Dragons ¦ Elephants ¦ Witches

Each of these books has three stories from the popular Thames TV series for three to seven-year-olds. As in most collections, they are mixed in terms of quality. The writers in the Dragons book have been more inspired than the others (Bridget Appleby's Mr Dragon's Busy Day is a little gem) but each of the collections has at least one compelling tale and I think the length of the individual tales (just right for a single reading session for the newly-independent) will be an attraction to infant teachers. I'll certainly return to the Witches collection in storyreading sessions.

The illustrations in the Witches and the Elephants collection and super: pictures are used to tell the tale. They are rather too 'cinematic' in the Dragons book. Overall, though, good value, especially if they provide continuity with stories known from home or classroom. Try one of the set in classroom or bookshop.