One day an invitationCame to number 24.It was from a next-door neighbourWho they'd never met before.The children can't wait - a birthday party? What fun! But their next-door neighbour is not all he seems. For starters, there's his large snout and very sharp teeth. Not to mention his scaly skin . . . Yes, there's no two ways about it, he's definitely a CROCODILE. Erm, crocodiles don't eat children, do they? A riotous romp of a picture book, superbly written by Mark Sperring and brilliantly illustrated by Laura Anderson. Snappy Birthday is the perfect present for any child - whether it's their birthday, or not!

Mark Sperring is the author of The Sunflower Sword (Andersen), Captain Buckleboots on the Naughty Step (Puffin) and Green (Meadowside). He is a bookseller with a huge wealth of knowledge of the children's market. Mark lives in Bristol.