I have been very blessed recently to enjoy my Saturday evenings with the most handsome young man that I know, even getting a cuddle before bed. No, I have not been dating but instead (and it's far more fun) I have been babysitting my nephew. What a delight. Until bed time. Knowing mummy and daddy, for the first night at least, were not in really set the little fellow off.

What to do. Now. I remember reading these to many of the children I have looked after and been a nanny for and I know that some good old Hairy Maclary never fails. I sat down with small fry for a bed time read and this time we opted for Scarface Claw. Now, without any spoilers for mummies and daddies out there (You also wont want to hear it again I'm sure) Scarface is supposed to be the big bad cat that isn't afraid of anything. This story is the tale surrounding the characters from the Hairy Maclary series with a focus on Scarface Claw showing that, actually, he might not be as tough as he tells everyone. As with all the other books by the wonderful New Zealand author Lynley Dodd the story is written as poem that flows beautifully, with great use of alliteration.

The images throughout the book do not disappoint, they are of a beautiful quality as always, and are still the same wonderful paintings that have been throughout the series. I would recommend really taking the chance to go over these with the kids as there is so much to spot.

We had great fun reading this book together, whilst it is a little above small fry's literary level at the moment he still had great fun telling me all the spectacular names of the wonderful characters and giving me very interesting descriptions of the beautiful images :)

The book is the perfect length, little ones enjoy it, mummies and daddies don't feel like they have been reading forever. The images are fun, creative and the story is fun. I would also highly recommend that you read some of the other books in the series - Most come in at around £4 which is a fairly reasonable cost for a book that will be read so many times.

Is it worth it? Yes, very much so. I highly recommend this, just a few points to make - I've not come across this in hardback so to be aware with little sticky fingers turning pages. And. Most of all. Be prepared to read this time and again. I actually just recite the story whilst he holds it now......

Be prepared to enjoy many hours of fun reading this beautiful book.