We love finding books we've never seen before when we visit our awesome local library. Nestling amongst the stacks, Charlotte quickly grabbed this book by Richard Hamilton and Babette Cole - mostly because she is completely in love with Babette Cole's work and couldn't wait to find out more about a book featuring a tutu-wearing dad, and a rather cheeky little girl.

Richard Hamilton's rhyming life-swap story, illustrated in Babette's glorious trademark inky washy style, is really right up our alley. A dad and daughter book with a difference, with a daft dad (like me) and a cheeky daughter (like Charlotte) imagining what it would be like to swap places for the day. The good (like being able to bounce on beds or stay up way past bed time), the bad (like having to do housework or eat what you're told to) and the downright ugly (have you ever seen a 47-year old trying to squeeze into a baby buggy when it's walkies time? While wearing a leotard and tutu? It's not a pretty sight!) are all described in this lilting and lyrical tale that made us very very glad we are who we are and don't ever, never, EVER swap roles.

That said, I can definitely see the appeal of bouncing on beds wearing tutus. Yes indeed!

Charlotte's best bit: Cuddling up for storytime with the three bears (before nipping downstairs to watch late night telly! Bliss!)

Daddy's Favourite bit: Taking a cuddly kangaroo to bed then waking Charlotte up in the morning by bouncing up and down on her bed shouting loudly (just like she does!)

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This must be every pre-schooler's ultimate fantasy, surely? What would they do if the teacher got stuck in a climbing frame for the day? Not quite Lord of the Flies but certainly chaos ensues when just such an occurrence happens, and the children decide to do exactly what they want all day. 

Great rhyming text lays out the story of the gradual descent into toddler chaos, with the poor Nursery teacher powerless to step in. Naturally the children soon realise that taking over the nursery for the day isn't quite as great as it sounds but there's a great conclusion to the story and with Sue Heap's child-like but detailed illustrations underpinning the rhyming couplets here, this is a super little story. 

Charlotte's best bit: Millie sitting on Lily, and Tilly sitting on Millie. 

Daddy's favourite bit: The kids going crazy with paints.