Charlie Cook's Favourite Book (10th Anniversary Edition) by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (Macmillan Children's Books)

Celebrating stories, books and the endless imagination of children - how could we possibly resist a book that ticks all those boxes so wonderfully? We originally reviewed Charlie Cook's Favourite Book back in 2013 and for some reason it didn't score as big a hit with Charlotte as I thought it might. Now, "Charlie" is back for a timely reprint to celebrate its 10th Book Anniversary so I thought I'd try it out on "The Boss" once more.

Charlie Cook tucks himself into his favourite armchair and reads a story that begins with the tale of a pirate captain. He's a swashbuckling cove who himself loves a good tale, reading all about Goldilocks - who is also reading HER favourite story, the tale of a gallant knight. Stories flow between the various characters making up this lilting and lyrical tale (you just KNOW how brilliant Julia Donaldson's verse is to read aloud). Axel Scheffler's art is a delight as ever, and this time around Charlotte loved picking out the detail in each panel (particularly one fantastic spread with a rather entertaining story-based newspaper - and of course The Gruffalo popping up for a tiny cameo).

The end-papers are a hoot particularly if your kids are as pun-obsessed as Charlotte is. So if like us you've managed to read The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, it's definitely time to catch up with this slightly more obscure but nonetheless fantastic book.

Charlotte's best bit: Giggling aloud at the end paper books and the hilarious story-based newspaper

Daddy's Favourite bit: Stories flow deliciously from one character to another before we arrive back with Charlie, and his soaring and colourful imagination. Brilliant and happy 10th Anniversary to a gorgeous book!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Macmillan Children's Books)

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