Horrid Henry is probably your worst nightmare. He is messy, naughty, cheeky, always in some kind of trouble and usually manages to drag other children into his muddles. Kids love him, and in Horrid Henry Strikes it Rich by Francesca Simon, Henry manages to sabotage the school sports day, run away from home, wheedle his way into getting all the presents he wants for Christmas and then comes up with a cunning plan to get very, very rich.

Simon's devilish writing, accompanied by Tony Ross' wildly irreverent illustrations, captures the imagination and Henry's anarchic antics will raise giggles and gasps from everyone. Riveting stuff, ideal for newly confident readers who want to get to grips with a rip-roaring story, and good for reading aloud with a parent. (Ages 6-8) --Susan Harrison