Children’s books

BIG AND LITTLE, by Ana Martin Larranaga (Caterpillar Books; €5.92), is a boxed set of four, sturdy board-books, just the right size for small hands to hold.

Each story features the fun activities of parent animals with their small offspring. With bold line and strong colour, these books are little gems, for ages two to three years.

The Chinese Sausage Dog, by Nuala Illek (Eloquent Books; €7.34). Set in China, the eponymous sausage dog, Dumpy, meets a lost porcupine in Golden Hoot Jungle. He promises to get him home safely to Shamian Island. He turns to his friend, Campi, a clever golden retriever, for help. When Dumpy hears his mistress, Mrs Candy Shoo, discussing a visit to the island, he and Campi smuggle the porcupine into the car. When he gains his freedom, the porcupine wants to go back to his two new friends. A pleasant tale for aged eight-plus.