Relay (Paperback or Softback)

★ Creative Child Magazine 2019 "Book Of The Year Award"
★ B.R.A.G Medallion Award Winner
★ The SPR Book Awards 2018 "Honorable Mention"

Dad lost his keys again, and it seems that a team of minuscule machines is behind it this time. Russ saw it all and wants to tell Dad. However, Dad is suspicious, since the last incident ended with his slippers being found in the dishwasher.

Follow Dad's keys as a team of magnificent construction vehicles airlift into the house to conduct a nightly key-relocation operation. The keys are hoisted by micro cranes, hauled using a minuscule cable car, and are carried upstairs by a three-legged walker. But where did the keys end up? Did they go down the drain as Dad suspects?

The Wishing Shelf Awards Review ★ Editing: 10/10 ★ Story/Plot: 9/10 ★ Pacing: 9/10 ★ Illustrations: 10/10 ★ Star Rating: 5 stars Review:I suspect I'm a lot like this author. I too am always - ALWAYS - forgetting where I put my keys. Well, this superbly illustrated picture book will go down very well with young children - I'm thinking 6 - 9 year olds - and with forgetful mums and dads. Forgetful granny and grandad too. Basically, dad can't find his keys anywhere. His son, however, knows where they might be. But he's not just going to tell dad. Not when he can tell the most wonderfully inventive story involving a flying blimp, a cable car and a forklift! If dad listens to the story he might, just might, discover where his keys are. Firstly, the story. I'm happy to report it's highly original and inventive. I can imagine most children following this story with delight as the keys get moved from the drawer to the loo to the...well, you'll see. There is a good element of suspense to the story. Where will the keys go next? Where will they end up? I think a child - as I did - will be trying to guess all the way through the story. Secondly, the writing style. Also, very good. No glaring problems regarding grammar. The paragraphing is short, and there is plenty of speech to help with the pacing. Possibly the characters felt a little bland. There was no 'WOW!' factor to the characters which you have with, say, the Gruffalo. Still, they did the job and there is a gentle humour to them - and to the story - which I liked. Thirdly, and finally, the illustrations. For me, I enjoyed them the most. I get so sick of computer generated illustrations or, even worse, Disney. There is a lovely simplicity to the pics as if they were lovingly drawn; as if the illustrator just knew how kids' minds work and what, visually, they enjoy. To sum up then, a highly original tale, perfect for children aged 6 - 9. Would boys possibly enjoy it more than girls? Yes, I think so. Still, all in all, a lovingly produced picture books for ALL children and forgetful adults to enjoy.