Books for children

FOLLOWING the release of the film, Random House have followed up with Tintin, The Sticker Book (€4.50), for ages 4-6, which will amuse and create a new generation of fans.

With 100 stickers, adventure games, puzzles and a host of characters to place in dodgy situations, this is a useful, creative activity book to hold in store for wet days, long journeys or fluey bedridden boredom. For newly independent readers there’s Tintin, Danger at Sea (Bantam; €4), a spin-off from the movie for fans age 7+ to treasure. The easy-to-read adventure and realistic, action- filled graphics will delight newcomers to Tintin but Hergé’s comic-book line drawings will no doubt affectionately remain the real Tintin for older readers.

The Little Book of Minibeast Hotels by Ann Roberts, illustrated by Mike Phillips (A&C Black; €10.66) is an informative and intriguing book for young nature lovers. The ‘hotels’ are practical homes for small creatures. Made from rolled-up newspapers, empty juice cartons, tin cans and other household has-beens, they provide shelters for garden creatures such as ladybirds, beetles, bugs and slugs that can all be discreetly observed by children. The text is structured with easy-to-read layout and non- fussy text. This is a fascinating handbook for age six and upwards.

Death Match by Andy Croft. (A&C Black; €7.10) In today’s world of pampered, overpaid football superstars, it is heartening to read of men who put their lives on the line to make their soccer team a political statement. The story, set in war-torn Kiev 1942, pulls no punches in creating the atmosphere of fear and desolation in the ruined city. As an instrument of propaganda the Nazis allow Start FC to play in their own league, with the intention of further humiliating the Ukranian people. Trouble ensues when Start FC, now known as Dynamo Kiev, beat all before them. Suitable for age 12 and upwards (dyslexia friendly).