Marmaduke Duck, who we all know from their earlier book, Marmaduke duck and the marmalade jam, has now opened a marmalade shop, and is doing a roaring trade to a vast range of animals – from foxes and giraffes to camels.

But all that changes when big bad Bernadette Bear opens up her Honey Boutique right next door. There’s no customer loyalty here – all the animals stop buying marmalade and troop in to buy honey, and poor Marmaduke Duck has to close the shop in despair.

All is not lost, however. I won’t spoil the story if you haven’t read it, but out of confrontation and disaster comes a positive resolution, as the two characters decide to share in a joint enterprise – the One-Stop, Sticky-Licky, Sweet-Treat Shop – and form a firm friendship.

Sarah Davis’s illustrations are worth a special mention. Her ability to convey emotion through facial expressions of the animals is outstanding.

In the week since Christmas, when I gave this to a three-year-old granddaughter, it’s become her favourite book, and she now knows it off by heart. I must say it’s a favourite of mine too.

For younger children there are great messages about friendship and sharing, and assertiveness versus aggression. A great read-aloud for preschoolers and junior primary, but sure to be enjoyed by all ages.

review by Janet McFadden