A Bit More Bert features in six short chapters the round-faced, red-nosed, ginger Bert--an affable, hapless hero who manages to turn ordinary events into funny adventures. Part of the book's appeal comes from Ahlberg's ability to invite readers to participate in the story. This involvement can be subtle when the author asks for an opinion on Bert's dog or which packet of crisps Bert should choose; conspiratorial when Bert confides his secret that "He never eats his cabbage"; and direct when the reader is encouraged to give Bert a haircut that then goes horribly wrong ("Poor Bert… bald Bert").

The book is punctuated with quirky humour and it soon becomes clear that everyone in Bert's world is called Bert including his dog, mother, two policemen, a guinea pig and six goldfish! It is an affectionate and warm book, evoking the feeling that anyone who comes into contact with Bert (including the reader) is a friend.

Briggs's colourful and atmospheric illustrations clearly portray the action whether comic (a cartoon strip of Bert disposing of the offending cabbage) or serious (the tiny figure of Bert against the huge expanse of road and city night sky, when Bert loses his dog).

Bert is an unusual, but endearing fellow who will elicit plenty of giggles from the under sixes and perhaps the occasional chuckle from parents too! Suitable for 3-6 year olds. --Tracey Hogan