You Can Do It, Sam! by Amy Hest and Anita Jeram (Walker Books)

Sam the Bear (who looks a little bit like the Walker Books bear) is the star of a series of gentle bedtime books that are snuggly warm and cosy and the perfect antidote on a cold rainy night. In this tale Sam accompanies his mother on a bake run. They carefully make cakes to share around their neighbourhood and Sam must pluck up all his courage to run to each doorstep by himself with his precious cargo.

It's a simple story, beautifully told and equally beautifully illustrated with lovely painterly illustrations. Children easily identify with characters like Sam and it's no wonder that the book series has been such a success.

We've previously read "Don't you feel well, Sam?" which is also worth checking out.

Charlotte's best bit: Sam making the delicious cakes (and licking the spoon just like she does, often before the cakes are even in the oven!)

Daddy's favourite bit: Gentle storytelling and lovely illustrations, a real snuggly book

Rating: 3 out of 5