Here are additions to favourite Nosy Crow picture book series – thank you to the publishers for sending them for review.

This Is Not A Polar Bear!
Barry Timms and Ged Adamson

No matter what the ursine character looks like, readers are assured that the large white furry creature is NOT a polar bear. What is evident from the outset however – polar bear or not – is that he’s exceedingly versatile and can turn his paws to all manner of activities such as roller skating, violin playing , ski-jumping, high board diving, train driving,

disco dancing and more. Moreover when it comes to keeping a friend safe, helping with a spot of research,

tunnelling for treasure or even saving the world then it’s pretty clear who to turn to: that new and truly astonishing friend who sports a bobble hat and scarf. Should young listeners acquire such a friend, I wonder what name they would give it.

A splendid addition to team Timms and Adamson’s This is not a series which despite its chilly setting, bounces along apace when read aloud and is illustrated with panache in Ged’s vibrant scenes that contain a wealth of humorous details.

Ruffles and the cold. cold snow
David Melling

Playful Ruffles and his teeny tiny kitten pals return in a wintry tale that tests the pooch’s courage to its limits. Like this reviewer, Ruffles does not love the cold, cold, slippery slidey snow, in contrast to his feline friends. They absolutely delight in it until that is, they find themselves buried so deeply they can’t free themselves.

When Ruffles hears their desperate Miaow! Miaow-ings for help, he feels scared:

supposing he too sinks and gets stuck in that snow …
After some thinking, worrying and whimpering, he thinks some more. Can he find sufficient daring to attempt a rescue operation and get the kittens safely back home to the warm indoors?

BRRRR! Definitely one to share snuggled up in the warmth of a nursery or home, preferably with a hot drink.