Monsieur Le Chef & four other stories 

By Milo McGivern 

Illustrations by Yuliya Somina 

Book tour organised by: Love Book Tours 

Review: 

I know that this book is aimed at children aged 8-12 but as an adult I loved it. 

Aubrey the turkey is a character that you can both love and loath (often within the same chapter). There is something charming about him and the fact that no matter how hard he tries he ultimately will be rude or unkind. 

Clifford and Walli are more understanding and whilst they do teach Aubrey a lesson or two they are always there to forgive and help out when he really finds himself in a mess. 

There is definitely an element of power dynamics in these stories between the three friends (although I’m not sure I would always consider Aubrey to be a particularly good friend) which I am sure many readers will relate to. Certainly I am sure that these behaviours exist in every area across the country. 

Alongside Clifford and Walli, Aubrey finds himself in a series of interesting situations- usually brought about by his own actions. 

The book is a series of short stories but there are some links between them. Each story is split in to 3 chapters making them manageable. 

The stories have the theme of your usual young chapter books which follow talking animals on their daily lives. This book however takes it to a whole new level and is definitely geared to an older reader. Filled with peril, rudeness (attitude not actual bad language) and humour this book is sure to make readers laugh and gasp. 

I really enjoyed this twist on animal tales - thank you for letting me share in the joy. 

Blurb: 

Far across the sea and hidden by mist, lies a mysterious island. A bizarre place, populated by talking animals, that doesn’t appear in any atlases. A land that somehow continues to change its position on the planet each day, to prevent it from being found by humans. Welcome back to the Island of Animaux!

The five new tales in Monsieur Le Chef pick up where the last ones left off. Aubrey the Turkey continues to get up to his old mischief. In one story he imagines he is a great chef, until Clifford Platypus gets mixed up with preparations for the main course. In another tale Aubrey presents himself as a great explorer, to save poor Walli Hog. The arrival of his sister forces Aubrey to face his lack of bravery. And the three friends come together to play in an exciting football cup final. Other old friends reappear and new creatures, some sinister, are also introduced. Stories packed with fun, silliness, naughty behaviour and happy endings.

Please enjoy the stories. And don’t be afraid to laugh, particularly at Aubrey’s expense. But please, please, please – continue to remember to keep the latest position of the island top secret!