'Owl Babies' was one of those books that I was utterly convinced I'd already reviewed for this place, so when Charlotte grabbed it in this week's library run, I was quite pleased when I realised that we had read it before but never covered it.

'Owl Babies' is the story of three adorable owls, Sarah, Percy and Bill. When Mummy Owl leaves the nest one night, the three little owls snuggle up waiting for her return. They fuss, they worry (and in little Bill's case, say "I want my mummy!" a lot). So what happens as the night draws in and mummy is nowhere to be seen?

You'll have to read the book to find out what happens, of course. Owl Babies has won many awards and it's not difficult to see why. Martin Waddell's simple story spliced with Patrick Benson's moody and dark illustrations work so well, and as you can imagine, little Bill is every child's favourite ("So cute!" says Charlotte!)

Charlotte's best bit: Bill saying "I want my Mummy!" on every page (which she repeats in a very loud owl voice)

Daddy's favourite bit: Lovely moody illustrations.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Big Bear / Little Bear books are sweet and cute, and in this tale, little bear is a fidgety little bear who doesn't want to go to sleep (I think just about every parent will identify with that particular scenario). 

Little bear is afraid of the dark, so big bear brings in as many lights and lanterns as he can carry. But little bear is not happy until...

...well you'll find out in the book. Suffice to say that it's a very neat little tale that has exactly the desired effect on your toddlers when read at bed-time (in fact you'll struggle to stay awake too, not because it's boring but because it's so atmospheric and full of fuzzy and deliciously drawn artwork that makes you want to snuggle under the duvet and catch 40 winks).

Charlotte's best bit: Little bear jumping on the bed (just like she does)

Daddy's favourite bit: The artwork

Rating: 3 out of 5

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