THE STINKY, STOLEN TOENAILS is a lower middle grade novel full of fart jokes and a very creative take on a well-known play.

The book takes inspiration from Romeo and Juliet with the lovestruck couple, Ronaldo and Judy, unable to marry until the toenails are found. All sort of other characters from the play appear - with mangled names (the "Catapults" and "Moundsofgoo"). It is a very different and fun take on a classic tale.

As you would expect from a lower MG book (and also one inspired by Shakespeare), it is full of fart jokes and the like. Stinky underwear, mouldy toenails as a treasure, a big pile of poo in the privy to clear out. It is a bit gross at times, but that's perfect humour for the target age range.

There are all sorts of nods in the book to real history for the adults reading along with their kids, like the multiple ways Shakespeare's name is spelt. I really like it when there is an extra layer for adults in MG books, particularly ones targeted at kids who are still growing their reading confidence so are likely reading with their parents. It's a nice way to give them something in the book - and also a perfect way for the author to slip in some nerdery.

Sammy Elgie makes her illustration debut in this book. The art is very much emulating the sort of doddles kids do (and let's face it, adults like me). It's all wonky and out of proportion, which helps feed into the idea that this is a diary written by Will Shakespeare. The pages are also covered in all sorts of blots too.

This is the start of a new series, which promises to be very, very silly.