An under sixes’ version of a Boys Own adventure story with all the ingredients to enthral would-be heroes - volcanoes, desert island, shipwrecked girl, message in a bottle . . . not to mention the world’s last dinosaurs. Plus an environmental slant; how can Tom save the dinos from the threatened volcanic eruption? (The answer involves flowers and swimming).

A thrilling, all too rare tale of a kind which itself seems to be an endangered species for this age-group. (4+)

Handa’s Surprise.By Eileen Browne

(Walker Books Pounds 4.50). Hot blue skies and rich yellow grasses against which little Kenyan girl Handa balances on her head a basket of succelent fruits - a treat for her friend Akeyo. But there is a surprise in store when Handa finds her carefully chosen selection transformed into tangerines. A lesson in fruit and animal names as well as a zappy, gorgeous visual feast with a neat joke which young kids will giggle at. (3+)

The Second Princess.By Hiawyn Oram and Tony Ross.

(Collins Pounds 4.50).

“Once upon a time there were two princesses. The first liked being first, but the second didn’t like being second . . .” Ross’s cartoon-like illustrations add greatly to the charm of this deft tale about the insecurities inherent in a sibling hierarchy and how to help discontented younger children surmount them. Look out too for the secondary funny story in the detailed drawings of the pets. Shortlisted for a Smarties prize. (4+)