Flying Eye are doing an absolutely wonderful job of reviving the works of one of the most pivotal US children's author-illustrators, the awesome Dahlov Ipcar. Her works were way ahead of their time, and are still as vital, vibrant and in this case extremely relevant today as they were when they were first written.

"Black and White" was published at the height of the American Civil Rights Movement - and it's a subtle expression of that movement's aims and means that feels like it's still needed over 50 years on.

It's the tale of two energetic pups, Black and White, as they play together and experience the world together - each with a subtly different outlook on life but the firmest of pals who share everything and spend happy days doing all the things that dogs love to do.

Even when they escape to their dreams, they are happy and full of joie de vivre, and best of all they can't wait to meet up the next day to tell each other all about their dreams.

Seeing Ipcar's works restored lovingly by the Nobrow / Flying Eye team, ready to bring to a whole new generation, is truly wonderful. Her stories have broad appeal, so children of Charlotte's age will appreciate the happiness that exudes from each page - and then when she's a little older the conversations that the book evokes can delve into the reasons behind the book too.

Stunning artwork keeping with the theme of black and white, with subtle colour additions throughout make the book eye catching and attractive, and Dahlov's superb rhymes (and delicious repetition) make it a joy to read aloud.

This is a timely release, particularly with what's happening in the US and here. Children's books that impart messages like this are so vitally important, well done Flying Eye for realising that importance and bringing back to life such a stunning book in such a fantastic way.

Charlotte's best bit: Black Dog's dreams of tropical creatures, and white dog dreaming of snowy landscapes (and awesome snow-shoed rabbits)

Daddy's Favourite bit: The message in this book is as vital, as relevant, as sorely needed now as it was back in the 60s when it was first published. Absolutely stunning book, perfect timing for release. Definitely do not miss!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Bounce Marketing / Flying Eye Books)

Dahlov Ipcar's fantastic children's books are now getting a timely reprint courtesy of Flying Eye Books. You can join in with our Dahlov love-in if you take a look at our review of "The Wonderful Egg".

For a pet-obsessed little girl, "I Like Animals" is also brilliant with a lovely sing-song rhythm to the text as we imagine what it would be like to be a zookeeper, or perhaps a pet-store owner, maybe even a woodsman!

Charlotte's choice of favourite animal changes like the weather, though it was great to be able to spot species we'd just seen at Marwell Zoo during a birthday visit. Everything from Bushbabies to Anteaters crop up, rendered in Dahlov's beautiful painted style.

If you love animals, you'll love this book!

Charlotte's best bit: Being a pet store owner, and having lots and lots of mice, guinea pigs and rabbits

Daddy's Favourite bit: Another corker of a reprint from Flying Eye Books. We really hope more of Dahlov's work is on the way!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Bounce Marketing / Flying Eye Books)

Dahlov Ipcar is, without a doubt, a living legend in children's picture books. Swiftly approaching her centenary (she was born in 1917 and still continues to paint on a daily basis, and attend gallery events, wowsers!) Dahlov is one of the most influential author-illustrators on the planet, and her books have been a happy discovery for us. During the 1950s and 1960s her work peaked with a series of informative and brilliant children's books that laid the foundations for other books to follow.

Dahlov recognised a trend in children's books that she didn't agree with. A trend to 'baby' children with books that were simplistic in form, and providing no long term satisfaction or immersion.

Dahlov's books are now being reprinted in part by Flying Eye Books (look out for a review of "I Like Animals" soon) so it's a fantastic chance for folk to catch up with her work, and introduce her wonderful books to their children - starting here with The Wonderful Egg.

Part story, part non-fiction book, "The Wonderful Egg" introduces children to dinosaurs in a fun and engaging way. A mysterious egg appears in the prehistoric landscape - and it's up to the reader to decide which dinosaur laid that egg. Was it the Triceratops? The Diplodocus? Perhaps the mighty and fearsome Tyrannosaurus. Introducing factual elements into the story, and then teaching children how to 'sound out' the names of those dinosaurs at the end of the book is something years ahead of its time. Dahlov's artwork is also amazing, both eye-catching and colourful yet using a fairly reduced pallette.

Considering that this book was first published in 1960, and that dinosaur books still follow this exact pattern today (for instance, take a look at Jonny Duddle's brilliant "Gigantosaurus" for more in this ilk) it really is something special, and testament to one extremely talented lady that it hasn't dated one iota.

Find out more about Dahlov Ipcar on her website.

Charlotte's best bit: Deep and meaningful discussion about what Dinosaurs could've eventually evolved into

Daddy's Favourite bit: It feels amazing to see books by an author who is such a huge and important influence in children's literature still affecting and influencing books today

(Kindly sent to us for review by Bounce Marketing / Flying Eye Books)