Isirst selection for this Christmas is Stories front Holy Writ. by Helen Waddell (Constable, 8s. 6d.). Miss Waddell, best-selling author of Peter A belard. Beasts anti Saint's, and The Desert Fathers, here gathers together stories from the Bible written thirty years ago for two nephews. The candour and simplicity of her prose and the colour of her imagination combine in the production of stories which will enchant any young child and teach him much of the Bible. A book for good night reading this Christmas holiday.
Jacob's Ladder. by Nicolete Gray (Faber, 21s.), is a fascinating Bible history for children. It consists of reproductions of Anglo-Saxon and 12th century pictures of incdents in the Old and New Testaments linked into a connected story hy a commentary written hy Mis. Gray. The early style of the illustration, direct, deadly sensible, yet decorative. is exactly suited to children who enjoy to discover " what is going on." Mrs. Gray is the guide who can indicate,suggest and enhance the picture without becoming dictatorial about it. I like her homeliness as much as her erudition -about the Magi: " It looks as though they all had to share a bed. You see they have hung up their crowns on the wall." •Ihe text is followed by an admirable list of
The ever-popular Worzel Gummidge makes a new appearance (Worzel Gurnmidge Takes a Holiday) in another Hollis and Carter book, this time 7s. 6d. But for those who have not read them, .Puffin books at Is. 6d, offer Worzel Gummidge Again and Worzel Gumm.dge and Saucy Nancy. They are all by Barbara Euphan Todd. I cannot help thinking, however. that the intelligent child, especially the country one, will really prefer the fascinating story of Henri Fabre, the famous naturalist, in The Insect Man, by Eleanor Doorly. also a is. 6d. Puffin.
What about the very young child? For him or her there is Ding/chop Chimes. by JeanWalmsley Heap (Stanmore Press, 5s) if only for its pleasant illustrations by the same.
But of them all I believe my choice for lots of boys would be another economical one-and-sixpenny. Electric Models from Odds and 1-.-tuls (Puffin Picture Book) looks to rne as though it would keep someone I know busy and out of mischief the whole holidays-and what more can parent or child want?