My Oxford Pop-up Surprise 1 2 3; My Oxford Pop-up Surprise A B C

Two delightful interactive books for very young children. The idea is simple; each page has a letter or number clearly printed. The numbers are repeated in words and dots while each letter has a word that begins with it. Flaps, tabs or levers then reveal the right number of objects or something beginning with the letter concerned. Sometimes there are additional entertainments. such as a pencil that gets smaller as it 'writes' or four doors which open to reveal scenes of the four seasons.

There is plenty to look at, talk about and enjoy but the purpose of the books is never lost or confused by the mechanics; they really enhance learning rather than distract from it (cf this month's disaster, The Great Grammar Book). I should ignore the publisher's pointless comment that the ABC book 'supports a phonic approach to reading'- the sound of political expediency being taken out for exercise? Both books support any approach to reading that requires children to enjoy books, words, sounds, numbers, pictures and jokes.