By Adam Hargreaves

BBC Children’s Books, out now

It’s time for the 13th Doctor and her friends to enter the world of Roger Hargreaves in this mashup of Mr Men and Doctor Who.

At this point in time you’re very likely sold on the Roger Hargreaves version of Doctor Who. What’s not to love? Taking a well-loved property (The Mr. Men) and using their USP of brightly-coloured and easy-to-copy characters and then matching this to the well-known looks and characteristics of the different regenerations of the Doctor has been a winning combination. Parents have bought them to read to their children, or for children to read alone. Or adult fans seeking some nostalgia have just bought them for themselves.

And what of Dr. Jodie? Adam Hargreaves (carrying the torch now following the passing of his father) has wisely taken the new Doctor’s distinctive flicked hairstyle, earcuff and boots to define the look of his yellowy-brown character. And because it’s the latest TARDIS ensemble we also get fun versions of Yaz (with space buns), Graham and Ryan. Ryan is a bit like Dr Ninth, but brown, and Graham has that all-knowing wrinkled brow on his blue Mr Grumpy body.

The story is about the Doctor trying to create the best surprise birthday party ever for Yaz, involving a trip to a Sontaran bakery, war-time London (for barrage balloons) and candelabra from old France.

Verdict: Following a tried, tested and popular formula, Dr. Thirteenth can proudly sit alongside the other 13 volumes on the bookshelf. Witty, silly and with a clear moral message for the little ones, it’s just what you’d hope for, and I’ve no doubt this ideal stocking filler will be bundled with the latest annual for many fans this December 25th. 9/10

 

Read our interview with Adam Hargreaves from when the Dr. Men range was launched