ReadItDaddy's First Book of the Week - Week Ending 3rd July 2015 - "Max" by Marc Martin (Templar Publishing)

Summer is here, we're in the midst of a heatwave, and our thoughts turn to the seaside. But what's worse than sitting down on the picturesque quayside only to be pestered by those winged annoyances, the seagulls! ACK!

But stop, ponder for a moment. Not all gulls are cut from the same cloth. Meet "Max" the star of this utterly adorable tale of friendship (and chips). Max is a polite, well behaved seagull who frequents a rather lovely little Fish and Chip shop nestling on the pier of a sleepy seaside town. Max befriends Bob, the chipshop owner and as Max greets the customers, Bob always saves a few chips for him at the end of the day as a special treat (We were wondering how Max keeps his svelte seagull-like figure with all those chips!)

Sadly, fortunes are on the turn. Bob's shop isn't making any money and during a particularly quiet summer, Bob shuts up shop for the very last time and when Max returns to greet his friend as normal at the end of the day, Bob isn't there.

Max waits, and waits, and waits - but eventually realises Bob has moved on. But where is Bob??

Will Max be reunited with his old friend?

We won't spoil things too much for you - because we really want you to read this fabulous book.

Max searches for Bob. Will he ever find him again?

Funny, yet touching in places - it's the sort of children's book that has you surreptitiously sneaking off for another look once your little ones are tucked up in bed (hopefully dreaming of fish and chips and seagulls, and lovely seaside adventures!)

Marc Martin is definitely a chap to keep a firm eye on, his books are fast becoming classics and this is yet another fabulous story that will, deservedly, bring him a ton of attention.

Charlotte's best bit: The swooping sweeping wings of Max as he flies high above the cityscape, looking for Bob

Daddy's Favourite bit: A simple tale of friendship, fish and chips but so wonderfully told and gorgeously illustrated that it just HAS to be read again and again!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Templar Publishing)