This week's first Book of the Week features an artist who is a regular BOTW mainstay, and his hugely talented sister...

We've been National Trust members as a family collective for a number of years now, and we spend part of nearly every weekend at National Trust properties in and around our area (and sometimes further afield!) My wife's excellent days-out and outdoorsy blog "Can I Walk, Mummy" chronicles our adventures so when we started to spot this rather attractive book in National Trust shops on our visits, we really wanted to find out more.

We were extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to take a look at "Wildlife Jack - I Want to Fly!" by Ed Kellie, thanks to Pavilion / NT so we'll swoop, swoosh and dive on in!

Jack loves visiting his Grandpa and Grandpa, a bit of an adventurer himself, loves to show Jack his magic journal that's full of all the amazing adventures he's had. When Jack reads the journal with his grandpa, Jack is almost transported to the amazing places Grandpa mentions - and also gets to see all the incredible wildlife along the way.

This time Jack and Grandpa are learning all about the amazing bird life that can be found throughout the UK. From pigeons on your own doorstep if you live in the big city, to the geese and gulls, finches and robins that dwell in our greener landscapes.

Jack realises that above anything else, he wants to take to the skies with his new bird friends so with the help of a pair of wings, Jack attempts to soar!

He's going to need more help though, those tiny little wings of his won't get him anywhere!

As the story unfolds, the book gently introduces fascinating facts about our most beloved (and some of our most rare) bird species, giving children a fantastic insight into our rural and city bird life, and sharing with them a love of nature that will hopefully encourage them to get out into the countryside when they can like we do (or seek out green spaces in the city, even!)

A brilliant and colourful book based on the hit Wildlife Jack TV show currently airing on Disney Kids. We can't wait to see where Wildlife Jack's inquisitive nature takes him next!

Charlotte's best bit: Loving some of the facts and figures, like swifts being able to sleep while flying and ducks being able to sleep while afloat!

Daddy's Favourite bit: A fabulous mix of story and non fiction destined to draw young readers into a whole world of nature discovery. Huge thumbs up from us!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Pavilion Publishing)

For our Indie slot this week we're looking at some corkers, and we'll kick off with a fabulous flavoursome tome by the wonderful Mrs C. She knows only too well how devoted children can be to avoiding eating their greens, and in this tale we meet Spike - a boy who does exactly that. He'll happily scoff sausages or chomp chips but when it comes to broccoli or peas, Spike turns his nose up! EW!

His little sister loves peas and beans and cabbages, but Max is adamant that he'll never eat his greens.

On a trip to Grandpa's house, Spike and his sister learn how vegetables are grown - but when Grandpa pops off for an afternoon nap, strange things begin to happen in the greenhouse. The vegetables come to life!

Will Spike ever change his mind about the goodness in greenery and the value of veg? You'll have to read the book to find out!

Again, this is the sort of book that we absolutely love - with a story that's fun and engaging for children without feeling too preachy, and some really fun alternative names for our favourite veg (Charlotte of course loved the fact that the Shallot was called Charlotte!)

Mrs C really gets into her role as a veggie ambassador!

"I Don't Like Vegetables" by Mrs C is available from Pavilion Publishing.

About Mrs C

As a mother of three sons, Mrs C knows the importance of getting children to eat a healthy and well balanced diet….. she also knows the challenges and frustrations that arise when trying.

The whole idea behind I Don’t Like Vegetables was to introduce vegetables to children, without dictating to them. She hopes the book will inspire young children everywhere to try new vegetables and grow their own.

After self-publishing and selling out of 1000 copies of the book in 2012, Mrs C has now decided to work with Pavilion Publishing to continue her crusade to bring healthy eating to young children.

When Mrs C isn’t dressed as a carrot and attending schools to read her book, she likes walking her black labrador in the forest. Mrs C lives in North Dorset with her husband and sons.

Charlotte's best bit: Charlotte the Shallot and Carrie-Carrot. Also, giggling at Max wiping his muddy hands on his sister's dress. What a meanie!

Daddy's Favourite bit: Full of fun veggie characters, a touch of magic and a groovy veg-growing grandad. Vital vitamin-packed booky goodness when your child is a devoted salad-dodger (like Charlotte is!)

(Kindly sent to us for review by Pavilion Publishing and Mrs C)