JJ Overell is a primary school teacher and knows how to tell a thought-provoking tale for key stage 2 children. Signs and Wonders is about a seven-year-old who follows wearily in the footsteps of his father, an impoverished sign-painter. Bears, lions and albatrosses seem to come alive under his skilful fingers. But at the sign of the Unicorn, we find it’s necessary to learn to believe in the truths of love and imagination as well as of fact. Robin Lawrie’s deft illustrations add to the period 18th-century charm. pound;6.95 from the Book Guild.

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