The Most Beautiful Child

‘This book is worth getting hold of for the striking illustrations alone. The artwork is in the vibrant style of the seventies with bold prints and bright colours making this a true visual treat. The exotic birds lend themselves beautifully to the vibrant watercolours. It's so funny and wise and the illustrations are stunning. Originally published in the 1970s,The Most Beautiful Child is still relevant today and proves that simple stories with lasting lessons never go out of fashion.’
The Most Beautiful Child by William Papas was first published in 1973 and this welcome re-issue in paperback will bring it to a new audience. This story has a charm and a subtle humour to it that is extremely appealing as is its thoughtful and kindly message about the dangers of vanity and pride. Mr Peacock asks Mrs Owl to take his child’s lunch to school and kind Mrs Owl agrees. How will she recognise his child she asks? Just look for the most beautiful child there replies Mr Peacock. There follows a lesson in the power of a parent’s love as Mrs Owl can find no child more beautiful than her own! The glorious illustrations of all the birds in the school are lovely and provide a way into bird identification and naming too. A cheerful and thoughtful tale’