There is nothing better at Christmas time, than sitting down and enjoying a classic illustrated children’s book. 2020 has been an anniversary year for some truly wonderful classics.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Chris Riddle has created a gorgeous edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir John Tenniel (the original illustrator of Lewis Carroll’s story). From the very first page, you get a glimpse of Chris’ incredible art, with a map of Wonderland.
This edition includes the original text, without any retellings. Chris has interspersed the story with the most incredible, intricate line drawings, some colour and other black and white. Chris has brought to life all our favourite characters, from the Cheshire Cat to the Queen of Hearts.
This really is a collector’s hardback edition – the spine is about 4cm thick! – and it is a book you will treasure forever. A perfect Christmas gift!
Published by Macmillan 15 October 2020
Parents today might remember reading David McKee’s Not Now, Bernard and Two Monsters when they were children themselves. These two classic picture books celebrated their 40th and 35th anniversary this year, with shiny new editions.
Not Now, Bernard
Bernard’s parents a busy, who are constantly saying the iconic line: “not now, Bernard!”. So Bernard goes into the garden, where he is soon gobbled up by a monster. Will his parents notice?
This is the ultimate irrelevant humour picture book that has seen families in hysterics for the last forty years!
Two Monsters
Two monsters live on opposite sides of a mountain. When they get into a silly argument (with cheeky language), they end up throwing rocks which causes the mountain to come crumbling down.
Now they are finally face-to-face will they able to see each other’s point of view? A story of friendship and empathy.
Published by Andersen Press, 4 June 2020
Miffy’s Treasury
Dick Bruna’s one-and-only Miffy is celebrating her 65th birthday, and in great style too, with a fabulous collectible anniversary treasury of five classic Miffy stories: Miffy at the Zoo, Miffy’s Birthday, Miffy at School, Miffy is Crying and Queen Miffy.
These beautifully-simple stories with bold contrasting illustrations are great for babies, as well as young children learning to read independently.
Published by Simon & Schuster, 15 October 2020
I am very grateful to the publishers for providing me with a complimentary copies of these books. This voluntary feature contains my honest opinion.
Picture Book Perfect 
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