Originally published way back in the 1970s and ’80s thank goodness these brilliant books are now republished.

Every page in the ABC Word Book is packed with words that not only start with the specified letter of the alphabet, but often are in the middle or at the end of the words. And often with different sounds. On the ‘D’ pages there is a scared ditch-digger and a delivery man delivering a dozen doughnuts. And, of course, the wonderfully detailed and humorous illustrations right through to the Zz page mean that you and your children can be delighted for weeks, maybe years, to come.

Richard Scarry’s Peasant Pig and the Terrible Dragon takes us back to the Middle Ages and to Busylande where we meet the king and queen and their little daughter, Princess Lily. They live in a big castle with all the brave knights and with many peasants working in the fields around. One of the best workers and the most friendly, of course, is Peasant Pig. He spends his time practising with his lance as he is in love with Princess Lily and as he wants to become a knight. But then a terrible thing happens. Princess Lily is kidnapped by one of those roaring dragons! Can that clever Peasant Pig save her?

Magic will unfold as you read these books.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 2+