Inside the Villains is a magnificent example of children’s book design at its most creative and innovative. The very size and format of this work looms large and the child reader may wonder if life-sized villains lie in wait, poised to step from the book as the first pages are turned.

Within, we meet the villains: wolf, giant, and witch; and learn all about their dreadful peculiarities and foibles, before being taken through a story where the reader may revel in a sense of justice as each villain is thwarted by their own mischief-making. But this work offers even more. Interactive pull-tabs with strings and levers, lift-the-flaps and gate-folds are craftily done and will attract curious minds (young and old alike) to share and explore this remarkable book.

Natalie Platten is the assistant manager and children’s book buyer at Readings Doncaster.