Some nice things people have said about …

THE NOTWITCHES

“Some books make reading an irresistible joy and The Notwitches is one of them. Following Melanda as she escapes her awful aunts and dives into a world of young witches, daft gnomes and sleepy monsters, it is brimming with surreal silliness and is beautifully illustrated by Dotty Sutton.”
ANNA BONET, THE I PAPER, 14 BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF 2025

“The dialogue feels indebted to the surrealist humour of such TV comedy series as Blackadder or Monty Python’s Flying Circus, and the short, funny chapters zip along, making it a good option for youngsters who are still building confidence as independent readers. I can imagine some grown-ups may also enjoy reading this one out loud. It’s not-boring and definitely not-worthy. A triumph of nonsense.”
LUCY BANNERMAN, THE TIMES, CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

“A madcap adventure, perfect for young readers growing in confidence, brought joyfully to life by Dotty Sutton’s fun-filled illustrations.”
MARIANNE DOHERTY, THE SCOTSMAN

“Brimming with magical moments, loathsome villains, unexpected heroes and an almost-talking cat, The Notwitches has a big heart, and the spirit and effervescence of Roald Dahl.”
PAM NORFOLK, LANCASHIRE POST

“A hilarious adventure story and quite possibly the next Harry Potter.”
ARIANE SHERINE, AUTHOR AND COMEDY WRITER

“Oh. My. Goodness! I’ve just galloped through this fantastic book! Gary Panton and Dotty Sutton must be so proud.”
TELL TALES BOOKS, CHESHIRE

“I haven’t laughed so much at a children’s book in a long time!”
FIONA, THE EDINBURGH BOOKSHOP

“I’m utterly hooked! I feel 8 years old again – with a great book I can’t put down. It’s funny, it’s moving, the characters have strong voices … The Notwitches is a magically marvellous debut for Gary Panton, with spellbinding illustrations by Dotty Sutton.”
KIRSTEN ALLEN, BOOK BLOGGER

“What a laugh! What imagination!”
BOOKWAGON, INDEPENDENT CHILDREN’S BOOKSTORE

“Gary Panton writes with an unmatched exuberance. I’ve not laughed so hard when reading a book for a very long time!”
ARMADILLO ONLINE MAGAZINE

“The Notwitches by Gary Panton is absolutely delightful. Endless creativity, a cast of larger than life characters and bizarre, laugh-out-loud moments make this one of my favourite recent reads.”
KATE HEAP, SCOPE FOR IMAGINATION BLOG

“A zany, zesty, delightful adventure, brimming with humour and heart – perfectly gigglesome fun for young readers.”
BOOK CRAIC BLOG

“A truly lovely story with humour and heart! I can’t wait for more adventures with Melanda, Mitch, Rolo and the Hairy Skulls!”
ERIN LYN HAMILTON, MY SHELVES ARE FULL BOOK BLOG

“As a school librarian I was frequently asked by children for a ‘funny book with pictures’ and this hugely entertaining fiction debut by Gary Panton with its wonderful illustrations by Dotty Sutton would definitely be top of my recommendations at the moment. At times laugh out loud funny, The Notwitches also features some brilliant characters and kindness and positivity too.”
LIBRARY LADY BLOG

“A fun read, with imaginative characters, interesting back stories and two main protagonists you can easily root for.”
SCHOOLREADINGLIST.CO.UK

THE NOTWITCHES: PRISON BREAK!

“We loved Panton’s debut for seven to 11-year-olds and the follow-up is equally captivating. Superb!”
THE SUNDAY POST

“Get ready to be bewitched and beguiled by the second book in a sparkling illustrated adventure series from the spellbinding team of author, editor and doodler Gary Panton and talented new illustrator Dotty Sutton.”
PAM NORFOLK, LANCASHIRE POST

“At a time when research about the decline in reading for pleasure among children is causing concern, Gary Panton has, I think, created something that may convince youngsters that reading can be huge fun. Definitely a book to recommend to newly confident readers of about 7+ and a treat to read aloud.”
LIBRARY LADY BLOG

“This follow-up is a hugely entertaining read and is perfect for any Harriet Muncaster or Laura Ellen Anderson fans who are looking to take their next step when it comes to reading confidently and independently. Panton’s leftfield sense of humour sparks on the page, making this an entertaining read to share with children and read aloud, too.”
BECCA WATTS, THE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN MAGAZINE

“The blend of humour and heart, wackiness and wickedness, in this adventure is just perfect. The short chapters, playfulness of the language, fast-paced action and wonderful twists and turns will keep young readers turning pages and is ideal for building reading stamina.”
BOOK CRAIC BLOG

“With high stakes and high comedy, Prison Break! is a perfect choice for young readers.”
ALICE NUTTALL, BOOK RIOT