A gorgeously illustrated picture book edition of the beloved classic children's story about overcoming fears.

Plop, the baby barn owl, is like every barn owl there ever was, except for one thing - he is afraid of the dark! Mrs Barn Owl sends him down from the nest-hole to find out more about the dark, and on his travels he meets a little boy who shows him fireworks, a black cat who takes him exploring, a little girl who tells him about Father Christmas and many others. It's not long before Plop finds out that DARK IS SUPER!

A comforting story filled with gentle humour and Paul Howard's warm and soothing illustrations, Jill Tomlinson's The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark has been enjoyed for decades by parents and children who want to snuggle down with a good read. Perfect for kids aged 2+


Otto is a penguin chick, that much he knows, but other than this he has a lot to learn. Life at the bottom of the world is a curious thing and life can change at a moment's notice. The next blizzard, the next meal and the threat of being orphaned are all challenges that must be faced. But how will Otto and his friends manage? The only way that penguins can do - by looking after each other. This is a perfect story for animal lovers young and old, filled with tenderness and love combined with a subtle humour.

More Favourite Animal Tales

by Jill Tomlinson

Published 29 August 2013
Three heart-warming classic stories full of animal antics by Jill Tomlinson. Growing up can be lots of fun . . .


Swing from the treetops with Pongo the mischievous gorilla. Play in the snow with Otto the furry penguin chick. Meet Pim the aardvark who’s a very curious little thing.


Filled with gentle humour and comfort, Jill Tomlinson’s animal stories have been enjoyed by children who want to snuggle down with a good read for decades.


This edition containing The Gorilla Who Wanted To Grow Up, The Aardvark Who Wasn’t Sure and The Penguin Who Wanted To Find Out is stunningly illustrated by Paul Howard – making it a terrific collection of stories for young readers.