Smelly Louie by Catherine Rayner (Macmillan Children's Books)

It's Happy Launch Day to Catherine Rayner, author and illustrator of the utterly brilliant "Abigail". Catherine stays with animals, albeit rather less exotic ones than a giraffe for her latest book - "Smelly Louie" which goes on sale today!

Smelly Louie is a stinky, whiffy, pongy scruffbag dog who we meet in the opening of this hilarious tale engaged in an activity that dogs universally hate. Louie is sitting in a sweet-smelling bath, getting clean because his owners have had enough of his odeur d'animale.

Louie, as you'd expect, isn't exactly pleased with the outcome. His uniquely doggy scent has completely disappeared to be replaced with the essence of apple blossom and cedarwood so Louie decides to embark on an adventure to get back his canine pong.

As Louie patrols his neighbourhood, lots of other animals chip in to help Louie restore the balance of nature. After all, dogs can't go around smelling sweetly!

Does Louie succeed in his mission? You'll have to read the book to find out. Catherine Rayner's fabulous characterisations, hilarious wrap-around story and utterly gorgeous illustrations guarantee that Louie will find a place in your heart - but you might want to give him a bit of a going over with a sponge first!

Charlotte's best bit: A satisfying story with a novel twist at the end to ensure that you keep following Louie's antics right till the very (pongy) end!

Daddy's Favourite bit: Beautifully crafted and hugely entertaining! We love Louie even though he doth pong!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Macmillan Children's Books)