This museum is unlike any you’ve visited before. Open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, its collection boasts an unrivalled catalogue of the world’s finest and most extraordinary creatures, with each exhibit in immaculate condition and presented in fantastic detail.

This has got to be the loveliest Christmas present ever, especially if you are a) into animals b) into facts c) into beautiful illustrations d) into gorgeously giant books printed on thick, matt paper.

Katie Scott and Jenny Broom (a lovely, talented girl who happens to be a friend of mine) take their readers on a visually stunning, fascinating journey through this fact-filled museum of the animal kingdom. My favourite thing about this book is the clever way it appeals to all ages – the words are easy to read and the illustrations accessible – it’s never patronising, nor does it drown you in dense, confusing facts.

Yes, a beautiful present or possession for almost anyone of any age.

All ages

Animalium by Katie Scott and Jenny Broom, published by Big Picture Press, 2014, 96 pages