The Kiss that Missed by David Melling (Hodder Children's Books)

It's officially "We Love Hugless Douglas" week for Mr Melling but having missed out on all the hype, we thought we'd quietly take a look at our favourite DM book (at least our favourite that he's both written and drawn), The Kiss that Missed.

One night, at bedtime, a king speedily and rather carelessly blows a kiss to his little boy - but ohhh calamity, it misses.

The kiss flies through the window, and the king dispatches a brave (and slightly inept) knight to track the rogue kiss down and bring it back.

As we read this book, Charlotte enjoyed 'chasing' the kiss throughout the kingdom as it slowly weaved its way through the deep dark forest, turning slavering howling wolves into big soppy cuddly ones, or stopping a mythical dragon in its tracks.

The message is rather brilliant here. Don't rush bedtime, snuggle down with a bedtime story, and kiss your children goodnight - don't let your kiss miss!

As ever, I'm completely green with envy at Melling's ability to draw such perfect characters and weave such an involving tale. I keep hoping this will get the same treatment as Jack Frost (ie end up as a great little animated TV feature) but in book form it's nigh on perfect for bedtime reading. Mwahh!

Charlotte's best bit: The big soppy bears and bunnies.

Daddy's favourite bit: Great tight penwork and superb characters, the sort of thing we've come to expect from Mr Melling. Top stuff!