit slow, but that is a useful build-up as we get to know more about Cecily before the mystery kicks off. The writing is done beautifully. The first chapter could be very useful for teaching character description.

As someone who up until relatively recently was really frightened of dogs, whenever I encountered them I would only be interested in whether or not they were heading in my direction, rather than what breed they were. Having seen the light, and now in possession of my late mother’s dog, I take far more notice in those that I see while I’m out and about and tend to categorise them into those that I find unattractive and those I would happily take home with me.

Dachshunds most definitely fall into the second group – there is something about their little legs, floppy ears and big eyes that gives them the aww factor in abundance and I know I am not alone in thinking this, they seem to be universally popular. With animal protagonists – especially cute dogs – in books always popular, the appeal of reading this after I saw Tim Budgen’s cover on Twitter was one I found hard to resist and I’m so glad I didn’t because it really is the most tremendous fun.

Reflecting on his position as the Amazing, Mind-Reading, World-Famous Sausage Dog Sensation, Michael tells us that he has not always been the super-talented individual that he is now and takes the reader back in time to when he discovered his talent. Joining him on a rainy walk in the park, we watch as he bumps into another dog – Stanley Big Dog – whose voice he can apparently hear despite his mouth being full of stick.

Chasing after Stanley, Michael reassures him that he won’t steal his treasure and surprises him enormously by explaining that he can hear his thoughts. It is soon Michael’s turn to be surprised though when the bigger dog tells him he wants to be friends. Practising his new-found skill with Stanley to improve it, it isn’t long before Michael spies a poster for a canine talent show and determines not just to enter but to win.

Things do not go to plan at the show, however, and a disappointed Michael vows to try again in the continued hopes of finding fame and fortune. With his mind firmly set on reaching Hollywoof, can our furry friend and his trusty assistant overcome the obstacles put in their way to find success on the stage and launch Michael’s career as a global superstar?

Michael is such an optimistic and positive character. He is determined to succeed and goes out of his way to try to do so with the sort of perseverance that we could all do with at times. With Stanley at his side, he does not let the many obstacles that he finds himself facing crush his confidence but looks at each situation rationally and plans his next moves accordingly. For young readers, many of whom might have far less resilience, the story shows very clearly that the goals we have in life that are important to us will take effort and there will be barriers to be overcome – success doesn’t generally just happen.

Hiding this important message within the book’s pages is a huge amount of fun and humour, whether that be in the form of the – at times dreadful – puns and slapstick humour in Terrie Chilvers’s writing, or Tim Budgen’s fabulous illustrations which will delight confident readers in Year 3 upwards or those in Year 2 as a shared read.

I very much enjoyed this title and am looking forward to seeing what Michael and Stanley Big Dog get up to next. As always, my very great thanks go to publisher Firefly Press and to Net Galley for my advance, virtual read. Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog publishes June 8th.

Although Cecily Sawyer is very preoccupied with her plans to become a career spy rather than take over her parents' hotel (which is a nice place but too boring for her), the last thing she expects is defined herself in a situation where her parents have suddenly and mysteriously disappeared!

To make matters considerably worse, her parents' long term friends Ida and Douglas have also disappeared at the same time, and no one seems to know where any of them might have gone...

Cecily's investigations with her sidekick Mrs Maple Syrup, a mouse, lead her into a remarkably complicated and bizarre series of encounters in this charming and very original story.

This one has the potential to become a children's classic, I have no doubt. I loved it, and give it 4.5 stars!