Eve Bunting – författare

Hilarious novel of boys competing in the Smelliest Sneaker competition.A competition with a difference is being sponsored by Slam Dunkers, makers of trainers even more famous than Nike! The kid who produces the smelliest, stinkiest, nastiest pair of trainers will win three pairs of prize footwear. The snag is that the smell has to be made by natural means, so, no washing feet for weeks, sleeping with your shoes on, jogging, no socks etc.Colin has tried everything and thinks he's produced the vilest pair in the world, he is sure to win the competition and impress Poppy, the girl he has a crush on. However, Colin's mum won’t let him keep the sneakers in the apartment. Colin has to leave them outside door, much to the chagrin of his neighbours but delight to Bruno, a neighbour's dog! The trainers, naturally, get pinched. Colin is convinced that the unscrupulous Jack Dunn has nicked them, so a little counter thieving has to take place, but, uh oh, you don't mess with the class bully, particularly when he has a vile older brother.Missing trainers, bull dogs who think they are bloodhounds but won't follow a trail if it involves crossing a road, false accusations and good intentions gone awry all play a part in this story. In the end it's Poppy who wins the competition, along with Colin's heart.This is a very funny book and pitched right at a chlld's level. Combined with the warmth of family life and the value of good friends, it has a terrific feel-good factor as well as a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. Perfect for summer reading.

The ultimate boy and dog story. Heartwarming and inspiring story as a boy fights to keep his dog alive. For 8 – 12 year olds.Eleven-year-old William gets his dog after a stormy period in his life; his parents have separated, dad has just got engaged and then his grandfather dies without any warning. Though Riley is no substitute for Grandpa, he is a wonderful dog. Riley behaves impeccably, he comes when called; doesn’t make puddles; sits up straight in the car and doesn’t tear up the flowerbeds. He is, in fact, the perfect dog. UNTIL one day he goes beserk with a neighbour’s beloved old racehorse. Local law states that any animal that chases livestock must be put to sleep. Suddenly William stands to lose something else that is close to him. Riley is taken away,…William and best-friend Grace start a campaign to save Riley.They get him a lawyer and get an action group together to raise money for his defence. The Press latch on to the story. Another action group is formed by the horse owner’s friend and it’s their intention NOT to save Riley. Polls are taken and the electorate are undecided. The final day of Riley’s life dawns and it’s going to take a miracle to save him. But William never gives up. Through sheer determination and hours surfing the internet, William comes up with the answer and the novel ends happily.An inspiring novel as William struggles to fight for what he believes in and about learning to accept life’s changes.This is a hugely satisfying novel with a real feel-good factor. The pace is maintained to the end and it is a riveting read, particularly for animal-loving children.