What was said about Hansel > 'Smootie an da Toon Hall Clock'

Smootie an da Toon Hall Clock, Christine De Luca, Hansel Cooperative Press, £6.99.

Fans of Smootie da cat will be delighted to see this splendid adventure appearing in time for Christmas. Smootie, you will mind, is a cat with Bressa origins, who made her home in the Lerwick lanes. (Two homes, actually, but that was the first story.) Now time has moved on, and Smootie has 3 kyettlins: Ringlit, Reffel and Ransel. They are just at that difficult stage all parents recognise: they are 'inta everything'. It would not be so bad if they stayed at home, but no, the world around the Hillhead is far too interesting. Indeed, even Lerwick Harbour is not too far away to explore.

One fine night, security at the Toon Hall is a bit lax. Disgraceful! - but what an opportunity for nosey peerie cats. Needless to say, they end up as high as it is possible for cats to be, curious and delighted with everything they find. The old clock tower has never seen anything like it. Smootie is forced to step in and exert her authority: 'Oh no,' says a dismayed Ransel, 'here's Mam!'

The dialogue is often delightful, e.g.: 'Sorry, Mam. Hit wis siccan a fine night, an da door wis oppen an...we could see Bressa an aa.' 'A'll fine night dee, Ringlit. Gyet hom richt noo.'

The lively action and Frances Pelly's fine illustrations also help to make this a very good story to read to bairns, or for them to read on their own. Be ready to explain the picture of the Maid of Norway, and to plan a trip to the Toon Hall as soon as possible!

Laureen Johnson, The New Shetlander, Yule issue 2010

'Smootie an da Toon Hall Clock', Laureen Johnson, The New Shetlander, 1st of December 2010