Nora and the Map of Mayhem
by Joseph Elliott, illustrated by Nici Gregory
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by Piccadilly Press, 2024
About this book
Nora looks like a normal old lady. But she isn’t, as her great-grandchildren find out when they stay with her for the weekend.
Not only is a fierce villain sending her threatening notes, but she has a secret room of weapons and an infinity bag to store them in. Nora used to be a Monster Hunter!
And now her arch-nemesis, Ripclaw, is after something that Nora stole from her years ago. 10-year-old Atticus and three-year-old Autumn are catapulted into a rip-roaring adventure involving pirates, monster poo, a very large sea creature and a wonky goose.
The irrepressible Nora tells the story in her uniquely dismissive, hilarious way, and readers will be giggling at her attitude. This very funny story would be excellent to read aloud, as there are lots of asides to the reader.
Nici Gregory’s brilliant illustrations are scattered throughout, making this a very appealing book to read. Overall, a hoot.
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