Bertie and the Alien Chicken - Jenny Pearson

Bertie is being sent to spend the summer on his Uncle Brian's farm whilst his mum is working in America.  Upset that he can't go to stay with his Dad (the new baby has put paid to that), he resigns himself to getting to know the animals ... which he does; however, he gets far more than he bargained for when he meets Nugget, the alien chicken who needs to find Earth's most valuable resource.  Nugget enlists Bertie's help, informing him that failing to find it will result in the end of Earth.

I love books that make me laugh and Jenny's always do that so to discover that she has written a book for Barrington Stoke brought a big smile to my face.  Perfectly formed, the book throws you straight into the action and I enjoyed reading the plot from Bertie's point of view.  He is clearly unhappy at the prospect of staying with his uncle on the farm and you realise quickly that he is also unhappy about his father's new family - it seems as though what he needs a bit of love and attention.  And he certainly gets that attention from Nugget who is a rather fabulous character and the best chicken I've ever met in a book!  Full of his own importance and definitely not lacking in confidence, I found him a joy to read.  Together the pair make a dynamic duo who will make you laugh out loud.  

Alongside the laughter,  there are also messages about loneliness, friendship and family woven into the plot, not to mention rubbing bums with aliens!  Released on the 5th January, Bertie and the Alien Chicken is a book that will have you laughing into the New Year.