Murray the knight

Gr 2--4--Stower's new series introduces young readers to a cat named Murray and his sidekick, a rabbit named Bun. Murray is the cat of a wizard named Fumblethumb, who, as his name indicates, makes a lot of mistakes in his spellcasting. Bun used to be a sugary pastry bun until Fumblethumb turned him into a sticky, roly-poly rabbit with a cherry for a tail. Bun follows Murray wherever he goes with a constant pronouncement of "Bun!" Another magic mishap turns Murray's cat flap into a portal to other lands. The first book in the series sends Murray to the land of knights where he arrives in the throne room of Princess Rubytoes. Sir Nasty is pursuing the princess for her riches and mistakes Murray for another suitor. Sir Nasty challenges him to a joust which ends in a jelly mess thanks to the fumbling help of Bun. In the second book, Murray and Bun are whisked to the land of the Vikings where they are sent to find a missing Viking named Eggrik. The mystery takes an unexpected turn: Eggrik isn't captured but has become intolerably stinky due to his inability to eat eggs without making a mess. Each book begins with a quick recap, allowing new readers to jump in. This heavily illustrated series is amusing and will have young readers laughing out loud at the absurdity and silliness. Some pages have a few paragraphs of text while others only have one sentence, making this an accessible text for emerging readers. Murray is a lovable furry hero, and Bun is a loyal--if unreliable--companion. Back matter in Viking includes step-by-step instructions to draw Murray, a postcard from Murray to the wizard Fumblethumb asking him to fix his cat flap, and background information about Murray's ancestors connected to the story. VERDICT A new series perfect for fans of Alex T. Smith's "Claude" books and Shirley Hughes's "Digby O'Day" titles. With its hilarious antics, engaging illustrations, and accessible text, this series is sure to be a hit with young readers who will eagerly await each new installment.--Heidi Dechief

An adventure-adverse feline and his fearless sidekick are transported to the days of knights and chivalry. It's not easy being a wizard's cat. Murray the kitty would be perfectly content sleeping and eating his days away, but unfortunately he belongs to the "rubbish" wizard Fumblethumb, who has accidentally cast a spell on Murray's cat flap. After Fumblethumb mistakenly turns a delicious frosted bun into a perky bunny (named Bun, appropriately), Bun and Murray make their way through the flap and find themselves transported from their ordinary suburban town to a medieval castle. There, they learn that Princess Rubytoes has fallen for the local gardener, Muddy Mick. Alas, their love is threatened by the devious Sir Nasty, who's determined to marry Rubytoes and, assuming Murray's here to court the princess, promptly challenges the cat to a joust. Will Murray, with Bun in tow, defeat the villain and aid the princess? This early chapter book has a distinctly British sensibility that charms with ease. Murray is 100% cat from tip to toe (his preferences run to "snoozing, napping, and sleeping"), yet he's more than willing to help those in need. Bun's the perfect foil for Murray, literally bouncing off walls in his eagerness to assist. Delightful line art highlights the jokes and oozes utter cuteness. All human characters are light-skinned. Turns out, a short, furry knight in shining armor is the hero we all deserve.(Chapter book. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.