Best Friends Forever: 01 (Knitbone Pepper Ghost Dog) Paperback – 1 May 2017

I bought this book to read to my 5 year old girl to add to her growing collection of bedtime stories.As the title suggests the story starts on a very sad topic, the death of a beloved pet dog. However, I promise you, it doesn't stay sad for very long and it does have a happy ending.My little girl loves this book and she would have quite happily sat and listened to the whole book in one sitting. She spent most of her time giggling and she was filled with such anticipation to see if the SOS gang could help save the Pepper residence - Starcross Hall.After finishing this book my daughter asked me if our beloved dog Max would come back as a ghost when he dies like Knitbone did for Winnie. As she's only 5 and a little too young to understand the concept of the rainbow bridge just yet, I did the typical mammy thing and said "yes, of course he will" (I'll worry about that little fib when she's older).This book is beautifully illustrated and the language used is perfect for younger readers who are confident reading independently.Surprisingly Orlando was my little girls favourite character, closely followed by Knitbone himself (even though she thinks he has a very silly name).My daughter and I are excited to start the next book in the Knitbone Pepper Ghost Dog series (The Last Circus Tiger).I would recommend this book to everyone aged 7+.Although, younger readers like my little girl (who is 5 years old) will also enjoy having this story read to them.

If there is anyone who has not yet read Claire Barker's wonderful Knitbone Pepper books, then I would strongly suggest that you stop what you're doing and do so now. There is no doubt that one day these books will be looked on as classics. Knitbone himself is a wonderful creation and is surrounded by a brilliant, odd and charming supporting cast. The clever story is beautifully told with a huge amount of wit and the whole package is finished off by Ross Collins' marvellous illustrations. An absolute must-have in any child's library.

“Knitbone Pepper Ghost Dog,” is a terrific book by Claire Barker. This is a book about the friendship between Winnie Pepper and Knitbone. However, there is a twist. Knitbone, who is a dog, has died and returned as a ghost. The Peppers have lived at Starcross Hall for centuries but their family home is a shadow of its former self. It is now a ramshackle. Because they are very poor, the Peppers cannot afford to repair and renovate it. Their dilemma is that their ancestors borrowed 12p from Bartonshire Town Council which is now worth a staggering ONE MILLION POUNDS! To pay it back they must sell Starcross Hall. Unbeknown to the Peppers, when the house went to auction, the ghost animals that live there, S.O.S (Spirits of Starcross), came to the rescue by terrifying potential buyers away. But their problems do not end there as the famous ghost catcher Krispen O’Mystery appears at Starcross Hall... This story, helps children learn the significance of friendships and that when we work well with others, anything is possible. We loved reading this book and would recommend it to 5-9-year-olds who like heart-warming stories with a hint of eeriness.

I loved this easy to read character full book and read it to my grandchildren. Loved too the colourful language and original similes. As nutty as a squirels picnic and as daft as a daffodil sausage. Overall a great holiday read.

My daughters loves this range of books, definately recommend.

Myself and my children have thoroughly enjoyed this book, so much so we have read all copies. We were hooked, can't wait to read more adventures of Knitbone Pepper.

My 9 year old daughter loves these books! Lovely story which kept her interested until the end.

This series is my 6 year old daughter’s favourite and it’s one that I actually enjoy reading to her. I get really annoyed with my husband if he reads her bedtime story and I miss a chapter!