Pirate Pete ¦ The Friends Have a Visitor ¦ Private Zoo ¦ Puss in Boots

I have come to expect a high standard from the Pocket Bear series and again I am not disappointed. Full marks yet again to Christine Baker, the series editor, who has an unfailing eye for picture books which can fit the series format. Their 'real book' shape and appearance means that their potential readership is very wide: older readers who may be unhappy if seen with large picture books (no matter how enlightened their teachers) readily accept and devour these along with younger, more confident readers. It is especially good to have Private Zoo available again: this is a fine example of the art of the picture book where the whole is far more than the sum of its parts. If you have not yet come across 'The Friends' I do urge you to make their acquaintance with this charming book; and just in case you are not familiar with Tony Ross's zany treatment of nursery tales then do try his rendition of Puss in Boots.