Further books illustrated by Axel include Room on the Broom, Stick Man, Zog and The Smeds and the Smoos – all of which have been made into much-loved animated films by Magic Light Pictures.

Julia Donaldson, the 2011–2013 Children\'s Laureate, is the author of many of the world\'s best-loved picture books. It's important to read to your child early and though probably more likely to listen when they are many months older as they sleep alot to begin with it's still nice for them to recognise the tone and sound of your voice.After winning an award from Hallmark for her final university show, it didn’t take long for Lucy to establish herself as a much-loved illustrator within children’s books. One of Julia Donaldson’s classic picture book stories about two monkeys who are as different as night and day. I bought this for a birthday gift as I thought the book and toy combo would be great for a two-year-old. But Day Monkey doesn't recognise the creatures of the night, confusing fireflies for winking eyes, bats for flying mice and the moon for a banana.

One of the finest rhyming picture book stories from Julia Donaldson, the author behind The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and What The Ladybird Heard. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. It's a beautifully written book however I have dropped a star because of how hard this is to read at bedtime in dim lighting. A fascinating look at how different the world can look through two sets of eyes, it is also a refreshingly simple way to introduce children to the concept of interpretation. Lucy Richards has illustrated books by Michael Morpurgo and Julia Donaldson, as well as writing and illustrating her own book The Magic Sky.

Full of fun and food for thought, Night Monkey, Day Monkey is beautifully illustrated by Lucy Richards. Julia Donaldson’s beloved rhyming picture book story about two monkeys who are as different as night and day yet still learn to be friends – with adorable, sumptuous illustrations from Lucy Richards. The rhythm and word play is up to her usual excellent standard - although The Gruffalo is a classic and The Snail and the Whale is pure pleasure that never ceases to bring a tear to my eye!