Review by Ian Keogh

The Lights Out title is rather deceptive. Adults might assume it concerns what happens when Benny and Penny are already in bed, but instead the lights are on and Benny at least is in no mood to head for bed. His energy levels remain high, so while Penny goes to bed with a book, even though she can’t read, Benny keeps scaring her.

The crux of the adventure is that for all his bedroom bravado, Benny is placed in a situation where he has to confront his own fears. He’s left his pirate hat in the garden shed and can’t sleep without it, so that necessitates the adventurous journey to collect it in the dark.

Four books in, the Benny and Penny series is established as a reliable, easy to read selection for youngsters, offering true to life situations children can identify with despite Benny and Penny being mice. Geoffrey Hayes pitches it just right, with levels of conflict, danger and threat appropriately considered, yet still offering a captivating story for the age group. It’s more obviously funny than earlier books as Hayes draws the fantasies mentioned, first as single colour illustrations, but later fully incorporated into the children’s bedroom. The dinosaur wearing the princess’ hat is great.

All the illustration is actually, Hayes giving Benny and Penny considerable personality and embedding them in a comforting environment. A progression is the inclusion of a beguiling spread, showing Penny in the garden at night.

Every Benny and Penny book is a treat, and Lost and Found is next.