A chapter entitled 'The Amazing Photosynthesis Factory' examines what a plant needs to survive and looks at the edible parts of plants and fruits through a series of little flaps. Three pull-out booklets within the book describe 'How did your rubber tyre grow?', 'How did your jeans grow?' and 'How did your book grow?'
There is also a spread on imports such as tea, coffee and sugar, as well as a flower show. This is an ideal introduction to any visit you might have planned to the Eden Centre or any farming or horticultural project.
Telephone 0208 579 2652 www.kidsatrandomhouse.co.uk
Chopsticks by Jon Berkeley is the story of a mouse who lives in a floating restaurant in Hong Kong. Chopsticks (the mouse in question) manages to bring an elaborately painted wood and lacquer dragon pillar to life so that they can both fly 'over lands that you and I only dream of'. The style and colour in this book manage to give a real sense and feeling for the places described. The illustrations, spread across two pages at a time, make it ideal for holding up to the class for closer inspection. Published by Oxford at 4.99.
Telephone 01865 556 767 www.oup.com
Where's My Darling Daughter? By Mij Kelly & Katharine McEwen (Oxford, Pounds 4.99) follows Poppa Bombola's search for his missing little girl as he races round his farmyard making enquiries among his livestock. Told entirely in rhyme and at rapid, rhythmic pace, this tale will amuse the younger ones and stretch your reading-aloud skills to the full.
Telephone as above
