Sarah Webb (Children's Books In Ireland, Autumn 2000 (No. 24))
I was delighted to see the re-issue of the Helen Oxenbury toddler board book collection, no doubt re-published on the back of the best selling Tickle Tickle which was selected as the Sainsbury's Best Book for babies and toddlers and sold in each of the supermarket's stores. The titles in the range, I Touch, I See, I Hear, and I Can, feature an energetic round-faced little fellow who is depicted in various day to day situations. In I See he is dressed in a bright yellow raincoat and sou'wester while he surveys a frog hopping. Each double page spread of this particular hand-sized book features this charming character looking at a friend, a flower, and the moon, all beautifully drawn and gently coloured items from everyday life. The spreads are well designed, uncluttered, with attractive lettering and one main image to focus on. The books all have rounded edges and high quality dense white board. First published in 1985 they have been carefully re-designed for modern children without losing any of their original charm. All in all, perfect first books and highly recommended. 1996, Walker Press, D2.99stg each. Ages 0 to 4. ( )