Ben Mantle's "The Best Birthday Present Ever!" was a fab little book, introducing us to two awesome animal characters, Bear and Squirrel who are the best of friends.
They're back in this festive story, and when Squirrel drops off Bear's massive present a few sleeps before the big day, Bear frantically realises that he hasn't come up with the perfect present for Squirrel yet!
"It's got to be something good!" thinks Bear. "After all, Squirrel has got me something HUGE in that big blue box!"
Bear decides to knit a christmas jumper - but he's a bit hopeless with a pair of knitting needles (yep, me too!)
More ideas are required - so bear calls on his other friends for help and ideas. Will he come up with the perfect gift before the big day?
We love so many things about this story, and in particular the fab little details and touches that Ben puts into his page spreads (Rabbit's underground home is a delight but Owl's picture gallery had us literally hooting with laughter - we'll let you find out why!)
There's still time to dash out and grab a copy so do it, it's a fab tale that positively invites a good spirited reading with loads of opportunities for actions and silly voices - just our sort of thing!
Charlotte's favourite bit: Squirrel and Bear enjoying their presents in the end papers (which are truly fab!!) and the wonderful 'pay off' in the story really is awesome!
Daddy's favourite bit: Owl's study with the most splendid picture gallery you'll ever see ("Paint me like one of your French owls, Jack!")
(Kindly sent to us for review by awesome Ben Mantle himself! Thanks Ben and thanks also for signing, and for the superb wrapping paper which we very carefully kept and stuck on our zap board!)
"The Best Christmas Present Ever!"
Written and Illustrated by Ben Mantle
Published by Macmillan Children's Books
Publication Date: 5th October 2015