It’s hard to classify this quirky but engaging book. It begins simply enough with the story of young Bernard’s desire for plum jam, which leads him on a quest to the elusive Pole of Inaccessibility. Alongside this narrative are board games to be played, codes and mysteries to be solved, and even recipes to try out.

A marvellous map is provided for our journey, which we must fill in as we make our discoveries. We meet a host of strange characters including the Plummers, who have been digging for 20 years; the Cook, who is determined to find an ancient and elusive ‘thing’; and the Greater Stone Creatures. The illustrations, maps, scroll and codes are fascinating on their own and work well within the story.

This is a highly interactive tale and activity book that champions the power of the imagination. Recommended for adventurous readers aged 8 to 11.

Angela Crocombe