Janet & Allan Ahlberg. Published by Viking Children's. ISBN0670886246. Age 5-7 years. 48 pages. 258mm X 202mm (10.1 in X 8 in). 1999. Hardback
 

Prizes won:  The Children's Book Award The Kurt Maschler Award The Kate Greenaway Medal

Over 5 million copies sold!

Description
The Jolly Postman has mails to deliver, and to your favourite fairy-tales characters at that! The Three Bears received a letter from Goldilocks. Jack sent a postcard to the Giant. What's in the envelope for the Wicked Witch? Letters, cards and brochures all tucked neatly in page-sized envelopes. Some addresses were a joy to visit while others sent chills down Mr. Postman's back. All mails are done up as real as can be.

Our review
With over 5 million copies sold, it is a testament to the popularity of this book. This is THE BOOK your children must have. An original and refreshing presentation, it will certainly quench your kids' thirst of receiving real mails through the letter box. Come in actual envelopes, the assortment of mails guarantees a fun and enthralling reading time. Parents are inclined to think that it's written for them (parents) as a sequel to their long-forgotten childhood days.

A note of advice - It is preferable that the child is familiar with the individual fairy-tales before proceeding to this book.

Jeanne Willis & Korky Paul. Published by Puffin Books. ISBN0140554726. Age 4-8 years. 32 pages. 220mm X 270mm (8.7 in X 10.6 in). 1995. Paperback.

Prize won: 
The Children's Book Award

One morning, he decided to bake an extra special Christmas cake. Into the cooking pot went rotten eggs, moths, mouldy leaves, a jug of spit, garden snails, finger nails ... Those revolting ingredients were too much to handle, and it came to life! Out got the cake and it started to chase him round and round. When it finally took one mouthful of Rufus, the cake was so revolted that it fled. From then on, Mr. O'Parsley decided to change.

Our review
A hilarious rhyme book with engaging pictures. Every description is depicted in full details. Written in rich vocabulary, it builds up your anticipation. You'll read with eagerness to find out what happened. The story ended on a charming note. Dear Rufus decided to come clean. You should compare the before-and -after pictures of his dining room and discuss the effect of eating proper meals. You see, Rufus has managed to slim down, after that.

Kathryn Cave / Chris Riddel. Published by Puffin Books. ISBN0140549072. Age 4-8 years. 32 pages. 215mm X 285mm (8.5 in X 11.2 in). 1995. Paperback.

Prizes won: 
UNESCO Prize

One day, another weird-looking creature, Something, turned up at his doorstep. Something felt both of them were one of a kind and wanted to be friends. Now, Something Else thinks Something is different and odd, and couldn't bring himself to like this creature. He was adamant that Something should leave and bid him goodbye. Something left, forlornly. Suddenly, it reminded Something Else of himself. He ran after Something, clutched his hand and said, "I don't mind." They became firm friends. 

Our review
A simple, poignant story that's bound to touch the hearts of its readers. Some children may relate to it and feel comforted, yet others may emphatise with Something Else and learn to accept everybody, no matter how different he or she is. The pictures are brilliantly drawn and is able to stir your emotion. Words are kept to the minimum to allow the pictures to "tell" the story.