It is really great to see this fantastic series of full colour comic style books, for the younger reader. As a reader in the 1960s and 1970s, I remember the adventures of characters such as Rupert Bear, Danger Mouse and then later Asterix and Tintin. However, these were all created as annuals or as large format books and it is only in recent years that we have seen the arrival of graphic novels in a smaller format.
This series feature a dog called Peggy and her friends in the animal village of Tangletree, but especially her young sidekick Stu. I particularly enjoy the fact that there are two separate adventures in each of the two books so far, which makes it a pleasure to read with the younger audience. In both of the books Peggy is going for her morning walk with her owner, who then throws her ball into the woods, with Peggy going to retrieve it. However, when Peggy enters the wood everything changes and she becomes a sleuth who help the other animals solve the crimes and mysteries in their village. It also seems to have a different time zone, so that when Peggy leaves, little or no time has passed in the real world.
Peggy and Stu Investigate volume 1
Slime Time

Welbeck Children’s Books, 978-1801300735
When Peggy arrives in Tangletree woods, she is hoping for more mysteries to solve, but does not imagine it would involve all of her friends. She finds that everyone is extremely sleepy and covered in a really foul smelling slime. can our intrepid investigator find the culprit behind all of these events and can they be stopped?
Mud Race
This episode involves the animals taking part in the annual mud race, only this year the route is being created by a new design of track laying machine. When the machine appears to go out of control, without its driver and creates a dangerous route for the race, the investigators have to save the day and prevent anyone getting hurt.
Peggy and Sue Play the Wrong Notes volume 2
Trumpet Trouble

Welbeck Children’s Books, 978-1801301534
On this occasion, Peggy arrives at the village to find everyone preparing for the spring dance that evening, but then Joan, the squirrel arrives with her trumpet that is not playing properly. Then the trumpet takes flight and the investigators have to race after it; but who has ever heard of a trumpet that can move by itself? Of course there is a solution and it consists of a tiny creature, called a Peskie, that has hidden in the instrument and has been attempting to take it to its own home, for their own party. As with all of these stories, all’s well that ends well and everyone has a great time.
Cake Crimes
When Peggy arrive at Tangletree village she discovers that it is the grand unveiling of a new statue to the mayor and a party is going to take place. To help in this, a pop-up bakery has set up in the square and everyone thinks the cakes are fabulous. Unfortunately, they eat so many sweet things that they all start to get toothache; then a dentist sets up and is willing to treat them, but is this too much of a coincidence? It is up to the intrepid Peggy to save the day and find out what has been going on.
What a delightful series of stories for those who are just starting the reading journey. The comic style illustrations provide an excellent flow to the stories and there is just enough text to keep the plots going at a quick pace. I love the way that the illustrator has varied the layout of each of the frames and also the dazzling array of colours that we see. The books combine adventure, friendship and a lot of humour, whilst also providing lessons about acceptable behaviour. These are very highly recommended and I look forward to the next in the series, coming in June 2025. It is called “Peggy and Stu hear something strange”
About the creators
Joel Stewart and Steve Roberts collaborate closely, both writing and illustrating the Tangletree series
together. Previously they collaborated on TV animation including Abney & Teal and BOT and the
Beasties.
Steve has also created DipDap and Twirlywoos for Ragdoll, which both won Children’s BAFTAs. Before
his work in television Steve was a freelance illustrator in comics.
Joel has also illustrated for Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen, Michael Bond as well as his own picture
books.