Duckie's Rainbow by Frances Barry (Walker Books, £5.99)

THE array of books for toddlers and young children is quite bewildering, and it is often difficult to justify spending a fair amount of money on just one purchase, knowing that it will be looked at for just a few minutes at a time.

Before you know it, your little darling will be wanting to move on to the next brightly coloured shiny object... all praise for public libraries, I say.

But don't pass this one by on the bookshelves. You're not likely to miss it, as this primary-coloured gem is shaped like a quarter of a circle, and truly holds a magical rainbow at the end.

Follow Duckie through her colourful journey through the red poppy field to the kaleidescopic ending. A great way to learn about colours, with simple, eye-catching illustrations which is sure to attract the most reluctant readers.

Jackie Harris