Will Shakespeare: The Stinky Stolen Toenails by Kaz Penney
Illustrated by Sammy Elgie
Paperback published by Andersen Press 26th March 2026
ISBN 9781839137594
Pages 256
For 8-11 years
Will Shakespeare Mysteries
My name is Will Shakespeare, and I should be cleaning out the enormous pile of poo in our privy collecting the Christmas Pie from the butcher’s
But really I’m Solving the MYSTERY of Henry VII’s stolen STINKY toenail clippings
Trying to get Ronaldo and Judy back together, because Ronaldo keeps crying like a baby
Hiding from my parents because of the poo ( see above) and I may have lost the pie.
I’m in a tURNP-load of TROUBLE.
MY REVIEW
Kaz Penny has a brilliant sense of humour and a fantastic imagination, with amazing writing, about Will Shakespeare in the most funniest way possible. Will Shakespeare lived in Stratford-Upon-Avon. I couldn’t stop laughing at what Will and his best friend Tybalt get up to.
Will wants to be the greatest person who solves crimes.
Ronaldo wants to marry Judy, Master Catapult’s Daughter, but he needs to give Judy’s father his family’s heirloom treasure the stinky toenails, that belonged to Henry VIII’s, to him before Ronaldo can be granted his wishes to marry Judy.
When the stinky toenails go missing, it’s up to Will and Tybalt to find out who stole the stinky toenails.
Will is sent to buy the Christmas Pie from the butcher’s for the family Twelfth Night party. He buys the Christmas Pie, but adventures home without it.
What happened to the Christmas pie? And can Will find out who is responsible for taking the stinky toenails?
Honestly this story is the best it’s so hilarious, I can hear children crying with laughter!
About author Kez Penney
Kaz Penney writes for adults and children.
As Katharine Corr she is the co-author of seven young adult fantasy novels, including the Kirkus-starred ‘Daughter of the Underworld (sold as Daughter of Darkness in the UK and France) published by Hot Key Books / Candlewick Press.
As Kate Penney, she writes romantic comedies for grown ups. We’ll Always Have Paris (her debut) is being published by Hodder & Stoughton in February 2026
Kaz read history at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, and worked in London before becoming a full-time mother and writer. She was introduced to Shakespeare by her mum, who believed that the Bard, with his timeless insights into what makes us human, is for everyone. Kaz hopes these books will be a fun and relatable introduction to Shakespeare for kids from all backgrounds. https://www.instagram.com/katethescribe
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