Billy the Bird / All Because of Jackson

Billy the Bird, the story of a little boy's unlikely ability to fly up and away out of his cot - but always to return home safely - is one of Dick King-Smith's dottiest and most loveable. It shows what a good storyteller he is - even when he moves away from his trademark animals. Back in the more familiar animal territory, based on the true story of how animals reached Australia All Because of Jackson charts the adventures of the eponymous hero when he stows away and sails off in search of a new life. Sophie Thompson reads both soothingly, making pleasing, if undemanding listening.