20 Mar 2026

Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Call from Buckingham Palace is a funny and fast-moving picture book about two cat detectives who get called to Buckingham Palace to protect a giant wheel of cheddar at the King’s birthday ball. Of course, things do not stay calm for long. A sneaky mouse shows up, the cheese goes flying, and the whole story turns into a goofy royal chase before midnight. It is packed with humor, bright illustrations, and a playful mystery that feels perfect for a read-aloud.

I had a really good time with this picture book. It feels warm, silly, and full of life. Fang and Bang are easy to like right away, and I loved the addition of Tilly the guard dog because she gives the team a fresh spark. The writing keeps things moving. It has that nice storytime rhythm. I also really liked the interactive parts where you look for the Midnight Mouse in the scenes. That kind of thing makes a book fun to share, and it would have kept me hooked as a kid.

What stood out most to me was how the book mixes fun with heart. It’s not just chaos and cheese, even though that is a big part of the charm. There is teamwork, problem-solving, and a sweet sense of friendship running through it all. The illustrations are a huge part of the magic, too. They are colorful, lively, and full of little details that make each page feel busy in the best way. I also love the bonus bit about the history of cheddar cheese. That is such a wonderful extra. It made me smile because it feels unexpected and clever.

I would definitely recommend this children’s book to parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone reading with kids around ages four to eight. It’s especially good for children who love animals, gentle mysteries, and stories that invite them to join in. I think it would shine at bedtime, during classroom read-alouds, or in family storytime. For me, it’s the kind of book that kids would ask for again, and the kind adults would not mind reading over and over.

Pages: 32 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FQ63PCH3

October 12, 2025 Thea Ferzola 35 reviews

Tracey 19 reviews November 17, 2025

Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Call from Buckingham Palace is another delightful installment in this imaginative series. Fang and Bang, the clever cat detective duo, set out on a new adventure to protect the kingdom’s finest wheel of cheddar. The cats enlists Tilly, the proud palace guard dog, to help them protect the wheel during the birthday ball adding a fresh dynamic to the team.

The story is full of charm and humor, with colorful illustrations that bring the palace setting to life. Each page feels vibrant and engaging, and I especially loved the interactive element of spotting the Midnight Mouse hidden in different scenes. It’s the kind of detail that keeps children entertained while parents enjoy the clever storytelling. Another highlight is the surprise bonus at the end: “The History of Cheddar Cheese.” It’s both unexpected and entertaining, blending real-world trivia with the whimsy of the adventure. This extra touch makes the book feel educational as well as fun, which is a rare and welcome combination.

This book continues the tradition of the Fang, Bang and Midnight Mouse series—imaginative storytelling, vibrant artwork, and clever details that make each read feel special. A wonderful choice for bedtime reading or family story time.

Ivonne Rovira 2,548 reviews October 29, 2025

The titular Fang and Bang are the feline “mouse managers” of the Rickety Barn at Lane End Farm. But that is merely their day jobs. As loyal subjects of King Charles, Fang and Bang serve as His Royal Highness’ agents in foiling the heists planned by “the notorious cheese thief, the Midnight Mouse,” as author J-J Murray puts it. This time the rodentine Moriarty has her sights set on the United Kingdom’s finest cheese wheel, which will be served at a birthday ball King Charles is giving King Alexander of the Netherlands. Will the wicked Midnight Mouse get the cheese? Or will Fang and Bang spoil her plans and get their mouse?

Murray’s picture book invites young readers to find where the Midnight Mouse is hiding on the pages. What a wonderful feeling for kids to see the Midnight Mouse when two feline detectives do not! Katie Taylor’s full-color illustrations are the cherry on top of this five-star gem.