Interdimensional Explorers - Lorraine Gregory

 

When Danny's grandfather suffers a heart-attack which leaves him in hospital, he asks Danny to look after things for him.  Danny assumes he is talking about the office he has on the estate where they live, where everybody comes to get their odd jobs done.  However, Danny quickly discovers that this couldn't be further from the truth and he has, in fact, been entrusted with the Interdimensional Lost Property Office (IDLPO), with an alien as his new boss.  He and his best friend, Modge, try to get to grips with things but struggle so, despite being sworn to secrecy about the place, Danny enlists the help of his cousin, Inaaya (without breaking his promise not to tell anybody; after all, he doesn't want his brains to turn to mush and leak from his ears).  But just as they are starting to get the hang of things, everything takes a slightly sinister turn and it's up to Danny, Madge and Inaaya to save the multiverse.

I'd been looking forward to Interdimensional Explorers and so I was excited when it arrived just in time for me to dive into this weekend, and it made the perfect read.  The idea of a lost property office for the multiverse is intriguing and I thoroughly enjoyed finding out the sorts of things creatures were losing that needed to be returned.  A secret business and one Danny's grandfather had clearly been running for years without anybody knowing; it's a big role for Danny to take over, especially when he is so worried about his grandfather (and feeling guilty that he didn't arrive sooner at his office).  It is obvious that Danny wants to do his grandfather proud but doesn't have a clue where to start, even with Modge's help, which is why he resorts to asking his cousin (whom he finds incredibly annoying).  I loved the relationship that builds between them and the bickering is something I know many children will be able to relate to with siblings.  There is clearly more going on in both of their lives and this unfolds as the book progresses.  

The book is a perfectly balanced recipe of adventure, giggles, fantasy and relatable family issues (complimented by the wonderful illustrations by Jo Lindley).  With friendship and doing the right thing at the heart of the plot, this made the perfect weekend read and I know my class are going to love it (especially Shugly!).  Publishing on the 8th June, Interdimensional Explorers will make a brilliant read in the sunshine and will leave readers excited for book 2.