All For One continues the adventures of award-winning writer and illustrator Jill Murphy's endearing creation, Marlon the monster, first seen in The Last Noo Noo. In this story, Marlon is now slightly older and is faced with the problem of how to amuse himself, having exhausted all the appeal of creating intergalactic battles with his long-suffering mum's furniture. "I wish I had someone to play with" complains Marlon, and goes off in search of companions Alligatina, Boomps-a-daisy and Basher.

He finds the friends dressed as the three Musketeers, but they're reluctant to let him join in their fun--"We'll think about it" being their refrain. Marlon persuades his mum and grumpy Granny to help him put together a dressing-up costume, but finds that his monster friends keep changing their game and he's still excluded! However, the tables are turned when Marlon's luxurious paddling pool appears in his back garden.

Murphy depicts in an instantly recognisable way the rivalries and complications of childhood friendships, interspersed with Marlon's granny's humorously dour observations. Although all the characters are (distinctly un-scary) monsters, Murphy's highly detailed illustrations capture very human mannerisms and behaviour. Marlon's creative approach to occupying himself will also inspire young readers with ideas for "make-believe" games of their own. (Ages four to seven.) --Alison Drury