Foxy Loses His Tail; Runaway Washing; My Perfect Pet

These three titles are samples of a winning new venture by Collins which aims to bridge the gap between board books and picture books. They are exactly the right size for little hands and crowded nappy-changing bags, and they're tough enough for a bit of chewing and rough and tumble. The one- and two-year-olds who trialed them for me will not relinquish them and follow any adult about endlessly for yet another read. Collins have made an interesting selection of authors and illustrators, giving the books a comforting uniformity yet giving the toddler varied content matter, forms of illustration, textual style and appeal.