BOOK CORNER

My June suggestions were found whilst wandering around a local Christian Bookshop. My aim was to find a simple activity book for pre-school/primary children. I chose three items from a range produced by Novar Cottage, Canada.

 In The Old Testament is contained 16 clear illustrations of events. Characters and objects such as An Apple - the Forbidden Fruit, The Creation - God Made All the Animals on Earth (picture of a group of happy animals) and Jacob and his ladder. These are to be painted. Oh, could be a problem you may say. Supposing I mention that there is also included a paint palette of thirty colour circles. (Five colours, six of each colour). All that is needed is a paint brush and water.

 The New Testament also contains 16 clear illustrations. In this book can be found Mary on the long trip to Bethlehem, The Risen Jesus and a Chalice amongst others. The paint palette is included here too.

 The New Testament (Magic Pad) might be a choice for those a little concerned about youngsters and paint. The pages of this book need to be scribbled over with a pencil to reveal favourite pictures. Each page has a title and a little explanation, for example, 'Jesus as a Young Boy. Jesus helped his father, Joseph, in the carpenters shop.' This book is particularly good value as there are pictures both sides of each page.

All the above are in an ideal size for small hands. They all have perforated pages which makes it easy to share amongst two or more children. The paint palettes are also in strips so each child could have a palette each. Ideal for travel, rainy days, ill-in-bed days, even as a gift for a 'party bag'.

'The Old Testament' 'The New Testament', 'The New Testament (Magic Pad)'. Novar Cottage. All just £1 each.

LYNN WINTER