posted on 11 Aug 2021

Noodle the Doodle Steals the Show by Jonathan Meres

This is the second instalment in the Noodle series which tells the adventures of the exuberant dog who has become a fixture at Wigley Primary School. This time he’s involved in the school’s latest charity fundraising venture – Wigley’s Got Talent.

When the school has a new pupil arrive, Noodle helps Samir find his feet and begin to settle in. But it’s not just Noodle who is welcoming because all the children in the class go out of their way to make the newcomer feel part of the class. So even though the new boy doesn’t quite understand everything that’s happening, he’s as excited as everyone else when the head teacher, Mr Reed announces that they are all going to be part of deciding what the next charity fundraising event will be. Baking cakes? A walkathon? Nothing seems quite right – until Abdul suggests a talent show. And everyone agrees – yes, that’s it!

And so preparations are discussed and the children focus on just how everything is going to be organised – until it dawns on them that the most important question is not how to sell tickets but what talent they are going to focus on for the show. Josh goes for ball skills, Sol for comedy, Lou for singing, Abul for magic, Shakira decides she will dance with Callum and Nora. All well and good but what about Samir? Can he find the confidence to do something?

Well, this is where Noodle steps in and takes centre stage.

Now, clearly I’m not going to tell you just how Samir and Noodle put together their act but you’ll have lots of fun finding out.

There are plenty of ups and downs as the children practice their performances and a breathtaking final show to read about. All of this is supplemented by the excellent illustrations of Katy Halford that are positioned on full and half pages throughout the book and help bring the story to life.

This is another in the ‘super readable’ series of books for reluctant readers published by the evr excellent Barrington Stoke and you can order this book from your local independent book shop or go directly to their website and buy it there.

 

Terry Potter

August 2021