Pinocchio. By C. Collodi. Translated by M. A. Murray. (J.
M. Dent and Sons. 6s. net.)—This amusing story will give particular pleasure to English children (and their parents) who know Italy, as it pleasantly recalls many of those details of southern life which go to make up our recollections of foreign travel. But the stay-at-home reader will also enjoy the adventures of the puppet hero, for he is a very naughty creature who after many exciting episodes turns into a well-behaved boy. The book is full of clever pictures, by Mr. C. Folkard, which give the story an added attrac- tion.—Sy/vices Travels. By Constance Armfield. Illustrated by Maxwell Arinfield. (Same publishers. 6s. net.)—This also has a southern atmosphere, and the pretty full-page coloured picture of " Button Town " must surely have been inspired by Portofino, that attractive place on the Genoese Riviera. Sylvia is a charm- ing and practical child who, following the advice of a magic bird, sets out to see the world. She has many adventures and meets a number of strange people and animals, among them a king and queen, rabbit innkeepers, a kitten, and some hobby beasts. We should like to hear more of Sylvia's father, who taught her to treat animals with unusual thoughtfulness. "`Too many prisoners are made by love,' he was fond of saying, and explained to Sylvia that `every animal had its own little home and family, just as she had, and that she had no right to take it away from its natural surroundings. " These two books are above the average of children's stories, and the points of view of the authors are wise and kindly.
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