Did you know that all dragons are secretly terrified of mice? This charming tale (with some absolutely stunning dragon artwork by Chris Wormell) reveals the deepest darkest secrets of the mythical creatures that once ruled the world. 

The dragon in this particular tale is red, scaly and thoroughly mean (and of course children of all ages love a good rotter!) He burns down forests, he smashes castles and he kidnaps fair maidens to snack on between terrible deeds. 

Of course all big bullies are all bluster and no courage, and this particular bully gets his comeuppance in the tiny form of a mouse named George, who moves in next door to the dragon's cave one day. 

George only wants to borrow a cup of sugar, but with a tiny squeak and possibly even a cute little shuffle of his whiskers, George puts paid to the dragon's evil reign. 

Masterfully put together with minimal text to interrupt the fabulous painted illustrations, a cracking book that's not too scary for a bedtime read. 

Charlotte's best bit: The dragon peeking over the mountains, absolutely terrified

Daddy's favourite bit: Who doesn't love a damsel in distress?

Rating: 4 out of 5

As you've probably noticed, we've already taken a look at Harry by the Sea (and the rest of the excellent Harry books) previously on this blog. From time to time, Charlotte inevitably picks out books she's had before from the library, and it would've taken a better will and a stronger grip to wrestle this one out of her hands while we were checking out our other books this week 

This timeless tale of Harry the dog (which was first published back in the early 60s) sees the mischievous pup enjoying a day at the beach with his family. Harry being Harry, it's not long before he gets into trouble and causes uproar. 

I loved these books as a kid, and it's easy to see why Charlotte also loves them. The bold illustrations bring out Harry's character perfectly, and the story jogs along at a nice pace. It's a bit of a shame that Red Fox only republish 3 of the Harry books (and not the absolutely hilarious "Harry and the lady next door") but hopefully these books will sell in sufficient numbers for Red Fox to secure publishing rights to the rest. 

Charlotte's best bit: The whole thing but she particularly loves Harry the Seaweed Monster


Daddy's favourite bit: As before, Harry in the shade that a fat lady made...!

Mini Grey's books are a real treat. The genius behind Biscuit Bear, Egg Drop and Traction Man turns her attention to the classic nursery rhyme "Hey Diddle Diddle", concentrating on two of its characters, Dish and Spoon. 

No ordinary dinnerware these two, Dish and Spoon are part of a successful double act, travelling the world making people marvel at their antics. 

Their adventures span the globe but life takes a rather tragic turn - and the rest of the book is a bittersweet melancholy lesson on how you should treasure life when life is good.

It's difficult to describe just how Mini Grey puts together a seemingly higgledy piggledy hotch potch of page layouts and knowing references to the original nursery rhyme in such an original way but it's a fantastic book chock full of superb illustrations and storytelling. 


Charlotte's best bit: Poor cracked dish!

Daddy's favourite bit: The classic Dish and Spoon LP at the back (with accompaniment by other characters from the nursery rhyme)


Rating: 5 out of 5

As I've said before on this humble blog, TV tie-in books are often hastily thrown together cash-in items that don't really give children much of a flavour of the show they're based on. 

Such is the case with Balamory - Travel, one of a series of paperbacks published off the back of the successful BBC show. Charlotte has seen a few episodes and seems to be pretty familiar with the characters (and their various coloured houses) so this looked worth grabbing. 

The story seems haphazardly based on Josie Jump's attempts to present a compelling travel-based story to the children at Balamory nursery. Aided and abetted by glamorous granny Edie McReadie, Josie puts together a show using an old sledge and some skis. 

The illustrations look vaguely like the characters they're based on (had a bit of a hoot at one point when I mistook Edie's lifejacket for an inappropriately supporting bra - you'll see what I mean on the Waterskiing page). 

Even in cartoon form I've got a soft spot for Miss Hoolie. 


Charlotte's best bit: Not really a big hit with her but she loves Miss Hoolie too. 

Daddy's favourite bit: The aforementioned big saggy boob page

Ruth Brown is a cat lover, and her book (based on her own experiences of housing a rescued kitten) is a joy for any feline fans. Brown has captured the essence of moggy-dom perfectly, and she uses her masterful artwork and gentle storytelling to good effect, detailing the life and times of her own beloved Holly (named because she arrived in the Brown household at Christmas). 

There are so many kids books devoted to cats, but this is rather special and sentimental. 


Charlotte's best bit: Acrobatic Holly

Daddy's favourite bit: The neat Holly / Cat wrapping-paper end paper design of the book. 

Published by Red Fox Children's Books



Anthony Brown's slightly neurotic but ultimately laid back Chimpanzee hero Willy is a real oddity. He's a personable little chap, he dresses nattily and always polishes his shoes - but he has no friends. 
That's until he (literally) runs into Hugh, a gigantic gorilla who's a big softy at heart. 

The rest is a tale of how Willy and Hugh's friendship builds from humble beginnings. A touching tale with Browne's trademark bonkers surreal simian-flavoured artwork punctuating the very simple but effective text. 

Charlotte's best bit: The return of none other than Buster Nose!


Daddy's favourite bit: The joggers - the picture really reminds me of an old Madness album cover. 


Rating: 3 out of 5

Nicholas Allan's books are just the right side of cheeky, and there's none cheekier than this tome, an ode to the peachiest of peaches, Cinderella's bum. We learn that it's OK to have a bit more padding back there these days, and once again we also learn that Nicholas Allan has something of a twisted obsession with royalty. Did you know, for instance, that Queen Victoria had a very large bum? I could only guess before, but it's nice to have it confirmed in a toddler's book. 

If you're familiar with Nicholas Allan's other works you'll know what to expect and kids will love the daftness of it. 

Charlotte's best bit: Father Christmas using his bottom as a fire detector. 

Daddy's favourite bit: The Evil Queen's attempt to ingratiate her bottom with her mirror.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Published by Red Fox Children's Books



This hen is definitely no dumb cluck. A great little book, again one I remember from my dim and distant childhood (check out the funky and typically 70s artwork by Hutchins here). Rosie is a hen who sets off on her daily stroll, pursued by a hungry fox. Naturally the story doesn't quite turn out how you'd expect, but your toddler will love trying to guess what happens between frames. 

Simple, but hugely effective and fun. 

Charlotte's best bit: "Fox going swimming!"

Daddy's favourite bit: Definitely the 70s artwork throughout. 


Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by Red Fox Children's Books



David McKee's genius creations are loved by kids of all ages. I grew up with Mr Ben and King Rollo, my daughter absolutely adores Elmer and the patchwork elephant's adventures with a group of homeless hippos is an excellent read. Teaching valuable lessons about sharing and working together (something Charlotte is still working on!), it's a great addition to the gigantic Elmer library.

Charlotte's best bit: Elmer and Wilbur slowly changing colour as they get to work shifting rocks.

Daddy's favourite bit: Cousin' Wilbur's resemblance to an F1 chequered flag.

Rating: 3 out of 5