There’s something rather lovely about an old-fashioned grand hotel, especially when there’s a little mystery and mischief going on behind the scenes.

Mr Badger takes his job at the magnificent Boubles Grand Hotel very seriously. He’s determined to keep everything running smoothly, but of course, that’s easier said than done when things start going wrong.

Leigh Hobbs has created a rather charming character in Mr Badger, and I really enjoyed the storyline. There’s plenty happening to keep readers interested, with a good helping of humour, some wonderfully eccentric characters, and enough mischief to make you wonder what’s going to happen next.

It’s also the sort of book that could be great fun to read aloud, particularly if you’re a grandparent who enjoys putting on different voices and making a bit of a performance out of bedtime stories.

The illustrations, though, had me thinking about who would enjoy this book most.

Hobbs has a very distinctive, quirky style, and while the drawings didn’t immediately grab my attention, I can see how children aged seven and over would enjoy them. There’s plenty of detail to discover, and the illustrations certainly suit the rather unusual world of the Boubles Grand Hotel.

For younger children, though, I’m not so sure. I wonder whether the artwork would hold their attention in quite the same way, although the story itself certainly has enough going on to keep them listening.

I can just imagine sitting in a comfy chair with a grandchild, reading this one aloud and having a bit of fun with the characters. It’s definitely a story that lends itself to sharing.

Would I buy it? Yes, particularly for a child aged seven or older who enjoys a bit of mystery and humour. And I suspect grandparents might have just as much fun reading it aloud. An entertaining story with plenty of character, even if the illustrations took a little getting used to.