by Niki Daly
Frances Lincoln, 10.99
Salma balances a basket with an enormous watermelon and a cockerel inside it while on an errand for her grandmother. But she forgets her grandmother's advice not to talk to strangers, and ends up giving a seedy character, Mr Dog, an opportunity to steal her identity, in Red Riding Hood-style.
The grandmother's eyesight isn't too good, and she imposes various tests on the infiltrator to make sure that he is who he says he is. The funniest bits are when Mr Dog is forced to take a bath and have his hair vigorously lathered by Granny.
The story ebbs and flows, building up to an exciting conclusion with a message about personal safety that is delivered with zest. A happy ending is guaranteed for everyone, except Mr Dog.
