Books for children

With winter nights closing in, ease toddlers into bed with a story.

With Lots Of Love Forever (Little Tiger; €15.40 HB) is a big collection of cosy stories that will delight reluctant sleepyheads. A bear cub sets out at night to find a pancake tree; a little tiger braves the night-time noises to search for his Mum; and Little Panda who won’t leave his mother’s side (or will he)? With colourful, endearing illustrations. Suitable for age two and upwards.

Rainbow Boots by Chris Powling (A&C Black; €7.10) is a salutary tale of must-have fashion trends. When flashy rainbow boots hit the shops in town, everyone scrambles to acquire a pair. Except Denzil, whose mother refuses to bow to the mania. So Denzil boasts that he is waiting for delivery of customised rainbow boots. The nail-biting begins, as the captain of England’s football team is coming to the school. With a good build-up, bright dialogue and a superb twist. Age eight and upwards.

My Apollo Summer by Pierce Feiritear (Pixie Books; €6.50). It’s 1969. Danny Sullivan, regular American lad, enjoys classes with off-beat science teacher, Mr Walker, who focuses on space travel and the forthcoming Apollo 11 blast-off to the moon. When he offers a visit to the Kennedy Space Centre to the student who writes the best project on Apollo 11, space fanatic Danny knows he can win. His hopes are shattered when his Mum announces that she is taking him on holiday to her old home in Ireland. From the excitement in America to the slow, pastoral life in the small Kerry village beside the sea, Danny feels he’ll never adapt. But, to quote Cicero, — nothing better delights the reader than change of circumstances and fortune. The excellent dialogue in this thoroughly entertaining book is almost audible. The credible characters and the ordinary events in the village are vividly portrayed. A gem of a book for any age.