Grizzelda Frizzle. What is the dreadful secret? And what might happen to the prince if she tries to kiss him when he visits her council estate? Worse still, what might happen to her? Then there is the Tiny Jumping Mouse, the roaring noise in his ears tells him he has to go out and explore the world but what will become of him when he is exposed to such a dangerous place? Who is the mysterious stranger that Nathan and his father drag out of the ocean? And what horrors await the evil Mr Mercrank in the sinister orchard?

These and other questions are answered with a blend of humour, magic and reality in this collection of stories by one of Britain's favourite children's authors.

Brian Patten is well known as a poet, writer and performer for both adults and children. He has written several books for children, including Juggling with Gerbils, The Story Giant and Ben's Magic Telescope.