The Zoological Times

Like its predecessor, The Prehistoric Times, The Zoological Times is laid out like a newspaper and absolutely jam-packed with news, fun facts and interactive features. Your child will probably skim through a few times and dive in and out of the pages. There are numerous brilliant entry points into learning about the planet and all the species in it – and, sadly, the dangers both face.

Fear not, though, the very clever Stella Gurney (who has written the text) keeps everything light and funny. Even the front cover is hilarious, with mock "inviting" magazine headlines, such as 'How to keep your hair looking scary' and 'Camel you believe it? The truth about what's in those humps'. 

Inside, your child can choose between a word search, a 'What kind of animal are you?' flow chart, an 'odd one out' picture test and an animal join-the-dots, to name just some activities. There are also profiles on zebras and the praying mantis and others, and a 'share index' that sweetly looks at the cooperation between the species. 

This is a brilliant way to keep kids entertained in the holidays – and, best of all, they won't even realise they're learning.