Timid Tim and the Cuggy Thief

This is an interesting book in that it deals sensitively with the whole issue of fear, of security blankets, of finding courage to fight and win against the odds. It's a provocative read though. Year Two children were mixed in their reactions to it. Many felt the faceless Cuggy Thief would be too frightening for 'the little ones'; the illustrations were deemed 'just right for the story', although the fantasy/reality conflict within them was too close. However, to a person they would award it shelf space in the book corner. They were very indignant at the recommended age ranges on the cover of 'Reading Together - 2 Years and Over' and 'Reading Alone - 5 Years and Over'. (Red Fox, please note.)