Hubble Bubble Granny Trouble by Tracey Corderoy and Joe Berger

Hubble Bubble Granny Trouble is a delightful look at a very alternative type of granny! She's different because she's a witch and this causes all sorts of unusual scenarios! Her granddaughter eventually decides that it might be easier if her granny were to fit it and be a little more normal. But the granny gets quite depressed and finds it very boring so the little girl quickly realises that it's much more fun when her granny is just being herself.

I don't know if it's just me but I don't think that the problem that this book potentially identifies is really a problem for the age group that the book is addressed at. My girls are not bothered at the moment by differences - as far as I can tell and would probably love to have a witch as a granny, as well as keeping their current ones! Maybe as my five year old moves more firmly into school and her relationships with her peers develop this might be something that is more of an issue. Of course it might come in handy in a more subtle way as well, a difference that isn't a witch as a granny for instance! I'll keep you posted (and this book handy!).

However, both my girls really enjoy this book and the rhyming text is lovely to read aloud. The illustrations are great, lots to look at and lovely use of colour. It's one of those great books which we can all read together!

Winnie's New Computer by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul

We've been Winnie the Witch mad recently, mainly reading Winnie's New Computer - because that is the only Winnie book we have! Although we've had quite a few out from the library in the last few months, Winnie in Winter being a favourite, too.

 I think Rosie particularly likes the computer one because she feels sorry for Wilbur being shut out in the rain and being turned blue and then invisible. It's nicely done and thankfully fun to read (I think it might be nearing about 50 times now, I'm available for recitals!). 

Winnie orders a new computer and when she gets it she realises she can scan all her spells in and get rid of her spellbook and her old wand. But then something goes terribly wrong! It's actually quite an interesting comment on the paperless office now I come to think of it! And I did experience the utter terror of losing everything you hold online when my yahoo work email went down a few days ago. Yikes!

I think the Winnie books are charming and there is enough extra detail in the illustrations to bear rereading them again and again. The duo of Winnie and Wilbur is great fun too, although Wilbur always seems to bear the brunt of Winnie's crazy plans.