Story anthologies really seem to be making something of a comeback, which actually delights us no end - as for me these were the sort of books I grew up with, and for C it means you get way more stories than usual in a nice large format hardback.

"A World Full of Spooky Stories" by Angela McAllister and Madalina Andronic is a peerless collection of 50 tales from right across the world. Tales that dance with the dark side of myth and legend, introducing beautiful heroines, mighty heroes, and all manner of strange creatures and dark magic.

Some tales will be familiar to you, but others feel fresh and original, and are deftly reworked by Angela with glorious characterful artwork by Madalina.

From the fearsome witch Baba Yaga to the slithery serpent woman from Spain, the rescue of Tam Lin from the bewitching Queen of the Fairies to the story of how Father Death gets caught in the Enchanted Apple Tree.

It's sometimes amusing how Book of the Week winners can arrive for review just as we're discussing their particular topic on Twitter...

Another gorgeous Natural History book from Wide Eyed Editions now, let's take a walk on the wild side...

Wow, now this is the sort of book that we like - one that you can take your time over, and really find something new every time you delve in.

Roll up, roll up! Step right up ladies and gentleman for the strongest flea you'll ever see! Mighty Samson!

Each era is depicted in the fold-out format of this book with scenes, buildings, costumes and people you'd expect to find in those historical periods. A stack of facts and figures are also shoehorned in, making this an incredibly detailed snapshot of a city's history, landmarks and daily life.






Charlotte's best bit: Victorian London at the height of the Industrial Revolution!

Daddy's Favourite bit: A superb pocket format fold out book that's crammed with fascinating information.






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

As darkly delicious as a cup of mulled wine enjoyed in front of a crackling fire, "Winter's Child" has to be one of the most beautiful festive books we've seen this year. It's also one of the most enjoyable stories - feeling like it's drawn from traditional folk tales you can imagine told to children as they snuggle up in bed waiting for Santa.

A young boy loves the winter. He can ski, and skate and spend all day playing. But as food becomes more scarce and even the boy's beloved skis have to be sacrificed for firewood, it feels like winter has gone on for far too long.

Meeting a mysterious silver-haired child as he plays, the boy thinks he's found a new playmate - but doesn't realise that it is Winter's Child, and until he goes to sleep, Spring cannot come.

As the tale of their friendship unfolds, things get worse for the boy's mum and grandma as the very last scraps of food are eaten and there's nothing left to burn on the fire. The boy heads out in his damp winter clothes determined to explain the situation to The Winter's Child...

The luxurious and detailed illustrations are so beautiful, that this book is destined to become an instant treasure for many children who will soak up the gorgeous visuals and wonderful story. I love books that give Charlotte a genuine 'wow' when we unwrap them together, and "The Winter's Child" definitely did that - and it's been in constant demand ever since.


Charlotte's best bit: A genuinely beautiful moment at the end of the book when the tale draws to an end (but we're not going to spoil it for you)

Daddy's Favourite bit: So lusciously illustrated, so expertly told, so run out and buy a copy immediately!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Templar Publishing)

In our valiant quest to track down as many books about super-heroes as possible, we've discovered a little gem nestling amongst the library stacks. The talented twosome of Angela McAllister and Alex T. Smith have created a book that wonders..."What if someone in your family, nay what if your MUM was a secret superhero?"

When a young boy, Milo, suspects his mum has X-Ray vision, he sets out to prove it. Somehow, mum always seems to know when he's up to no good. Using too much bubble bath, bouncing on the bed, even sneaking the kitchen pots and pans out into the garden for a bit of messy play. Mum seems to just KNOW!

She seems to be able to see through walls and ceilings, but Milo's best friend isn't so sure - So Milo hatches a plan to prove her super-hero status once and for all.

The delicious twist comes mid-way through the book - Mum is actually a real-life superhero and while Milo struggles to get her to reveal her super-powers, she's actually out there saving the world, righting wrongs and saving a lovely old lady from a nasty fall! She really is super!

Tight, pacey writing from Angela - coupled with Alex's adorable illustrations (he certainly knows how to draw delectable super-mums as well as rather cute multi-talented Tardis-beret-wearing dogs!) made this a must-read for us, and was in demand again and again.

We all know mums are superheroes, here's a book that shows just how fabulous and super they really are!

Charlotte's best bit: Just like her mummy, this mummy doesn't miss a trick!

Daddy's Favourite bit: Huge superhero crush on mum when she's "in costume" - She's a fox!!

A foxy tale (or should that be tail?) of two devious dastardly reynards and three rather smart chickens, "The Baddies' Goodies" is a lovely book that starts off (as all great books do) with a map. Familiarising yourself with their world helps lead you into the story of how the two devious foxes, Darkus and Sly. They like nothing better than a spot of burglary, but one night when their stomachs are rumbling too loudly to ignore, Darkus and Sly steal three chickens from the farmer.

Stashing them along with their ill-gotten gains, Darkus and Sly retire for a snooze, readying themselves for a lovely roast chicken meal later on.

The three chickens have other ideas though. With some clever quick-wittedness, they manage to play the two hopeless foxes off against each other in a race to stay alive.

Do they succeed (or do they merely suck seed? OK no more puns!) - You will of course have to read the book to find out. Harking back to classic children's stories of yore, Angela McAllister and Sally Anne Lambert have created a tale that feels familiar, but has a few new twists and turns of its own.

Charlotte's best bit: How the chickens initially manage to convince the foxes there are better things in life than roast chicken dinners.

Daddy's favourite bit: Some lovely painted artwork wrapped around a tale that feels traditional and interesting.