You might know Rob Biddulph best as a creator of amazing picture books (Odd Dog Out being one of my favourites.) Or perhaps as the ‘draw-along’ world record breaker? Well now he’s turned his hand to writing a longer novel for slightly older readers which is still absolutely packed with gorgeous illustrations!

Some legends are born, some are drawn . . .

‘Drawing feels like magic to Peanut Jones. But art can’t fix her problems. Her dad has gone missing, and she’s stuck in a boring new school. Until the day she finds a unique pencil turbo-charged with special powers. Suddenly she’s pulled into a world packed with more colour, creativity, excitement and danger than she could ever have imagined. Her ‘Study Buddy’ Rockwell and prodigiously clever five-year-old sister are also along for the ride.

Can they help prevent Chroma from being wiped out? And maybe, just maybe, might Peanut find out what really happened to her dad?’

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Such a fantastic, immersive read. I loved exploring the different zones of Chroma – whether The Cute Quarter with its candy colours and kawaii characters, or the Vincent Fields with their hard lines and distinctive brushstrokes. It’s such a whirlwind tour of so many different artistic styles and would definitely lend itself brilliantly to an art project at school or at home.

Written with pace and humour, this story is an absolute joy and sure to hook in readers who like their books packed with glorious illustrations. Budding artists will also find plenty of items to covet, whether it’s a pencil which can draw 3D portals into other worlds, or a self-made bandolier packed with artistic contraband!

I’m looking forward to see what wonderful ideas Biddulph brings to life in his next middle grade outing.

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to Macmillan Children’s Books for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour*