MR BENN BIG TOP

Four classic Mr Benn titles published in 50th anniversary paperback editions, we celebrate the iconic BBC TV series with the original picture books. Voted third in a BBC poll of 25-45 year olds of All-Time Favourite Children's Shows, the very name Mr Benn is enough to induce a warm glow of childish bliss. Measuring 22.5cm square and for ages three and up, in textured covered softbacks from the wonderful children's publisher Andersen Press, each title has 48 pages. The very conventional looking bowler-hatted man who disappears into the back of a fancy dress shop has some amazing adventures. In this story Mr Benn swaps his bowler hat and black suit for an extravagant clown costume and finds himself transported into a world of big-top tents and circus performers. With intricate artwork, the colour images have an almost 3D effect and the line art pen and ink drawings simply delightful.