BEAR FLIES HIGH, by Michael Rosen and Adrian Reynolds (Bloomsbury; €8.80 with CD), is a seaside escapade featuring big, jolly Bear. As he dances along the sand, he meets four youngsters who invite him to the fairground. The large, sunny-coloured spreads and jaunty, repetitive rhymes are perfect for toddlers.

WITH the Children’s Book Festival imminent, now is a good time to introduce the very young to the pleasure of reading.