Blue John by Berlie Doherty, illustrated by Tim Clarey (Puffin, £5.99)
If you have children who love the magical and mystical this would be an ideal bedtime read guaranteed to set their hearts and minds spinning.
The story, poetically told by Berlie Doherty, is based on the legend of Blue John stone which is found in the caverns of Castleton, Derbyshire, and its name was inspired by the music of Smetana. Each page is awash with deep, velvety illustrations more suited to children over the age of six, both because some of the pictures are quite eerie and also because the story is lengthy and uses plenty of adjectives to mine the most from this magical myth.
Let your children snuggle up to you while you wallow in the language and colour effervescing from every nook and cranny of this new publication.
I'm sure older siblings will want to get a piece of the action too! A wonderful excuse to plan a visit to this tourist attraction if you haven't already been!
Jackie Harris
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