A Literary Triumph!

Once in a rare while, you come across a book that is a real page turner, one that you want to dip into again and again. 'Bouncy Lamb' is one such book. Since Daddy brought it home for me, I have read it 37 times, and each time discovered a fresh nuance or a startling new fact I had missed before. For example, did you know that dogs like bones? This is obliquely referred to on page three; it's not in-your-face, the author doesn't overemphasise it, but it does make you look at dogs with new eyes.

Furthermore, the writer, Mr. Ladybird, has an elegant way of expressing himself that instantly appeals. There is music in lines like the one about the Cuddly Cat - 'Rub her tum' (goes tum-ti-tump-ti-dum in your head, you see).

The character development is superb. By the end of the book, Curly Snail and Softy Rabbit have become your friends, and you don't hesitate to feel Snail's shell or touch Softy's tail. You identify with the whole cast of characters in a way that a lesser book could never have got you to do. You have no trouble believing that they are every bit as cuddly as you!

All in all, a touching book with vivid characterisation and a great deal of local colour (the barnyard truly comes alive) which I wholeheartedly recommend to all babies.

It has been a rewarding experience too - a great read washed down with lots of milk - my idea of heaven! And in critiquing it, I may have found a vocation...