Escape From Mr Lemoncello’s Library was one of Readings’ bestselling kids’ books for 2014. It was wonderfully puzzling and compellingly un-put-downable. The Island of Dr Libris is not a sequel but is once again a fun romp through literature.

Twelve-yearold Billy’s parents are on the cusp of separating and as the summer holidays loom long and dreary his mum rents a log cabin at Lake Katrine from a mysterious Dr Libris. Billy is appalled to find there is no TV, DVD player or computer and what’s worse, he drops his phone on arrival. However, what is there is an island in the middle of the lake and a canoe for his use. There is also a bully boy in one of the neighbouring holiday houses and an asthmatic one in another who becomes his friend.

Initially, with nothing better to do, he explores Dr Libris’s expansive library and this is where the mind-bending fun really starts. Just when we thought it was safe to go back into the library Chris Grabenstein’s masterful magic merges modern-day life with some of our most unforgettable and best-loved book characters. As the adventures gather pace and Billy has to outwit numerous baddies, readers will wish their holidays were as action-packed and exciting.

For ages 9 and up.

Alexa Dretzke