The Human Body; Babies; Safari Animals; Whales and Dolphins; Dinosaurs; Knights and Castles

Three cheers for Cherrytree for acquiring this stylish and entertaining little series from French publisher Larousse. Hitting the right note with non-fiction for infant readers is no easy task, but many French publishers seem to achieve it with an idiosyncratic flair that is all too often lacking in home-grown product. Knights and Castles is just the answer for a reluctant reader (a boy probably) and its busyness is like a delightfully manic cross between the Bayeux Tapestry and Richard Scarry. Whales and Dolphins is similarly engaging. The Human Body is let down somewhat by its plodding text as though the translator had a fit of prudishness in the face of all that French nudity and couldn't decide whether to opt for 'navel' or 'tummy button', 'anus' or 'bottom'. Its companion Babies is redeemed by the sheer energy and humour of its illustrations. Safari Animals is somewhat quirky and you have the sense that the English editor was baffled by the choice of subject matter. Dinosaurs is certainly the weakest of the pack, as though the French publisher hasn't quite caught on to the dinosaur fever that grips the rest of the world, and the artwork is just not up to scratch. Nevertheless the production is first class with tactile padded covers and a neat square format. Highly recommended for infant class libraries and good enough for birthday gifts.