I bought the first set of 4 books at an event in Bristol for my daughter who is aged 8. We have finished reading them and I want to say how amazing they were, we enjoy them so much. As a mother, I have read many books but these are fabulous and so easy to grasp for the children and keep them engaged, the names and characters are just perfect.I want to take this opportunity to thank you very much and I'm really looking forward to ordering my next lot including the new one called Madam Mous-Elle and it would be wonderful if you could dedicate and sign them!
Fantastic books! Doing a wonderful job to show off our amazing wildlife, with great sketches to bring the characters to life! I met Sue at a craft event and was fascinated by the way the story started.
A wonderful, enchanting series of books about a brave badger and his fantastic furry friends. Funny, charming and educational, these books are perfect for kids aged 5-8. If you're looking for a quirky, fun adventure series, you can't go past Itchybald Scratchet. I can't wait for the next book!P.S. Love the blog page!
This is a fantastic series of books, from the very young to the not so very young. I can't wait for the next book to come out, so I know what happens to these amazing creatures. Well done to all concerned for getting these books to in front of us the public.
Itchybald Scratchet is a fantastic book and great for the young and elderly it's very informative and really funny, the words are very clear to read however children may need help on the bigger words ..other than that a fantastic read``.Itchybald Scratchet is a fantastic book and great for the young and elderly it's very informative and really funny, the words are very clear to read however children may need help on the bigger words ..other than that a fantastic read.
A brilliant series of books, with really interesting characters, and exciting adventures. I love the fact that the story is so educational, and the challenges that these creatures face will really help children (of all ages!) to understand how our lives and behaviour affect them so much. These books take you back to the way books should be for children. Innocent, informative and kind. I have the whole set, ready for when my grandson understands cause & effect, and starts lecturing me! A wonderful present for birthdays, Christmas ... or just because! I'm so impressed with my new education that I have a whole different gratitude for the badger who sneaks into my garden ... and also last night's fox! Congratulations to the Author and the Illustrator. Make this Boy famous!
My eight-year old boy has read all the books and he loves them. They tell stories of friendship and perseverance. They are written in a way that is easy to understand without patronising children. In fact, I think adults would enjoy these books.
Itchybald Scratchet is a series of books written by Sue C Medcalf who has made the life and tribulations of Badgers extremely interesting. It doesn’t matter what your age is, young and old alike love these beautifully written books and there are also illustration to attract the interest of the younger ones. Believe me these books would make a great Christmas present and are very reasonably priced. Beautiful books, well done Sue keep up the good work.
Another great story from this husband-and-wife team. It's quirky and full of fun as we follow Itchy, Stropple, Fidget, Badger, Norm and the other creatures in their adventures through the countryside. Lovely illustrations in black and white - I do think b/w is underrated now. Looking forward to the next volume. “There’s nothing like a really good scratch!” Indeed! Highly recommended.
Book 6 arrived and I couldn't wait to read it! Once again a great read and brilliant story, I particularly like the play on words in all the books. I liked the bit about Dinosaurs and the name Doyouthinkhesawus!!
Our first book reviews from Australia!!Hi Sue,
I think your books are really awesome. I really like how you did those cute names like:
Neighomi, Norm, Matty, Itchy, Peter pheasant and Fidget.I think children in Australia from ages 6-12 will love reading these books and its also quite interesting for them to learn about badgers in England as we don't have them in Australia. Looking forward to book 6.
Our first book reviews from Australia!!
Hi Sue,
I really liked your books 1-5. They are funny, educational and great to read. I am really looking forward to reading book 6 of Itchy's journey back from Australia.
I think all the schools in Australia (ages 6-12) should have them for children to read.(Especially my school!) I can't wait to read book 6 to see how Itchy and his friends have more adventure's in Australia.
Oh Sue, what wonderful books. Could you write a little faster please? I have bought the whole series so far for my grandson Alfie. Each time he sees me, he asks if you have a new one out.
Alfie had just started at a school which has a badger as its school badge, when I found the first two books about Itchybald, which have created an enthusiasm for badgers, reading and the natural world that has taken us all by surprise.
Each Christmas Alfie tells his parents that he hopes he knows what Nana has got for one of his presents - because if it is an Itchy book, it will be his favourite present. And when he got a book and masks, well it was the best present ever because he could actually BE Itchy!!
Thank you so much. Who would think a book series could add so much to a child’s life! Keep them coming.
Geoff Smith, Headteacher at Kehelland Village School in Camborne, kindly sent us these reviews:
Itchybald Scratchet is one of the best books I have ever read. I love what they call humans- upples.
I also like how they use co-operation to build a raft. My favourite part is the very last page because it's been left as a massive cliff hanger. I would really like to find out what happens next!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals, particularly Badgers and mice.
I loved the different words you used and the exciting adventures to save Badger Wood. I loved how you finished the story with an open question
My grandson Zac sent me his review as follows:
I loved the books. From the interesting situation they get stuck in to the implant of real problems like the badger culling season. I found the books incredible. I liked how Ichybald gets an oversized mouse just to pull the book for as realistic as possible to a sense of cartoonish. I almost imagine the badgers in a real world and then a cartoon mouse joining them. Thoughts like that are why I love these books so much and can’t wait for the next ones!
I have just ordered your new book (4) for my son Morgan who absolutely adores bedtime with Itchybald.
If you could sign the book for him, I am certain it will make it that bit special.
Many thanks.
You've done it again, just finished book 4 and once again it is so enjoyable and I can't wait for book 5 to come out. What an amazing series and it's not just the children that enjoy reading them.
Hello. My name is Thomas. I am 9 years old and I am really enjoying the Itchybald Scratchet books. I was wondering when the 4 book is coming out?
I so loved reading this story, it is so amusing and I just wanted a couple of kids that I could read it out to as the way it is written you can put humour and drama into the way you relay it to them.
The names of the characters are great too, funny and a brilliant play on words. We too have started saying ‘upples’. Text size is good and I just love the illustrations.
I also like they way it introduces children to the countryside and nature and the problems they face in this modern age.
When you come to the end of the book you want to get the next one to see how Itchy gets on in his adventures and what else is going to befall him. Will he save Badger Wood? Well I will have to keep reading the series to find out won’t I!
Can I add that I think the age range is just right too? Children will enjoy this series so it will get them away from electronics and introduce them to another world – reading!
I was really excited to see that book 3 was on sale. I've read books 1 & 2 and really loved the books. Can't wait to get home to read The Missing Friend.
I bought the Trilogy of Itchybald Scratchet and started reading it that night in my caravan. Absolutely loved it, didn't want it to finish, but the end was a cliffhanger! Can't wait to read the rest, it's not just for children!!
We've again bought books 1& 2 for our children Corey & Grace at Badger Bonanza. We purchase these fantastic books from Secret World Somerset every year, the children look forward to the new book every time we visit. Thanks to Sue & Ian ! Keep the books coming , perfect bedtime read for little people.
I love the character Itchybald Scratchet, what a wonderful name. I have read The Tales Begin and Return from Rainbow Ravine over and over, I love the stories and can't wait for the next book in the series. It would make a lovely gift to your children and adults.
I really enjoyed reading book 1, it's very good and leaves you on a cliff hanger, well worth reading I'm sure kids will love it.
I liked Itchybald Scratchet The Tales Begin, it was very exciting but I didn't like the cliff hanger at the end.
Wow, I loved The tales of Itchybald Scratchet and have just read the second book Return from Rainbow Ravine, can't wait for the next book please get it into print as soon as possible.
The tales of Itchybald Scatchet Book 1 and Book 2 are amazing, and the story continues. It is nice to read such a wonderful story that you know will be great for all children and their imaginations. Well done to the author Sue C Medcalf, keep them coming - I look forward to reading more. (I am a grandma of 71 years of age ) and I love them.
Itchybald Scratchet - The Tales Begin was the most wonderful story I have read in a long time. It was a pleasure to read, not only for myself but to my grandchildren as well. Can't wait to read more about these badgers and there home and adventures. Another book along the lines of Wind in the Willows. Wonderful. C Beer a very happy reader.
Both my children loved the book - Zacc - 7 - asked a million and one questions about badgers, mice tales and general countryside living - eg. have I ever been stuck down a well??
Freya - 9 - had a different approach to the book but was still intrigued by the lives and going's on of animals living in the wild. A great story that really opened the imagination of the children and has led us on some great adventures looking for Itchy and his pals..!! Can't wait for the next chapter of the story..........!!.
Review from Poppy aged 9 in Eastbourne. She was given the book to read and enjoyed it, this is what she said