Synopsis: William Popidopolis never expected to have to save the world. He certainly never expected that he would have to save the world again. But one morning, when everyone else seems half asleep, Zeus waddles back into his life with the alarming news that a snoring sea-beast is about to sink the British Isles. This situation calls for a massive dose of caffeine, but before he can deliver the necessary pick-me-up to the Kraken, William will have to find a way of surviving a trip to Olympus, a love-struck goddess of wisdom and the ‘help’ of Zeus’ fearsome wife, Hera.

Review: Tanya Landman returns to the universe of The world’s Bellybutton for another gloriously silly romp through – not to say over – Greek Mythology. William Popidopolis, heir of Odysseus and thus ideas man of the gods – is a sharp-witted and endearing hero. Entirely without special powers, he is also a character whom it is easy for readers to sympathise with.

The Kraken Snores is a cracking adventure, mixing unfettered whimsy with just a soupcon of serious mythology and perilous consequence. The sparky, fast-moving plot is brilliantly complemented by Ross Collins’ cartoonish line illustrations. All-in-all, a little gem and a good introduction to modern fantasy.