Review by Ian Keogh

In his fifth Benny and Penny book Geoffrey Hayes addresses what is among any young child’s biggest fears, but ensures the shock is mollified by calling the story Lost and Found, rather than just Lost.

Last time round in Lights Out the two young mice were seen becoming a little more adventurous by making their way through the garden at night, and they now take that a little further. Why? Because Benny’s pirate hat has been lost for two days and he’s determined to find it, never mind that it’s very foggy. Because she’s supportive and good at finding things Penny accompanies Benny despite his grumpiness. It’s just as well, as she’s the smart one here.

The result is a really lovely story, the best Benny and Penny. Not only is that down to the always delightful illustration, but because despite it seeming a simple tale, there’s a lot going on. For one thing the mood keeps changing, and for the first time we see Penny angry with Benny, and Hayes supplies good visual jokes, as objects aren’t what they seem to be in the fog, instead very threatening. He’s also decided to keep the idea of including a spread, and there’s a great illustration of Benny and Penny seen from above several times as they track their way back to the house. And just in time for breakfast.

All Benny and Penny books are aimed at children who’re coping with basic reading. It means in order to keep the dialogue at a level understood by young children it sometimes reads as a little clunky, but as naturalism is hardly on the agenda, and comprehension is the priority, it’s entirely understandable.

The series ends with How to Say Goodbye.