Granny Samurai, the Monkey King and I by John Chambers

Walker Books, 2013, 285pgs. pbk. ISBN 9781406340969.
(Age 8+). Samuel Johnson, an eccentric young aspiring writer is the scribe for this strange comedy.  This story involves a mysterious old lady who lives next door to Samuel and goes by the name of Granny Samurai. Her teeth are false as is one of her legs and she uses a walking stick which conceals a double-action repeater. Granny Samurai uses Samuel as bait to catch the Monkey King, a giant monkey with red hair and golden teeth.  Granny Samurai is a lady of few words, who never really explains to Samuel what's going on which keeps Samuel and the reader in the dark.
This is a good adventure for readers with vivid imaginations because they can try and come up with their own interpretation of what is happening. It is well written; funny in places and with good illustrations throughout the book which add a lot to the reading experience. Some interesting facts are presented throughout, which I believe would make this book appealing to boys aged 8-12. This is also a good book to read out loud to students.
Michelle Thomson