Childrens’ books

WHEN the World Was Waiting for You by Gillian Shields (Bloomsbury; €13.03 HB) is just the children’s book to have when a new baby is imminent.

The rabbit youngsters are busy preparing for the arrival of the little newcomer — painting and wallpapering the nursery and constantly asking when will baby come. The build-up of excitement is palpable and the baby’s arrival is greeted with affection. Anna Currey’s illustrations, with strong outline and gentle watercolour, are perfect for children, age three and upwards.

Sibling generosity features in A Little Fairy Magic by Julia Hubery (Little Tiger Press; €13.03 HB). Little mouse Phoebe loves her fairy outfit of pink dress, silver wings and starry wand. But when her magic doesn’t work, she’s downcast. Illustrations by Alison Edgson have all the magic for age five and upwards.

Snow Dog by Malorie Blackman (Random House; €4.74) features Nicky, who is not bothered that she has no siblings, but she really wants a dog. Grandad helps Nicky to make a dog from pottery clay. And that’s when magic intervenes. This is an ideal book for newly independent readers age six and upwards.

Me and You by Anthony Browne (Picture Corgi; €7.10) is an unusual, surreal slant on the story of Goldilocks. With dual presentation of modern, sepia cityscape on Goldilocks’ side, and pastel full-colour page on the bears’ side, story comes together in an innovative climax. For age six and upwards.

Never were the Wombles more needed than now, with their recycling and planet-saving schemes. The Wombles at Work (Bloomsbury; €7.10) is the third book in of the series about the cosily subterranean creatures whose motto is ‘make good use of rubbish’. The covers and line illustrations are delightfully endearing. Age eight and upwards.