Charlie and Ben have been set a homework by their teacher - to write a true story about themselves. Charlie is in a very bad mood about this homework, Ben on the other hand, as usual tries to look on the bright side of the problem. All too soon however the homework problem is forgotten as Charlie’s cosmic pyjamas transport them to a spooky house of horror...  Charlie and Ben have been transported from Charlie’s bedroom to a house full of horror and more particularly monsters. The mean old Stitcher and her stinky sidekick Grumpfart have been hidden away in this house for many years making horrible monsters, perfecting the Stitcher’s technique and planning to take their revenge on the world. Charlie is scared, not being very brave, Ben however is full of curiosity and being far braver is not afraid to make friends and even try to challenge the Stitcher. However not everything goes to plan and soon the boys find their new found friend is in fact a spy ready to betray them for the promise of chocolate.

Jeremy Strong writes with his usual brand of humour which will of course appeal to all his existing fans and introduce new readers to a fun and easy to read book that has been illustrated with some great drawings by Rowan Clifford. Whilst the illustration brings to life the characters described in the story the imagination can still run wild imagining what it would be like to be transported by one’s pyjamas into another world! The balance between humour, illustration and serious message is achieved in this story. The serious message about children learning to be brave and to stand up to bullies is gently introduced and underlies the primary story without intruding allowing children to enjoy a very funny and well written story.

2009-08-04