TAKING his
place with
Dr. Johnson and later exponents of English words is the Cat in the Hat who, assisted by P. D. Eastman, has prepared his own large Dictionary (Collins, 16s.). It makes the Oxford edition look really stale.
This riot of colour and feast of humour conceals a wealth of learning for the various parts of speech and tenses are introduced, illustra
ted a n d demonstrated. Laughter and learning are combined so skilfully that the book is an investment in any home where there are young children.
Another book which can be recommended to the parents of the very young is Always There Is God by Robbie Trent, illustrated by Elinor Blaisdell (World's work, 12s. 6d.). Its theme is the presence of God in the world. The text has the simplicity and economy of poetry.
When the time has coma to put away childish things, it is. also time for Rosemary Sutcliff's Heroes and History (Batsford, 15s.). The author penetrates the fog of legend surrounding English, Scottish and Welsh heroes, such as Caratacus, Arthur, Llewellin, and Rob&t the Bruce. and presents them once more as living, breathing people, Partly born great. partly made great by the needs of their time, they shine like beacon lights in history.
This book should be presented to the brainy child of the family, for although published for children it makes few concessions to tender
Face by Zachary Ball (Collins, 85. 6d.).. Bristle Face is a dog, owned by Jase and the scene is south of Memphis. If the young reader has spent time watching television and knows the soft swing of Southern speech, so much the better.
lase gets himself adopted by Lute Swank, a good man if a trifle easy-going, and when Lute runs for sheriff, there is never a dull moment. When Lute falls with a young, energetic and capable widow, sheriff he must be. But the hero of all is that huge dog with the face of a porcupine—and his story is a moving one.
The Wreck of Moni by Alan Ross (Alan Ross, 12s. 6d.) combines the virtues of an adventure book and a travel tale. The setting is a Greek island, and sights and sounds are expertly conveyed. The illustrations of Raymond Briggs match the author's high standard.
Jonathan and his Greek friends go swimming off the island of Moni. Climbing to its high peak one day, and surveying the scene below with powerful binoculars, they observe some dirty work at the crossroads. Or, to be precise, in a hidden inlet.
Once upon a time, Amahel Williams-Ellis wrote a book of traditional British fairy tales. Everyone liked it. But few could afford it. So it was chopped in two, and became British Fairy Tales and More British Fairy Tales (Mackie, 125. 6d. each). Now even poor swineherds can save up and buy at least one volume.
The Tinkers' Summer by an elderly couple, the husband nearing the end of his days, and anxious to revisit the home of his youth. The story has special charm, and the author has a feeling for Irish history, and for drawing yesterday and today together into one tale.
River Roy is a big book of magnificent colour photographs to tell the story of Manuel, and his adventures along the Amazon River. Ralph Herrmans tells the story, and took the pictures (CmollainnsaralgSosra.).
's Dragon by
Irene Elmer. illustrated by Ruth van Sciver, is a gay little tale in a gay little book. The book itself is narrow and long, just like a tail. This fairy story for the young in heart, such as grandparents and g ran dch ildren. costs 1 Is. hd. from World's Work.
PAT JONES