Monty the mole's favourite bedtime story is about a hero, a monster and a magic wand. Monty wants to be a hero too so he sneaks out at night in search of adventure. He meets Herbert the hedgehog and together they decide to be heroes and search for magic. Monty finds a conker shell and uses it as a helmet for protection in case they meet a monster! And they do - along comes a grumpy badger but Herbert uses his spikes to send him on his way. Then Herbert tumbles down a hole and it's Monty's chance to be a hero and help his friend. The heroes continue on their adventure and find what they think is a magic wand - a dandelion. They shake it but all the magic seems to disappear - or does it? Will Monty's wish come true? Beautifully illustrated, QEB's Storytime introduces children to the pleasures of reading and sharing stories. Discussion points for parents and teachers are also included.

Steve Smallman has been illustrating children's books for almost 30 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV's Bookaboo). When he's not working, Steve enjoys films, television, gardening and walking in the countryside.