Lauren Child: What planet are you from Clarice Bean?

If you haven't discovered the anarchic joys of Clarice Bean, don't delay. They are picture books, but with a zany, super-active illustrative style and stories that display a sophisticated understanding of the world and family dynamics. It all adds up to sheer delight.

Adults will recognise the characters and laugh; children will relate to Clarice Bean's impatience, supreme lack of respect and her dauntingly straightforward way of seeing life. Earlier titles include Clarice Bean That's Me, and My Uncle is a Hunkle says Clarice Bean. These and Child's other titles, such as I Am Not Sleepy And I Will Not Go To Bed and I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato are major prizewinners in Britain.

This latest one is about saving the planet by saving a tree. Don't miss it.

Orchard Books

$15.95