The Secret in the Matchbox

Reality rapidly gives way to fantasy in what begins as a seemingly ordinary day in a multi-cultural primary school. At first no-one is at all interested in what might be in Bobby Bell's matchbox - not until his teacher confiscates it anyway. The dragon hidden therein escapes at lunchtime and during the afternoon becomes so large that finally even Miss Potts is forced to take notice. A book which should have wide appeal. There's much pleasure to be had in a re-exploration of the richly coloured and decorated illustrations and in particular the borders - borders which contain a wealth of characters from the main story as well as insects, animals and Celtic-style devices.