February bookshelf . . .

Press, 22 February 1977, Page 14

February bookshelf . . .

PICTURE BOOKS Hutchins. Pt, “Clocks and more ciockjs” — Macmillan. Mr Higgins is puzzled when each of his four clocks tells a different time. A funny story, delightfully illustrated, in which the writer says something about time in an original manner.

Vipont, E., “The elephant and the bad baby, — Hamish Hamilton. Everyone chases the elephant and the bad baby, and there is a dramatic and lively climaix. A popular story with pre-school children.

Zemach, M., “The little tiny woman: a folktale” — Bobbs-Merrill. A tiny voice in the tiify cupboard of the tiny woman certainly creates some disturbance in thfts hilarious and well-loved story.

Zindel, P., “I love my mother” — Harper. An unconventional book which tries to describe with honesty a boy’s relationship with his solo parent.

YOUNGER READERS “B.B.” (Watkins-Pitch-ford, D), “The poo! of the Black Witch” — Methuen. A story for those who like outdoor life. It tells of a boy who is enthusiastic about fishing and of his discovery of a strange pool.

Edwards. D., "The magician who kept, a pub and other stories” — Kestrel. It is hard not to believe in the magical happenings in this book. For the stories are lively and witches and other weird creatures appear as naturally as school teachers or shopkeepers. Mrstikova, M., “Tales the wind told" — Hamlyn, An imaginative theme is used as a means to retell many favourite fairy

stories and fables. Two children take it in turns to tell stories lo each other, and the wind, which whistles down the chimney, tells them too. A book to treasure and one which has many beautiful pictures. Phipson, J., “Polly’s tiger” — Hamish Hamilton. Polly is lonely and feels different from the other children when she goes lo a new school. The way she overcomes her problems is described in a convincing and entertaining manner. OLDER READERS Christopher, J., “Wild Jack” — Hamish Hamilton. In this story, set in a future time when isolated cities are served by energy towers, a boy is accused of subversive behaviour against the government. An exciting adventure follows as he laces many dangers. Lively, P., “The house in Norham Gardens” — Heinemann. A 14-year-old

girl discovers a shield in an attic which once belonged to a primitive edition of a famous boys’ tribe in New Guinea. Its strange powers disturb her more and more, but she fortunately has happy relationships at home. This is an absorbing ajid thoughtful book. — , Reed, T. 8.. “The fifth form at St Doninic’s” — Hamish Hamilton. A new edition of a famous boys’ school story of the 19th century. It is still one of the best of its kind and, because of its interesting characters and plot, girls will enjoy it also. Tomalin, R., “A stranger thing” — Faber. An unhappy schoolboy, lost in a snow slormr finds shelter in a glasshouse on a nature reserve. He has some idyllic days there alone, watching the birds and the weather, but he seems to be in an enchanted. almost magical world. An unusual, joyful, and imaginative story.