Childrens’ books

Sammy Snail, Illustrated by Yoojin Um (Caterpillar books €11.93 HB).

Attached to the book by a ribbon, soft toy Sammy Snail sets out to see who has left a silvery trail. An inspired introduction to books for two year-olds as it combines an interactive toy with the rhyming words.

This is Lulu by Camilla Reid, illustrated by Ailie Busby (Bloomsbury €8.35) is a treasure-chest of entertainment. Open the door and meet the girl herself. Lift the flaps and see what’s under her duvet; in her wardrobe; in the bus; behind the door — and they’re just some of the many discoveries. The single word that names what’s under each flap will effortlessly familiarise 3 to 4 year-olds with letter shapes. Irresistible fun.

If the Queen’s visit prompts a family trip to London, then My First Book of London by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Roland Dry (A&C Black €8.35 HB) is a simple, colourful introduction to the more familiar sights. Along with the short, interesting information-bites, the quiz and puzzles should help keep holiday tetchiness at bay. Age 6-8.

Small Change for Stuart by Lissa Evans (Doubleday €13.03 HB). When his mother gets a new job, 10-year-old Stuart and his parents move to Beeton, birthplace of his eccentric father.

On a tour of the town they happen upon the house of Great-Uncle Tony, a magician who disappeared years ago.

Intrigued, Stuart goes back to the house and is surprised when a telephone rings in an old disconnected phone box nearby.

The message from the voice at the other end is what sets Stuart on the trail to find his great-uncle’s magic workshop.

Before the derelict house is knocked by the council, Stuart must solve the enigmatic clues that would lead to a vital combination lock. At the same time, with the help of the ten-year old triplet girls from next door, he must keep one step ahead of someone who will stop at nothing to get that combination. This is a delightfully off-beat story filled with mystery, great atmosphere, exciting action and well-rounded characters. For confident readers aged 10+