This is quite a fun book that gives a bit of a different view on the traditional fairy tales that are about. The characters of Gertrude and Toby work really well together and can see them becoming even more firm favourites as they move from this adventure in to the next.

This is the second part of the Gertrude and Toby Fairy Tale Adventure series. I recently read the first part to my 5 year old daughter and she was really looking forward to this one.

In the first book we met Gertrude, who is rather brave, and Toby who is a bit dim, and followed their adventures which included a witch with poison apples, a frog princess and some candy pilfering (accidental). In that chaos we saw the Gingerbread Man make his escape, only for in this story to find himself stuck up a beanstalk. There are appearances from Hansel and Gretel in this book as well, which is I think one of the things that kids will love about this book. It's like adults watching a film and spotting a cameo or seeing our favourite series crossing over.

Again this is a delightful story. It's warm and funny, and is easy to read aloud and just the right level of challenging for a 5-8 to read to themselves. As this was an advance copy not all the illustrations were complete but I have seen enough of the previous artwork to know these will be excellent. There are another two parts to follow in this series, and I have a hopeful child there will be other series featuring these characters.

I liked book two as much as I the first one. Can't wait to see with all the illustrations done. My review is really about the same as the first book. . I was anxious to turn the page to see happened next. A real adventure with some very cute "guest stars"! It was fun and spunky. The characters are likable and cute. I've found a new series for not only the library but for my new grandson as well!!

Fans of the first Gertrude and Toby book will be excited about this new adventure, which continues to feature characters from familiar fairy tales. Appealing to children in the lower elementary grades, this book, as well as the others in the series, would be welcome additions to literature units about fractured fairy tales. The characters are quirky, and the text follows a familiar pattern which young children would enjoy.

Gertrude the Goat and Toby the Tortoise are up for another adventure! This time, they decide to go out and about when Farmer McFarland takes his prize pig to the county fair. On their way into town, they meet several characters including a flying carpet. However, once Gertrude and Toby reach the Hay Bale Market, they hear a cry for help and discover that it is their friend the Gingerbread Man!

Another fun adventure with two lovable friends! This time the mischievous pair meets even more fairy tale characters and made new friends with Hansel and Gretel. I loved the question and answer portion throughout the book where Gertrude asks Toby "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" This made it fun to ask when reading to little ones. Gertrude finds a way to help their friend the Gingerbread Man with a little inventiveness and the help of a new friend, the carpet. Colorful, lighthearted illustrations clearly illustrate the action and each page and round out the story.