Kids books

BEFORE setting off abroad, Sandi Toksvig’s Guide to France (Red Fox €5.00) is a must for youngsters.

With information, easy phrases, puzzles, stickers and diary space, this A4 size colourful book will add oomph to the holiday. There’s also a Guide to Spain in the same format. Both highly recommended.

The Return Of Johnny Kemp, by Keith Gray (Barrington Stoke; €7.55), is a scarily realistic story that strips away human decency to expose the most vicious form of tyranny. Bullying is easy, just find a soft target, preferably a younger kid, and your schoolyard dominion is sealed. So thought Johnny Kemp, until Dan, the story’s narrator, spills the beans on the thug and has him barred from school.