Dinky the dolphin - Joe Boyle

Dinky the Dolphin is tired of performing tricks in the marine park. But when he finally makes his escape, he meets a hungry shark on the loose! Only his tricks can save him now.

Dinky the Dolphin is one of eight new titles in the hugely successful series of small format storybooks for preschool children based on the popular TV animation series Animal Stories.

Each title - based on a single TV episode - follows the amusing antics of an animal character who is struggling to overcome a particular burden in life, such as spots on the leopard, a hump on the camel, fussy eating habits of the cat and noisy neighbours of the owl. The stories are told in delightful rhyming verse, accompanied by bold colourful illustrations derived from the animation.

Funny and appealing, the complete series of sixteen titles will enthral fans of the TV programme and newcomers alike, and makes a charming set for young children to collect.