Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam by Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton (Nosy Crow)

We're always late to the Nosy Crow party but we get there in the end. I remember reading lots of positive stuff about Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam when it came out earlier in the year, and with the wholehearted recommendation of our lovely local indie bookseller Mostly Books we thought we'd better track it down.

Fortunately our local library had a copy, and we've been chortling at Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam's antics since we borrowed the book. Sam and Shifty are probably the world's worst robber dogs. They set out at the dead of night, swag bags at the ready, masks on muzzles, to rob the neighbourhood.

They usually come home empty handed though, as they're so inept. But the thieving twosome come up with the perfect plan to indulge in a little moonlit stealing closer to home. Inviting the neighbours round for a slap up tea, Sam and Shifty will slip out unannounced, rob their neighbours and then return to the party as if nothing has happened.

Of course, to throw a party you need lots of tempting and enticing fare to feed your guests with. The doggy duo cook up a storm, baking like animals possessed until they have a stack of delicious comestibles to ply their guests with.

At first the party goes with a swing, but when one guest overhears Sam and Shifty discussing their naughty deeds, the plot is undone. What can become of two robber dogs who are brilliant at baking but bumble at burglary?

This is such a fun and pacey book. Slippery Sam and Shifty McGifty aren't bad eggs after all, though I really would love to pinch Sam's doughnut recipe. Mine never turn out as nice as Mary Berry's.

Charlotte's best bit: The amazing spread that the duo cook up. Wow!

Daddy's Favourite bit: A brilliant little story with fab art, high quality Crowage!