Moon Pie

Zany, thought-provoking, and humorous, Moon Pie is a high impact novel. Vivid characterisation and an assured, lively and sometimes lyrical tone create a wholly convincing backdrop for Martha who is struggling to keep her family on track through her father's alcoholism. Incisive observations combined with perfectly timed comedic movements make this a sure winner.

Jake Hope, The Bookseller

A subtle book that is very moving at but also full of wit, life and, above all, love.

Marcus Sedgwick, The Guardian

Outstanding . . . This is a book that addresses painful events with a wonderfully ebullient comic touch . . . It's Mason's gift for the way that people, especially children, speak and think that makes the book gripping and absorbing . . . [It] addresses a difficult subject with a vigour and charm that will beguile any child interested in real life. The opposite of grim, its originality, tone and ebullience deserves prizes as well as praise.

Amanda Craig, The Times

This is a beautifully told story that is long on affection and short on preaching.

Julia Eccleshare, The Guardian.co.uk

An absolute delight. It is honest, and tackles a difficult subject - the descent into alcoholism of a man who has lost his wife - with great wit.

Philip Womack, The Telegraph

Topics like dead mothers and alcoholic fathers are extremely difficult to address for this age group, but Mason tells the story with compassion and humour.

Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

Moon Pie is a charming, unusual story that will appeal to any child who enjoys true-to-life tales... With plenty of wit and humour, this book addresses issues that affect many children with a light touch.

Red House

I loved this gorgeous little book. Its subject is dreadfully dour, but it's not a dour book at all. Firstly, no matter the faults of the adults in the book - and they are legion - the genuine love in the family shines through. It's always clear that where there's love, there's hope. This is an important message at any time, but it's crucial when you're writing for tweens and pre-tweens. Secondly, Simon Mason has an enviable lightness of touch. He can write about a midnight picnic so that it makes you smile even though you know it's actually a very dark event, symptomatic of how dangerous Martha's father's drinking has become. And thirdly, there's a wonderful cast of larger-than-life supporting characters. 5 stars

The Bookbag

Best known for his Quigleys books, Mason tackles the sensitive topic of an alcoholic father with great aplomb. It's happy, sad, compassionate and funny with wonderfully drawn child characters Martha and Tug.

Fiona Noble, The Bookseller