Introducing the grandson to books is an absolute joy. Of course he just wants to eat them all, but when you get that spark of recognition that they are actually seeing the pictures and feeling the different materials, and hearing the squeaky squeaks it’s a truly joyous moment.

I have kept all the favourite books from my eldest- his Dad- and the 6 and 11yr olds- and it’s true what they say- you can’t beat the old ones- definitely the best. ‘Mr Bumble builds a house’ was the 11 and the 6yr olds favourites and at the time I searched high and low for a sequel with no luck. It’s now held together by tape and flaps missing but you can bet that the grandson will love it just as much.

I love to read with all the kids- although the 11yr old is far too old for that now. The thrill of opening up the crisp pages of a new book gives me the same thrill as it did when I used to read my Jill and her ponies books. I can remember it like it was yesterday and it seemed like I always had a book on the go. But then of course I had bags of free time and no worries or responsibilities.

I hope when I’m in my twilight years I’ll be able to get back to my reading- but then again I’ll probably have more grandchildren and who knows even great grandkids- wonder if Mr Bumble will survive??