John Yeoman

Meet fearsome alligators, clever coyotes, a jittery leopard, a shell-less tortoise and all sorts of amazing animals in these wonderful stories from John Yeoman and Quentin Blake. Journey into the jungle, through the desert, into the mountains and beyond in this jam-packed collection of short stories, with artwork by iconic illustrator Quentin Blake. Go to a hippopotamus banquet! Meet a cunning jackal. Hear about a cheeky bird with an exciting new outfit. Discover some clever mice who escape a cat … and MUCH more … John Yeoman’s lyrical and humorous storytelling is accompanied by unmistakable illustrations by Quentin Blake – one of the most-loved illustrators in the world today. This collection is perfect for reading aloud with younger children, or for helping with independent reading.

It is nearly the summer holidays and Billy Dexter and his classmates are trying to finish their wicker baskets. Their craft teacher, Miss Beddows, is so appalled by Billy's efforts that she keeps him in after class for a pep talk. `As long as you set your mind on something and try hard enough, there's nothing you can't do.' Billy loves the idea that he can do anything, but his friends, Melanie and Paul, don't agree. `What about growing horns?' suggests Melanie. It is a challenge Billy has to accept. Brimming with humour and written in John Yeoman's matter-of-fact style, this story from 1961 is vividly illustrated with Quentin Blake's inimitable drawings. It was the second in a long line of collaborations between John Yeoman and Quentin Blake, following soon after their first, A Drink of Water.