It’s a Secret! by John Burningham (Walker Books, £11.99) (From The Northern Echo)

It’s a Secret! by John Burningham (Walker Books, £11.99)

9:16am Saturday 8th August 2009 in Children's By Rosalind Kerven

WHAT on earth do cats get up to when they go out at night?

Young Marie Elaine has the chance to find out when she comes downstairs to get a drink and finds her cat, Malcolm, dressed up in fancy clothes and about to disappear through the cat flap.

Malcolm allows her to accompany him on his journey to a secret party, also picking up a boy called Norman on the way.

Together the trio hurry through the shadowy streets (complete with a sinister gang of dogs in hoodies) to the colourful vibrancy of the party where the Queen of Cats is the special guest.

Much more than an ordinary picture book, this offers small children a deceptively simple glimpse of the heart-stopping dangers and alluring glamour of urban life after dark. (Age 3+)