Aw, this book is so unfair! Even though we're writing this review a fair way ahead of the book's release date (out on the 28th April from Digital Leaf) it's still got us thinking about the summer. Long sunny days, and lots of water fights! Couldn't be better!

In "The Big Splash", the story starts off with a mysterious entity stalking the animals of the forest. As soon as they spot this shambling figure, they turn tale and run. Beaver deserts his newly built dam, even Fox feels threatened by "whatever it is".

The story deliciously builds tension with each turn of the page until we find out just what's responsible for striking terror into the woodland dwellers. What can it possibly be?

Well obviously we're not going to tell you! You'll have to read the book yourself and find out just what can make animals turn tail and run, and what "The Big Splash" is all about.

It's a fantastic and effervescent book but momentarily stealing a quote from Charlotte...there is an element of distraction here that we just couldn't get past...

"Daddy, is that his bottom? Ew!"

Though not in evidence in the cover pic above, watch out - those animals are a little bit too anatomically correct around the hind quarters (though naturally it made us giggle and grossed us out simultaneously!)

Charlotte's best bit: Lovely little Skunk's surefire method for removing ponginess!

Daddy's Favourite bit: A fun story that builds tension and excitement till the big reveal. But oh those bums, that's a bit more detail than you need first thing in the morning. Yikes!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Digital Leaf)

In our second look at Digital Leaf's upcoming range of children's books, we meet a mouse who doesn't hide his light under a bushel. While his friends are quite content to squeak, eek and wibble their whiskers, Morris likes to Moo!

In fact he doesn't just stop there, he likes to quack too, or woof, or even bellow a loud "EE-AWW!"

This is obviously great cause for concern amongst his friends, family and teachers at school - and the doctor is soon called for to see if there's a reason this otherwise meek little mouse can't settle on a voice of his own.

John Lycett-Smith's book is richly entertaining and comical, and of course the big draw for early readers is to get them to join in and make all the wonderful animal noises themselves as Morris hoots and neighs away.

Have a real hoot with "Moo, Said Morris"

Bold colourful illustrations underpin the story, and we won't give away the ending - but you can be sure that a mouse who can emulate any animal is a very useful fellow to have around in an emergency.

Charlotte's best bit: Morris fearless noise-making saves the day, hooray!

Daddy's Favourite bit: Great to read aloud to children, and of course brilliant to get them to join in with. Moo more for Morris!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Amanda at Digital Leaf)