My heart feels swollen with ‘happy-sadness’ after reading this delightful sequel to Sally Rippin’s The Wayward Witch and the Feelings Monster. Polly and Buster’s friendship is still under threat – societal pressure is pulling them apart. In Polly and Buster’s world, witches and monsters aren’t seen as equals, and friendship between the two kinds is strongly discouraged. Those that would flout this rule are judged unfairly and their subsequent punishment can be harsh.

Taking a stand against this injustice takes courage. But it is the power of kindness and empathy for our darkest selves, and that of others, that holds the power to break down prejudice and intolerance. That is the beautiful truth that binds this story together. And, just like the visually emphasised, pop-out, bold words on the page – such as heart squeeze, surge of awe, whoops with excitement and snorts with laughter – this story bubbles with emotional bursts that envelop the reader with warmth and goodness.

Natalie Platten is the assistant manager and children’s book buyer at Readings Doncaster.