Books for kids...

Though school doors are now closed, Paul Cookson’s Crazy Classrooms Poems (Frances Lincoln, €8.40) will raise many a laugh.

From Twelve Inventions to Help You Survive at School, which includes an extra homework duplicator, to the teacher who has to write a letter of apology to the headmaster for breaking a window while on yard duty, it’s mostly fun all the way.

Some well- handled poignancy also, as Samantha makes a Mothers’ Day card for her separated parent, and a Jehovah’s Witness leaves school early to avoid the Christmas celebrations.