I can’t show you everything inside but I can let you see a sneak preview of one of Gillian Johnson’s great illustrations.

© Gillian Johnson

This picture is of Martha and Robbie when they meet Garnet in the play pipe. Robbie thinks Garnet’s a wombat when he first sees him. But he’s not a wombat. He’s a mingle and he belongs to Opal Moonbaby. Opal made him herself in a Minmangulator. She chose all her favourite animals, blended them up and out popped Garnet! Shame we don’t have Minmangulators on Earth. Never mind, if you’d like to design your own ideal mingle, you can still have a go. Why not download and print off the Mingle Maker sheet? Sharpen your crayons and start mingling! Click on the Mingle Maker page to find out more.

I’m very excited about Opal Moonbaby hitting the shops because it’s my very first book. Here are some things people have been saying about it.

Who can resist this delightful, quirky, entertaining book which brings new words and phrases to our vocabulary, such as scoff capsules, hydrophones, swimbats and fantariums. Opal Moonbaby is one of the most charming children's books that I have read in a long time ... As soon as Opal stepped out of her spaceship I found her adorable. her zany and vibrant character would brighten anyone's life ... This book is truly a delight and will entertain all age groups. (SERENDIPITY REVIEWS)

“I loved this book ... I really enjoy the way Opal speaks and all the things she tells Martha and Robbie about Carnelia, her home planet ... The plot was great and has us guessing all the way through, and the ending was fantastic. I recommend this funny, great book to boys and girls who love having fun and are 7 or older." Review by 7 year old Isabella (CHICKLISH )

"Now - I want you to remember the name of Opal Moonbaby - she's a brilliant comic creation ... Opal sparkles and she's totally original. I loved her. And Maudie Smith gives us a great story too. She's pitch-perfect on the way that girls in this age group act." (Sue Magee THE BOOKBAG )

The story of an alien who comes to earth on a mission to make friends, this is a rather lovely debut. Quirky and very charming, Opal is something of a futuristic Pippi Longstocking, which can only be a good thing. (BOOKSELLER )

"I so wish I had a friend like Opal Moonbaby and a pet like Garnet. They would be so funny to hang out with! ... It’s the best, best, best best!” (Isabella, age 9)

It's amazing! I can’t wait to read the next one. (Katya, age 11)

"You can't put down this brilliant, magical and hilarious book - I had to read it again. [Opal Moonbaby is a] very well written story about aliens, friendships and challenges. Opal, Martha and Robbie are very good characters because of their great sense of humour when things aren't always that easy. I have read this book a lot of times and it never gets boring." (Joe Duval Smith, age 10)

I really loved the book. Maudie really knows how kids' friendships work, I thought the book was really sensitive and made me laugh. I loved Opal's happy-go-lucky personality and the way she got all her human phrases wrong. (Max, age 10)

Opal Moonbaby is one of my favourite books because it is so imaginative. Opal Moonbaby is funny, creative, quirky and heart-warming. (Juliet, age 10 )

This charming debut has everything: strong characterisation, dramatic narrative and a perfect ending. Furthermore, the themes of friendship, trust and tolerance present a powerful message. Children will have fun reading and talking about Opal Moonbaby. This could be the beginning of a great new series. Parents, teachers and librarians, please take note: Maudie Smith is 'zooming totally fantabulous'! (NEWBOOKS)


 

I hope you like the book too. If you want to get hold of a copy you can find one here. 

And just in case you’re wondering, there’s going to be another story about Opal Moonbaby before too long. More news on that later.