Frank and Bert: The One with the Missing Cookies - by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Get ready for this fast-paced and big-hearted rhyming adventure about a penguin who loves curry!

When Pascal the penguin tries Nabil's delicious biriyani rice, Pascal decides to leave the zoo and go home with him! But Nabil will be in BIG TROUBLE if his mom finds out. And Pascal is EVERYWHERE - honking, dancing, bouncing on the bed and making a HUGE bubbly mess in the bathroom . . . Will Nabil's parents let Pascal stay?

Brimming with personality, this hilarious story with a lovable, hapless hero is perfect for fans of Paddington.

Review Quotes

In the friends' third outing, Frank faces two challenges: delayed gratification and honesty.Frank the fox (who narrates) and Bert the bear's previous picnics have been marred by mishaps: rain, wasps, a scary squirrel. But this one will be perfect--plus, Bert has brought along a surprise in his box. The duo set out for their favorite spot under a tree, near some rounded hills. The lunch looks delicious, and Frank can't wait for the surprise. When it's unfortunately delayed by Bert's post-meal nap, Frank opens the box, which turns out to be full of caramel crunch cookies: "my absolute favorite cookies in the whole world." Surely it would be OK to eat just one? "Or maybe even two...or three...or four...or five!" Uh-oh. Now Frank must explain why the box is empty. Frank blames those scary squirrels--10 of them! But Bert is so worried about his friend's tussle with the squirrels that Frank feels guilty and decides to tell the truth--and is swiftly forgiven. Their next picnic looks like it might just resemble their last one, with Fox bearing muffins for Bert...but there's a surprise ending for everyone! The language and pacing are just right, the tone understated, the conflict relatable. The squirrels are manic without being truly scary. Bert's scribbly fur and Frank's red hatch marks evoke character, and their accessories, all blue for Fox, all pink for Bert, further help differentiate them.
Another warm and relatable triumph. (Picture book. 3-6)

About the Author

Chris is originally from Bradford and studied illustration and graphic design at Bradford College of Art. In 2000 he moved to France where, amongst other things, he was an English teacher before working in newspaper layout and design.
When his children were small he realised he loved the picture books he read to them, sometimes even more than his children did - the Picture Book Bug had truly bitten.
Chris has since written and illustrated several books and is currently thinking about the next one, probably with a cuppa in hand at home near Limoges.
He likes listening to and making music, wandering around the countryside, a bit of running and riding a bike. His favourite season is autumn and his favourite colour is green.