Carrie Weston is a talented author of many picture books and books for young readers, including When Brian was a Lion, Oh, Boris, and Lucky Socks. She began writing when her children were young and still finds creative writing the best way to relax after a hard day.

Tim Bradford lives next to a nature reserve in Nottingham and studied for a BA Hons in Illustration at Lincoln University and an MA in Illustration and Animation at Kingston University London. From alpine landscapes to geometry and animals, he's inspired by nature and also loves drawing people of all sizes, shapes and nationalities.

Max is a monster with yellow eyes, pointed ears, a big, wide mouth, sharp teeth and a long, spiky tail. He's just like the rest of his family, except Max is a mighty show off. He's not really meant to, but sometimes he does tricks in front of the children who visit Blue Lake - and they love it! Then, one day, his showing off gets Max more than he bargained for...

This warm-hearted adventure from picture book author Carrie Weston (author of the Oh, Boris series) is perfect for children who are learning to read by themselves and for Key Stage 1. Features engaging illustrations and quirky characters young readers will find it hard to resist.

Bloomsbury Young Readers are the perfect way to get children reading, with book-banded stories by brilliant authors like Julia Donaldson. They are packed with gorgeous colour illustrations and include inside cover notes to help adults reading with children, as well as ideas for activities related to the stories.

Book band: Gold

Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

Ideal for ages: 6+

Every child needs a Bloomsbury Young Reader. Fun, stretching, just the right length, full of adventurous vocabulary and punctuation, [with] tips to support the parent or carer at home or the teacher who needs inspiration at the end of a busy day.