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Pip Jones is a freelance journalist. Squishy McFluff won the inaugural Greenhouse Funny Prize in 2012 and Pip is delighted to bring him to the page at Faber. She lives in East London with her partner, her two daughters and a real invisible cat. She writes a lot. She is the author of four other Squishsy McFluff books, several pitcure books (including Daddy's Sandwich and The Chocolate Monster) and her new series Piggy Handsome is coming out in summer 2017.
It’s a big day in junior inventor Izzy Gizmo’s house: a letter has arrived with an invitation to an Invention Convention. At first, Izzy is uncharacteristically unsure, pointing out that her machines don’t always work. Following a wonderfully robust response to that from her Grandpa - “Cobblers!” he shouts – they pack up her tools and set off for Technoff Isle in an extraordinarily wonderful, amphibious vehicle, designed by Izzy. The plot moves forward as energetically as Izzy’s contraption, with the young inventors challenged to an invention competition. Izzy seems to be in trouble when one of her competitors selfishly hoards all the materials available for herself, but there’s very little that Izzy can’t tackle with her limitless ingenuity and creativity. Picture book stars don’t come much more inspirational or resilient than young Izzy, but she’s thoroughly human too, not above getting frustrated or bad-tempered and often in need of encouragement from Grandpa and her friend Fixer the crow. The story is a joyful celebration of inventions and inventiveness with an excellent message for young readers. Pip Jones’ rhyming text and Sara Ogilvie’s action-packed illustrations match each other for wit and energy. This is a story guaranteed to fire the imagination, and let’s face it, the world needs more Izzy Gizmos. This review first appeared on Books for Keeps.
Beware! The cheeky chocolate monster is on the loose and he will stop at nothing to get the chocolate that he loves so much. In all sorts of disguises he will be round stealing chocolate from anyone foolish enough to let him. And worse still, the chocolate monster will always try to pin the blame onto someone else. Pip Jones and Laura Hughes have created a bubbly picture book on a chocolatey theme. ~ Julia Eccleshare
In a nutshell: Fluffy invisible friend conquers all at country fair There’s tension at the heart of this new Squishy McFluff story: Ava and her family are going to a country fair and she is determined that Squishy will win the Prettiest Pet competition. Mum, Dad, and maybe readers too, are concerned that the judges might not appreciate Squishy’s many qualities – he is invisible after all! Pip Jones’s stories are full of charm and a wonderful unforced humour that derives from Ava’s obliviousness to the chaos she so often causes, and her special friendship with Squishy. Written in sprightly verse, that demands to be read aloud, and illustrated with equally lively pictures by Ella Okstad, it’s another perfect book for emerging readers. Fans of Squishy will also like Alex T Smith’s stories of Claude, and Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy’s Dixie O’Day tales. ~ Andrea Reece
A trip to the seaside for everyone’s favourite invisible kitten nearly ends in disaster when poor Squishy is swept out to sea. Luckily Ava’s mum is persuaded to row to the rescue. Effortlessly charming, this story, the fifth in the series, feels as fresh and lively as the first. Pip Jones’s rhymes have a jaunty lilt and reading them is always a pleasure, for young and old alike. Ella Okstad’s illustrations are just as lively and catch the relationship between Ava and Squishy beautifully. A perfect book to bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books, and as welcome and delicious as an ice cream on a hot sunny day! ~ Andrea Reece
This series has so much appeal for young readers and it’s lovely to have a new Squishy story for Christmas. For those who aren’t in the know, Squishy McFluff is a kitten – an invisible one – and Ava’s best friend. They have lots of adventures and it seems that the harder they try to be good, the more mischief they cause: Christmas offers all sorts of opportunities for happy chaos. Ava can’t wait for Christmas Eve and when it finally comes, Father Christmas is there to meet her. He has a very special surprise too. Told in rhyme, fun to read and easy to recite, Pip Jones’s stories are lively and funny and she has a real child’s-eye view of the world. Ella Okstad’s illustrations in seasonal green and red add to the fun. ~ Andrea Reece
From Squishy McFluff author Pip Jones and bright new talent Laura Hughes, this is a brilliantly funny and charming picture book perfect for ages 3+ and for Fathers' Day gifts.
This is a brilliantly funny and charming picture book... Daddy, would you like a sandwich, with all your favourite things...? This book lets you join one little girl on her quest to make her father the perfect sandwich, whether he likes it or not...
A mischievous story featuring Ava and her imaginary cat Squishy - this is the fourth in the Squisky McFluff series. Told in full colour throughout, this is the perfect stepping stone from picture books to older fiction and to inspire young children to develop their storytelling skills through using their imagination. February 2015 Book of the Month
August 2014 Book of the Month A second helping of deliciously funny adventures for Ava and her invisible cat Squishy McFluff. Ava is not looking forward to a trip to the supermarket with her mum as shopping is no fun. But luckily, Squishy McFluff is there too and nothing is ever dull if Squishy McFluff is around! All the high jinks are wittily captured in the fun-to-read rhyming text and in Ella’s Okstad’s witty illustrations...
February 2014 Debut of the Month From unravelling jumpers to filling boots with newts, from unlucky spills to jungles in the bathroom, Ava and Squishy are inseparable. But Squishy is not impressing everyone and his behaviour is getting worse – will he learn to behave before he has to leave for good? The jaunty rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud, and Ella Okstad's gorgeously cuddly illustrations will help little ones read by themselves for the first time. Bright new talent Pip Jones gives a hilarious, quirky twist to everyday experiences for readers aged 5+.
Crumbs on the counter, morsels on the floor ... There should be plenty of food for all the creatures in Hollyhock House to eat. But the Ruling Rats are running rampage every night, taking the best of everything for themselves. Minetta the mouse has decided enough is enough - it's time the rats learned to share. But Minetta is so small and her voice is but a squeak ... how will she ever make them listen? A gorgeous Little Gem about finding the courage to make your voice heard from Pip Jones the award-winning author of Izzy Gizzmo.
A trip to the seaside for everyone’s favourite invisible kitten nearly ends in disaster when poor Squishy is swept out to sea. Luckily Ava’s mum is persuaded to row to the rescue. Effortlessly charming, this story, the fifth in the series, feels as fresh and lively as the first. Pip Jones’s rhymes have a jaunty lilt and reading them is always a pleasure, for young and old alike. Ella Okstad’s illustrations are just as lively and catch the relationship between Ava and Squishy beautifully. A perfect book to bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books, and as welcome and delicious as an ice cream on a hot sunny day! ~ Andrea Reece
From the funniest voice in young fiction today, the seventh in this irresistible series for young readers about imaginary friends in hilarious rhyming text and with adorable illustrations by Ella Okstad. 'In a change to our scheduled programme tonight, I proudly present, for your joy and delight . . .' (in the glare of the bulbs, Ava tipped her tall hat) 'AMAZING AVA! AAAAAAND . . . HER INVISIBLE CAT!' Ava and Squishy are going to see the circus, but when one of the acts doesn't turn up they must perform in his place! Another joyful, hilarious, instant classic of a tale for five year olds and upwards, stunningly illustrated by Ella Okstad. 'A surefire hit.' Guardian 'Charming.' The Times 'Bound to ensure catisfaction.' Independent 'Cleverly bridging the gap between picture books and longer fiction, the lovable Squishy is certain to be a success with under-sevens.' BookTrust 'In delightful rhyme reminiscent of Dr Seuss, this charmingly illustrated book is bound to become a bedtime fave.' Gurgle
Inuk cannot get to sleep. Where he lives in the Arctic Circle, it doesn't get dark in the summer months - even at night! But, his mum and dad hatch a plan to bring the darkness back for bedtime. The Bright Polar Day is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 5-6 years
'It's your birthday, oh hooray! And you can pick a pet today!' When Flora blows out the candles on her birthday cake, there's nothing she wants more than her own pet. With the help of Uncle Midge's magic bangle, her wish might just be about to come true. From a rabbiphant to a gorilligator, an eaglion to an octoquokkapus, Flora can create any pet she can imagine! But will she ever find her perfect pet? Highly engaging, illustrated picture book to be read out loud to children aged 4-5 Ideal for reading aloud at home with your child Helps expose your child to rich language and curriculum-linked vocabulary Includes key terms from Science and the topic area of animals Part of the Bug Club reading series used in over 3500 schools 'These books are a great start to addressing the wider curriculum and the vocabulary issues that schools are identifying.' - Assistant Head, Primary Academy The Bug Club Shared books are highly engaging, beautifully illustrated stories designed to be read out loud to children. The programme exposes children to rich, curriculum-linked vocabulary, helping to build an understanding across school subjects and cultivate a love for reading.
Sprint is the speediest sloth in the jungle. She's so much quicker than Mama sloth and her brother and sister. She races up the tallest trees to find the biggest mangoes, beating everyone else to it. But one day, Sprint goes too far and encounters someone less than friendly. Maybe Sprint isn't the speediest sloth after all ... Highly engaging, illustrated picture book to be read out loud to children aged 6-7 Ideal for reading aloud at home with your child Helps expose your child to rich language and curriculum-linked vocabulary Includes key terms from Science and the topic area of life cycles Part of the Bug Club reading series used in over 3500 schools 'These books are a great start to addressing the wider curriculum and the vocabulary issues that schools are identifying.' - Assistant Head, Primary Academy The Bug Club Shared books are highly engaging, beautifully illustrated stories designed to be read out loud to children. The programme exposes children to rich, curriculum-linked vocabulary, helping to build an understanding across school subjects and cultivate a love for reading.
WH SMITH BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019! Izzy and Fixer are back for more machine mayhem . . . While their fellow contestants at the Invention Convention are intent on making shiny new things using old power, can Izzy and Fixer build a recycling machine fuelled by nature... AND win the coveted Genius Guild badge along the way? A joyful celebration of the magic of make-do-and-mend from the creators of the much-loved Izzy Gizmo. PRAISE FOR IZZY GIZMO: 'Jones's loping, engaging rhymes and Ogilvie's vivacious images evoke both inspiration and frustration' The Guardian
It’s a big day in junior inventor Izzy Gizmo’s house: a letter has arrived with an invitation to an Invention Convention. At first, Izzy is uncharacteristically unsure, pointing out that her machines don’t always work. Following a wonderfully robust response to that from her Grandpa - “Cobblers!” he shouts – they pack up her tools and set off for Technoff Isle in an extraordinarily wonderful, amphibious vehicle, designed by Izzy. The plot moves forward as energetically as Izzy’s contraption, with the young inventors challenged to an invention competition. Izzy seems to be in trouble when one of her competitors selfishly hoards all the materials available for herself, but there’s very little that Izzy can’t tackle with her limitless ingenuity and creativity. Picture book stars don’t come much more inspirational or resilient than young Izzy, but she’s thoroughly human too, not above getting frustrated or bad-tempered and often in need of encouragement from Grandpa and her friend Fixer the crow. The story is a joyful celebration of inventions and inventiveness with an excellent message for young readers. Pip Jones’ rhyming text and Sara Ogilvie’s action-packed illustrations match each other for wit and energy. This is a story guaranteed to fire the imagination, and let’s face it, the world needs more Izzy Gizmos. This review first appeared on Books for Keeps.
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