My 20-month-old granddaughter totters into the room. Her eyes are shining with the fervour of St Bernadette. She has caught a glimpse of the divine. Two small stuffed pigs are clasped in her arms. Clearly she has been in heaven. Actually she has just returned from a visit to Peppa Pig World, the most exciting experience of her short life.
Anyone who has contact with very small children today will be all too familiar with Peppa, the toddlers’ Harry Potter in her universal appeal. There are two new Peppa books out this Christmas, both published by Ladybird at £4.99. Peppa’s Christmas Wish is a robust board book for the rougher young reader. Peppa Meets the Queen is a soft-back with an amusing story and lively pictures, especially those of the Queen knitting on her throne and jumping up and down in muddy puddles.
A charming book for children of 3-5 is Bear and Bird by Gwen Millward (Egmont, £10.99.)
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