Defence of the Garden Realm II: (Mumble's Dream)

"Defence of the Garden Realm II (Mumble's dream)" is a book for clever children from 6-12, which an adult can also enjoy as they read it to their children or grandchildren. It is the 2nd and final book in the series and again features the much-loved "Crew" of five as they tackle various real-life garden disasters. The crew comprises, "Sergeant Dung" (Dung beetle), "Catty-P" (now a Butterfly), "Bumble" (a posh and clumsy Bee), "Little Scaredy spider" (a vegetarian spider, who is not at all scared) and "Mumble" (a slightly depressed worm). The adventures are all written in rhyming verse and have beautiful watercolour illustrations (painted by my ninety year-old mum, Mary). There are six stories of how "Mumble's" friends (fellow crew-members) help him to realise his dreams. Then three stories of how various combinations of the crew-members try to rectify the damage done to the roots of two connected trees, caused by the building of a brick summerhouse. Then two stories involving "Dung's" neice many times removed "Polka" (an aggressive ladybird, who is an activist). Finally, there are three stories focussing on those that fly... "Catty-P", first rescues and then falls in love with an arrogant Red admiral named "Flight," after which, "Bumble" realises that he loves "Catty-P" and goes to find her, followed by the arrival of a crazy wasp named "Luvjam Willsting." This book is packed with original ideas and is full of wholesome values for forming minds.