Some of my favourite children's books are the obscure ones that no one else seems to have heard of, that you come across by accident, like this one which I found at a library sale for 20p and we instantly fell in love with.

It's the tale of Squirrel and Marianne the china doll, who live together in a tree house. 'The only trouble was that Squirrel was a bit of a showoff,' and one day he's bouncing on the TV aerial on the roof when he falls off and hurts his leg.

Luckily 'the ambulance men were very gentle' and he and Marianne drive off in a First World War-style ambulance to the Toy Hospital, where nurses in old-fashioned long uniforms and a kindly doctor patch him up. After some r & r at home under Marianne's care his bandages come off and he's ready for Marianne's special surprise...

I'd never come across Elaine Mills apart from this book which she wrote and illustrated, but I'm surprised she's not better known, as The Toy Hospital is an absolutely wonderful book.

The text is simpleand uncluttered, with carefully-chosen words that convey a wealth of meaning about Squirrel and Marianne's sweeet relationship and Squirrel's fears at the hospital.

Squirrel is indeed a bit of a hyperactive show-off but Marianne is patient and gentle with him, and their perfect friendship and the kindness of the hospital staff leave you with a warm glow.

The illustrations are beautifully done, in colour pencil, I think - a real labour of love. Marianne's treehouse and the surrounding countryside are magical, the more so when Squirrel can't manage the stairs so they camp out in an old army-style tent under the stars, Squirrel in a wooden wheelchair and Marianne with supper on a tray, or reading together with the tent flap open and rain pouring down outside.
Even the hospital ward looks reassuring and inviting, with recuperating toys tucked cosy in their beds or playing with toys.

This is a wise and gentle book, a big part of my kid's childhood. Recommended to all.