Funny yet wise, irresistibly playful and infused with an offbeat charm, Skunk and Badger is a beautifully crafted, whimsical adventure that charmed me from the outset, recalling authors I’ve loved since childhood, including E.B. White, A.A. Milne and Kenneth Grahame.

Skunk is gregarious, an outgoing philosopher and thinker who loves discussing Shakespeare and cooking. Whereas Badger is a quiet, solitary soul who wants nothing more than to study rocks and play the ukulele to calm his nerves. Circumstance forces this unlikely pair together, with surprising results. But when a flock of chickens and a stoat enter the mix, mayhem ensues!

This whimsical adventure explores the joys – and conundrums – of friendship, and the wonder of new horizons. Perfect for independent readers aged 7+, it begs to be read aloud; children will love its quirky humour, adults will be transported back to their own childhood. It’s a classic in the making and I highly recommend it.

Athina Clarke is the children’s book buyer at Readings Malvern.