The big Book of Mr Badger by Leigh Hobbs

Allen and Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781760112431
(Age: 6-10) Highly recommended. Four of the Mr Badger stories can be found in this one big volume that is sure to delight readers new to Mr Badger as well as those who already love his adventures. The stories are: Mr Badger and the big surprise, Mr. Badger and the difficult Duchess, Mr Badger and the missing ape and Mr Badger and the magic mirror.
Mr Badger is the highly organised and capable manager of special events at the Boubles Grand Hotel and he has some amazing adventures, saving a special birthday party, finding a missing ape, looking after a difficult duchess and going through a magic mirror. All the characters are well rounded and Mr Badger is delightful, a wonderful father who never misses reading his children their bedtime story even though he has had an exhausting and adventurous day at the hotel.
This collection of stories is ideal for the newly independent reader who is ready to tackle chapter books and the size will give these children a thrill as they read each story and finally get to page 294! The humour and quirky illustrations are a delight and an adult reading these aloud will also have a very enjoyable time imagining the hotel and London surrounds.
Pat Pledger