BOOK CORNER

This month it is the turn of a children's book published by the Leprosy Mission International. 'The Wonderful Picnic' by Hilary Faith Jones introduces children to the miraculous feeding with five loaves and two fishes.

It is told through the eyes of a mouse called Minimus who in this story lives with his friend Jesus in the carpenter's shop. Jesus sets off on a long journey and Minimus goes too. The reader is introduced to Bumble the donkey, Esme the bird, Seraphina the cat and Scruffy the puppy who all join in the adventure.

Delightfully told and charmingly illustrated 'The Wonderful Picnic' will appeal to toddlers through to first readers whom, I am sure, will be helped to regard Jesus as their friend too.

This book is the first in the Adventures with Jesus series and also the Author's first children's book.

Hilary Faith Jones became a professional storyteller, actor and musician after teaching for ten years. She also regularly leads worship as a Methodist Local Preacher.

The illustrator, Honor Ayres, graduated from University College, Bath, with a degree in graphic design, specialising in illustration. Her Christmas Card design won the Leprosy Mission Christmas Card Competition in 2002.

The Wonderful Picnic by Hilary Faith Jones (The Leprosy Mission).

ISBN 0 902731 47 5 £4.99.

LYNN WINTER