After being out of print for some years, three of Oakley’s classic children’s books (The Church Mouse, The Church Mice Adrift and The Church Mice at Christmas) have been reprinted.

Life in Wortlethorpe Church is thrown into chaos when the Town Hall decides change is called for. A rat versus mouse thriller, with Sampson, the Church Cat, in the Bruce Willis action hero role, this is part morality tale and part adventure story. Suitable for a range of ages, including adults!

Verdict: An amusing, fast paced, story, with exquisitely detailed illustrations on every page. Sampson is right, he is “irresistible”. The drawings alone deserve five stars. *****