Top books and good looks
From the best of children’s reading to the facts of physical perfection, Robin Buss has the details

Book of the week: Parents have lost their way
Parent-teacher associations in the US might seem a world away from the poorly-supported groups in our own country - but are they more effective? Hilary Wilce reviews a damning critique.

Illustration: A line of classics re-told
A sophisticated collectionnbsp;for gifts or end-of-term treats, reviewed by Jane Doonan.

Holiday reading: For little women of all ages
Adle Gerasnbsp;finds girl-friendly fiction for would-be teens

Reference books: Now you can know it all too
With the season of trivia battles looming, David Newnham asks whether the latest children’s reference books are better sources of questions or answers, while Stephanie Northen compiles a killer quiz.

Holiday arts: Hold onto your heads
A madman in a labcoat wants your brain, says Heather Neill.