Nursery World - Story corner (3)

Surprises at school and the sense of security at home feature in new books reviewed by Alison Boyle But Martin! written by June Counsel and illustrated by Neal Layton (Picture Corgi, 5.99)

But Martin! written by June Counsel and illustrated by Neal Layton (Picture Corgi, 5.99)

There are several new school-themed books around, and I've chosen two. This book stands out for its ability to surprise you and make you giggle. It's less anarchic than Dr Seuss's The Cat in the Hat, but develops along similar lines. Here four children are feeling down about being back at school, but they are instantly cheered up when they spot a green alien (that's Martin) hiding by the playground.

Computer collage pictures combined with an illustrator's skill mean that the figures seem to come off the page. The artist has made the most of technology to add vibrancy and variety in colour, texture, and graphics. In the text and linked pictures there are some good comparatives and word-play.

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