Tigress; Whistling Thorn; Antarctica; Rainforest; Jaguar

Cowcher's already highly acclaimed picture books make an inspired choice for reproducing with dual language texts. Each of the titles features endangered species in their natural habitats and raises important environmental issues about the threat to their survival caused by human presence. The common theme of conservation will appeal to all readers regardless of age or country of origin.

Cowcher's stunning full-page water-colour pictures offer visual delights, by using striking close-ups to suggest dramatic moments in each story and capturing the mood of each setting - for example, the icy blues and greys and greens of the watery world of Antarctica, the warm browns and oranges of an Indian wildlife sanctuary and the vibrant green of a lush South American rain forest.

Superimposing texts on full-colour illustrations such as these presents a major challenge, particularly with the addition of another script. This publisher has to be congratulated for attempting to avoid illegibility by repositioning the English text to make space for the other language. Regrettably, however, the English version always takes precedence and the typeface of the second language tends to be smaller and lighter.

The need for a wider choice of quality children's literature in dual language editions has to override such weaknesses for the time being; and these beautiful and thought-provoking stories certainly deserve to reach as wide an audience as possible.