Cogheart by Peter Bunzl, £6.99

What's not to love about a kids' book featuring a mechanical fox, dirigibles and mysterious villains?

When 13-year-old Lily's inventor father vanishes after a Zeppelin crash Lily is determined to find out what has happened to him and why. Lily is lucky enough to helped along the way by the Clockmaker's son, Robert but never far behind the plucky duo are shadowy figures bent on stopping them achieving their aim. Who can they trust in the smoky spires of London?

Set in the enchanting world of steampunk Victorian London complete with mechanicals, penny dreadfuls and lots of thrills, this is a really exciting and fast-paced story aimed at 9-12 year olds - but don't let that put off older readers.

KRISTIANA CHILDS

WATERSTONES KENDAL