Oh, those illustrations! They look as if they’re the work of Quentin Blake (perhaps best known for illustrating Nils-Olof Franzén’s Agaton Sax books). Only in color. Charlie Mackesy’s beautiful pictures provide the perfect pairing for Vickie Cowie’s Tales of Muggleswick Wood.

Does Cowie’s rhyming style seem like a 19th or early 20th century wonder? Yes, it does, and I, for one, am here for it. While some complain that the plot is too similar to that of Winnie the Pooh, I think Cowie’s five interlocking stories stand on their own. Perfect for bedtime stories, although grownups might “cheat” and read all the magical stories that Granny tells of Muggleswick Wood while their children sleep. My two favorite stories are The Secret of Snittington Hall and Melvin the Mole, with its Colonel Blimp-type villain.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books in exchange for an honest review.

This was a little odd to read as an e-audio and I probably should've waited until I had more time to "page" through it slowly and appreciate the rhymes, which came off as too sing-songy via audio. But I can see the appeal for sharing with children and the illustrations were charming, so I would recommend it.

I’ll begin by saying that I adore the cover of this book. It seems reminiscent of the Winnie the Pooh story illustrations.

Inside the art work is just as delightful. It adds so much to the text. The stories themselves may intrigue young ones. There are five in all with titles like The Magic of Muggleswick Wood and The Secret of Snittington Hall (along with three others).

At 192 pages, there is a lot of rhyming bedtime stories here. Could be perfect for a young one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

My expectations of this book aligned more with Beatrix Potter's tales, and this is not what this book is. The tales, written in verse, were charming and will definitely bring out some giggles, but this is not going to become a family favorite.

Super cute children's stories perfect for a bedtime story! (or anytime really) The rhyming pattern lends itself to reading out loud and engaging young and old in these stories. The illustrations are adorable and the characters intriguing.

A lovely treasury of stories told in verse. The beautiful watercolour paintings pair with the forest-bound stories wonderfully.

Excellent for children who enjoy magic, mystery and bedtime stories. This book would be a perfect gift.