LJ's beautiful books

Edward and Aingelda Ardizzone Published by Puffin Ages 5 and upwards Bringing another classic to the fore here - because I have never forgotten this story of the little doll in a matchbox among the frozen peas and it's so touching! This short story is easy to read with one or two sentences and charming black and white illustrations on each page. The creativity of using miniature items in this story makes it and the illustrations unforgettable - the doll makes a match box bed and plays tennis with the peas using a spoon. Yet this tale has so much heart and depth, because the little girl is full of compassion for the little doll in the freezer that no-one pays attention to. She makes tiny clothes herself to keep the doll warm, she delivers them wrapped up as gifts, exciting the doll. These are beautiful, thoughtful examples of kindness - and what makes this children's classic, written in 1966, timeless.

By Jane Hissey (My 1988 edition published by Beaver Books) All ages  Bringing a wonderful classic picture book back for your attention because it deserves it! This tale is about determined teddy animal friends who try different ways to reach Old Bear - who has been put in the attic by the humans. Each toy has a different idea but the biggest involves them all!  Each character is illustrated so vividly - (even down the the type of fluff they have) that they come alive even without the text and at a poignant moment when Little Bear sees Old Bear, the two page spread becomes illustration only - a formatting statement that honours the quality of these beautiful pictures.  Adults find this book nostalgic yes, but anyone who loves teddies or fluffy toys, names them or imagines adventures for them will love this book.  In this story the currently used teddies want to make sure Old Bear is still included as a teddy. Hopefully 'Old Bear' will also be...

By Judith Kerr Published by HarperCollins children's books All ages There is so much to love about this classic picture book. It's funny - Mog sees a 'walking tree', dreams of mice and is mistaken for Father Christmas. It's beautiful - Kerr's illustration of Mog is cute, expressive and lifelike throughout. What I love the most is that Mog is part of the family Christmas, with her own present and the picture of Debbie cuddling Mog by the Christmas tree is one of the cutest images ever. A perfect Christmas gift for cat lovers of any age! Buy on Waterstones.com

Beatrix Potter  Published by Puffin  7 years old and upwards  This beautiful cover illustration by the incomparable Beatrix Potter is called 'Louisa Pussycat Sleeps Late'.  The Fairy Caravan by Potter is less well known than her books for younger children and has fewer (but still wonderful) illustrations. However this longer book deserves just as much appreciation for her imagination, humour and charm. After an unfortunate incident with hair potion (!), Tupenny the guinea pig runs away and joins a little travelling circus of animals that are invisible to the 'Big Folk'. The tales that follow in each chapter are both stories of the group's adventures and of stories they hear from other animals. These range from fanciful - cats running a costume shop; to serious - sheep being rescued by shepherds; to magical and mysterious woodland adventures and tree fairies.  Highlights for me include a charming Christmas scene where the chickens think ...