If you love Winnie the Pooh, go get this book. StingRay, Lumphy, Plastic, the One-Eared Sheep and TukTuk are waiting for you. Imagine toys who are faced with fear (of the washing machine), lack of identity (there are no plastics in the book of animals) and, occasionally, indecision. Their hearts are so wondrous, though and their characters are so fine. Every child will venture intrepidly into the backpack and the damp soccer shoe alongside these newfound heroes. This is one of the best books I have read in years, and the pictures are delightful insights into the vulnerable world of our brilliantly defined friends. It's just not going to get much better than this. Just as Winnie the Pooh and Piglet revealed the humorous and oh so familiar human frailties and strengths, Emily Jenkins has worked some magic with a ball, a buffalo, a yellow towel, and a stingray.
128 pages 978-0375836046 Ages 5-8
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
