Pangolins - Plainsong

Advantages: great read for small children
Disadvantages: none

...Have you ever wondered what all those animals did when they were cooped up on the ark for forty days? Well, if you read this delightful children's book, all will be revealed. The Two-by-two Band is an excellent book to share with small children especially if they already know the story of Noah's Ark. In this story, it starts by showing how bored Noah and all the animals are. However, this all changes when Mrs Noah suggests that they start up a band and reminds Noah that all the musical instruments are in 'the third cupboard from the left, on the second to bottom deck'. Everyone is thrilled by this idea and it's not long before all the animals are choosing their instruments. There are some very apt choices including the marmosets playing the castanets, the pangolins picking violins and the baboons opting to play the bassoons. Soon they... Read review

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Advantages: Delightful story and illustrations
Disadvantages: Only available in hardback at time of writing - expensive

...South-African Fiona Moodie wanted to write and illustrate children's books from a young age and it is easy to see that she had the talent to fulfil her ambition. Noko's Surprise Party is her latest picture book and is a follow-up to Noko and the Night Monster. As Takadu the aardvark and Noko the porcupine have been friends for so long, it is only natural that Takadu wants to plan a party for Noko's birthday, but it is to be a surprise. Takadu goes to considerable trouble to write and hand out invitations to Mrs. Warthog, Bat-eared Fox, Pangolin (a scaly anteater), Velvet Monkey and Guineafowl. The problems begin when Greedy Hyena sees Takadu deliver the invitations and realises that he has not been included because of his awful manners. He follows secretly when Takadu goes on a long journey to collect figs for the party. As Takadu is... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful, fragile
Disadvantages: None!

...Without any shadow of a doubt in my mind, "Disintegration" is the finest album the Cure have ever written. As with many bands with a big back-catalogue, their discography is a bit hit-and-miss. However, if you only ever get one Cure album, get this one. Why? Because the Cure are one of those bands that sound far better when they're being depressing, an Disintegration is without doubt a depressing record. But this is depressing in a good way. The music is hauntingly beautiful, soaring, atmospheric and when you listen to it in a darkened room it swoops down for you and carries you away- from the opening majestic chords of "Plainsong" onwards. This is an anthem of failed romance, of loss and yearning, and it is heartrendingly, achingly wonderful. There are no sub-standard songs whatsoever on this album. A couple, such as "Lullaby" have... Read review

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