Children’s books: Alfie in the Garden

Alfie in the Garden by Debi Gliori (Bloomsbury; €15.10 HB). 

Alfie is a busy little rabbit who likes to help his Mama in the garden, but his imagination goes way beyond the chores when he creates a jungle of strange creatures — a roaring lion among the daisies; leaves become birds wings; a watering can doubles as an elephant’s trunk providing a rainstorm for the frogs. But like all great explorers he needs to have a nap. With strong outline and large characters on white background, this is the ultimate book to share with ages three and upwards.

For cat-lovers of all ages, I Am Cat written and illustrated by Jackie Morris (Frances Lincoln; €7.55) begins with a cosy, curled-up ginger who dreams about his wild brethren across the world. In his dreams be becomes the nocturnal lynx prowling through the snow; a cunning jaguar foraging for food; a lightning fast cheetah; a Scottish wildcat in the highlands. Many other magnificent wild cats from around the world feature. The superb illustrations bring to life these magnificent felines. The beautifully illustrated ending will make the reader sigh with contentment.

ENDERS by Lissa Price (Random House; €12.60). Enders takes up where Starters left off, and there is enough backfilling for this to be an exciting stand-alone dystopian novel. Protagonist Carrie’s main aim is to track down an evil character, referred to as ‘The old man’, who can control people’s minds. Her dilemma is that if she has a chip removed from her head, as well as breaking free from this evil influence, she may also lose contact with her father’s voice. In this world the big problem is who should she trust. Her former friends? Herself? Who knows who is being controlled, but help is then offered by the last person she would consider. Further complication for Carrie is what to do with her younger brother as almost everything she attempts to do is fraught with danger. The Enders are only interested in their own welfare, and will use any survivors of the earlier Spores’ War to ensure their survival. Gripping conclusion hints at a further sequel. Suitable for age 12 and upwards.