First published some years ago now, in this centenary year of the outbreak of World War 1 a reprint of Gary Crew and Shaun Tan's superb "Memorial" is a genius move by Hodder. This paperback version of the book tells the powerful story of a tree, planted to celebrate the return of soldiers from the war. Recounted partially by the children of a WW1 veteran, and by conversations with 'Granpa' it builds an emotive and strong message that we should not forget those who fought and died for us in World War 1 and 2, and the multitude of conflicts around the world where brave men and women give up their lives to serve their country.

Gary Crew and Shaun Tan work wonderfully together. More subtly tinged with a touch of the surreal than Tan's other work, he still produces the most beautiful ink and paint illustrations that lend this book gravitas and a fitting sense of honour and homage.

We have read several books that deal with this sensitive subject well, and this is definitely a book that would suit older children. That said, even a 6 year old could fully understand the message therein: That the modern world and the people in it often overlook the huge sacrifice made, and is it right and proper that a memorial to a long-forgotten war should be removed purely for convenience (as is the fate of the tree or the war memorial in this tale).

I love how the grandson takes up the fight, on behalf of his grandma and grandpa, and their fallen comrades. This is strong stuff, serious stuff but deftly written and beautifully illustrated. Not to be missed if you haven't previously caught this wonderful book.

Charlotte's best bit: Huge debate on the fate of the memorial tree in this book. Should they take down the tree or the monument?

Daddy's Favourite bit: Powerful and poignant. Do not miss this if you are discussing and reading about the WW1 centenary with your children

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

Back in February last year, we reviewed Anthony Browne's dark and disturbing tale, "The Tunnel" and I thought we'd never see a children's picture book that was darker in content than that.

Of course, since then we've been catching up with the Shaun Tan back catalogue, and this book - "The Viewer" - visits such dark places and such 'grown up' themes that I thought it'd be an instant miss with Charlotte.

I was wrong. Completely and utterly wrong.

Though The Viewer uses sparse text and a fairly loose story, describing a boy's obsession with his local junk heap and the discovery of a mysterious object - like a steampunk Viewmaster toy - triggers a journey into the deepest darkest heart of what makes us human.

Disturbing as they are, the images the boy encounters each time he uses the viewer are addictive, compulsive, and soon even when he's not using the viewer itself, he's thinking about it - worrying and stressing over it.

We soon find out why, as the story reaches its dramatic conclusion (which, of course, I'm not going to spoil for you). The depth of the messages here may well sail straight over your youngsters head, but they will undoubtedly be completely and utterly absorbed by this book - and will have a million and one questions triggered by the pictures and themes therein.

By means of a frank admission, I did pick this book up for myself (Shaun Tan books are always hot properties at our local library so it was very rare to find one nestling amongst the happy jolly cuddly books) but was surprised at Charlotte's reaction to it. Talking to her about it, and what the ending meant (and indeed what she thought of the boy's folly as he gets ever more sucked into using the viewer) was a delight. In some ways, the discussions triggered by books like this help you get to know your child better than any other shared experience. Scintillating stuff.

Charlotte's best bit: The first time the boy uses the viewer, and picking out each scene (and what it meant)

Daddy's favourite bit: A very strong and heady cocktail of fantastic visuals and spine-tingling tension. It won't be for every kid, but you may be surprised at how fascinating your child finds this book. Probably better suited to older kids (not because there's anything particularly offensive in it, more because of some of the themes it deals with) but try it on the little ones too and see what happens.