Oxford University Press has harnessed the exquisite illustrations of Brian Wildsmith to produce an outstanding series for emerging readers. In titles that include Not Here, If Only and Can You Do This? (pound;1.99 each), he uses his lyrical imagination along with his powers as an agile draughtsman, colourist, and keen observer of nature to entice early-years children into the readig habit.
Milet is another publisher out to enliven early readers, with a slim but sturdy series from France of lift-the-flap rhyming riddles by Alain Crozon (pound;4.99 each). Titles include I Have Wheels, What Am I? and Who Am I?. The painted images are fresh, funny and alive with colour, while the clever riddles are pitched at the right level. Highly recommended.
