Let the Sun Shine

First published in 1992 as Round About Six, this is a collection of specially-commissioned stories and poems by well-known authors and illustrators, selected by the celebrated Puffin editor who died in 1996. Billed as 'a read-aloud collection', the six stories include a fairy-tale by Dick King-Smith, a fantasy by Berlie Doherty and a cautionary tale by Betsy Byars. The stories are interspersed with poems by Ted Hughes, Charles Causley and others. Slightly uneven, as might be expected in a selection of new work, most of these have a fresh appeal about them, with one or two gems especially among the poems, and some exquisite illustrations by, for example, Pauline Baynes and Angela Barrett. A refreshing read for 5-8s.