Sparkling, original and fun - meet Opal Moonbaby, the alien who came to stay, in this brilliant new series for 7+ girls.

The story of an alien who comes to earth on a mission to make friends, this is a rather lovely debut. Quirky and very charming, Opal is something of a futuristic Pippi Longstocking, which can only be a good thing BOOKSELLER a little like Pippi Longstocking meets Dodie Smith ... with a sprinkle of Jacqueline Wilson-esque social commentary thrown in for good measure. I really enjoyed this. It's got a certain, almost old-fashioned, charm to it DID YOU EVER STOP TO THINK... "I loved this book ... I really enjoy the way Opal speaks and all the things she tells Martha and Robbie about Carnelia, her home planet ... The plot was great and has us guessing all the way through, and the ending was fantastic. I recommend this funny, great book to boys and girls who love having fun and are 7 or older." Review by 7 year old Isabella CHICKLISH "I so wish I had a friend like Opal Moonbaby and a pet like Garnet. They would be so funny to hang out with! ... It's the best, best, best best!' Isabella (age 9) It's amazing! I can't wait to read the next one. Katya (age 11) "You can't put down this brilliant, magical and hilarious book - I had to read it again. [Opal Moonbaby is a] very well written story about aliens, friendships and challenges. Opal, Martha and Robbie are very good characters because of their great sense of humour when things aren't always that easy. I have read this book a lot of times and it never gets boring." Joe Duval Smith (age 10) I really loved the book. Maudie really knows how kids' friendships work, I thought the book was really sensitive and made me laugh. I loved Opal's happy-go-lucky personality and the way she got all her human phrases wrong. Max (age 10) "Now - I want you to remember the name of Opal Moonbaby - she's a brilliant comic creation ... Opal sparkles and she's totally original. I lovedher. And Maudie Smith gives us a great story too. She's pitch-perfect on the way that girls in this age group act." -- Sue Magee THE BOOKBAG Opal Moonbaby is one of my favourite books because it is so imaginative. Opal Moonbaby is funny, creative, quirky and heart-warming. Juliet, 10 With fantasy like this, the mostr serious critical questions is whether the willing suspension of disbelief is sustained. Here the characters are believable and their actions and responses ring true. Many of the interactions are marked with genuine humour. Opal has superhuman powers and uses them to strip pretensions from those human characters who ring false. The language used in the narrative is appropriate and consistent, with one or two daring insertions that work pretty well. BOOKS FOR KEEPS A touching story deliciously tinged with magic -- Julia Eccleshare LOVEREADING4KIDS This charming debut has everything: strong characterisation, dramatic narrative and a perfect ending. Furthermore, the themes of friendship, trust and tolerance present a powerful message. Children will have fun reading and talking about Opal Moonbaby. This could be the beginning of a great new series. Parents, teachers and librarians, please take note: Maudie Smith is 'zooming totally fantabulous'! NEWBOOKS Brilliant story, great characters. Highly recommended for 7+, especially girls. This warm and quirtky book will appeal to many girls, whilst avoiding some of the more obvious girliness that is sometimes seen on the shelves for this age group ... I loved the lightness of touch and general humour of this. THOUGHTS FROM THE HEARTHFIRE The plot is very well paced and there are a lot of surprises in store for the reader. Opal is a fascinating character and is well balanced by the more sensible Martha ... This is a hilarious book and Smith is hugely successful in bringing Opal and her alien ways to life. BOOKBABBLERS Who can resist this delightful, quirky, entertaining book which brings new words and phrases to our vocabulary, such as scoff capsules, hydrophones, swimbats and fantariums. Opal Moonbaby is one of the most charming children's books that I have read in a long time ... As soon as Opal stepped out of her spaceship I found her adorable. her zany and vibrant character would brighten anyone's life ... This book is truly a delight and will entertain all age groups. SERENDIPITY REVIEWS This funny, touching story of a very special friendship will delight and entertain both boys and girls aged 7

Debut author, Maudie Smith started out as an actor, devising new musical plays for which she also wrote lyrics. Her many roles in children's theatre include the Snow Queen and Piglet. More recently she has written a libretto for a newly commissioned opera. In 2011 she completed an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. Maudie lives near Bath with her screenwriter husband and their two daughters, along with a menagerie of cats, chickens and stick insects.