FOR character recognition, manual co-ordination, and delightful fun, The Big Barn Dance by Jenny Arthur (Caterpillar; €11.50 HB) is the bee’s knees. The full spreads in this sturdy board book each focus on a particular farm animal. Press the right identifying button on the attached strip panel and the relevant creature will moo, baa, quack etc. Excellent entertainment for age 18 months and up.

YOUNG readers are to have their own say in the country’s longest-running awards for children’s books this year.