'Don't let your 3-4 year olds grow up without ANT and BEE - and especially KIND DOG. It has lovely graphics and a simple story with surprises.' I remember the books from our school library and I am now 60. 'The keen 3 year old had already enjoyed 2 others at home and I ordered this one to amuse her when I am babysitting and to provide a bit of nostalgia for me. just perfect for those in the early stages of learning to read.' 'I don't often write reviews, but I have been so thrilled by the way this book has captivated my reception age child that I felt I had to! He loves it that he has to join in on every page and the repetition of words soon helps him recognise them easily. 'Nothing gives us greater pleasure than one more girl or boy inspired to read.' Egmont UK 'The ANT and BEE stories provide an alternative to 'phonics learning'.' 'When reading, Paul's granddaughter lays claim to all her red words.'

'Lily really concentrates on her reading now because she knows another red word is coming.' If you can get them, that is - they tend to be not cheap, which is definitely a sign that they were well used and fondly remembered.'These were the books that taught me how to read.' Anthony Horowitz I don't think she is nearly as good, and would recommend the originals. Banner revised the text somewhat (how much? I don't know) and redid the illustrations herself, after having had a falling out with the original illustrator. I did, however, find a scan of the most modern edition. Though I've picked up a couple others for my children, I've not tracked down Around the World with Ant and Bee. I remember this one well from my youth, and not living in on that sceptered isle, it was the only 'Ant and Bee' I had. The 'Ant and Bee' series, popular in 1970s Britain, doesn't follow best practices about how children should read - the directions to the parent are as 'whole word' as can be, and I recommend ignoring them completely - but the books are nevertheless written in simple text, reasonably decodable at an early stage, a cute size, and surprisingly enjoyable to the young. Friends Ant and Bee travel all around the world, looking for Bee's lost umbrella.

Ant and bee by angela banner