A year or two ago I read this to my daughter (aged 6/7) and we both enjoyed it. She has read it many times since and we have bought the sequel. Today, spotting the negative review here on Amazon, I feel moved to redress the balance. I haven't seen the TV series, so I judge the book purely on its own merit.
The Ice Cream Mystery is a great book to read to the younger child or for newly confident readers to read to themselves. The underlying idea, a magical ice cream van (Macaroni) is guaranteed to catch the imagination of most primary-school-age readers. Two children and their pet goat accidentally unleash a pip-popping zip-zapping secret ingredient into Macaroni's ice-cream and a gentle adventure ensues. Where is Macaroni going in the middle of the night, and why? And can she and the children help with a seaside rescue?
This story may not be an action-packed thriller, and there are no sinister bullies, or plots to overthrow the world. It is however a great book to take a step on from the easiest paperbacks like the Rainbow Fairies and The Magic Treehouse series, with a picture every few pages.
This is a charming story that will appeal to both boys and girls alike, and especially those with a sweet tooth who'll be desperate to try the delicious-sounding Marshmallow Squidge and Chocowobble ice-cream flavours. And if they enjoy it, and its blue sequel "Totally Fizzbombed", then you might like The Mum Shop by Ceci Jenkinson for the same fresh and sparkly feel.
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