IMAGINE a duck dressed in old Yorkshire style complete with cloth cap and hobnailed boots!

That’s the endearing hero of this gentle picture book about an art exhibition in the thatched hamlet of Dabblebrook whose inhabitants all seem to be wild creatures. Duck Bill is quite a character who loves water so much that he keeps taking baths; Arnold, his best friend, is a cheerful looking hedgehog.

The story was conceived and written by Bedale author Liz Carter, and illustrated by the late Ripon artist Derek Taylor. Liz had seen a picture by Derek at an art exhibition which featured a duck and a hedgehog and told her mother it would make a nice illustration in a children’s book. She passed the comment on to Derek who promptly lent her his portfolio of work with the message: “Tell her to have a go then.” And she did… though, sadly, Derek died before ever meeting Liz or seeing the finished version.

The simple text is perfect for reading aloud, and the pictures are both charming and amusing with a touch of Heath Robinson – don’t miss the picture of Duck Bill taking a shower under a watering can! Great for sharing with pre-schoolers. (Age 2-4) ■ Also available from Big Sheep Little Cow, Bedale; Bedale News; Castle Hill Bookshop, Richmond; Borders in Gateshead; Church Street Gallery, Hartlepool; Washington Wetlands Centre and amazon.co.uk