This is an unusual book which I wouldn't have picked up for any number of reasons but was urged to do so by Julia at Ottie and the Bea bookshop in Framlingham. It's a guide to fairy tales and creative writing by an acclaimed Italian author of children's stories.

Though I sometimes struggle with fantasy, myths, legends and folklore, I do like books about writing and this is such a beautifully presented book I couldn't fail to dip into it. And then it's as far from a guide or manual as can be. It's a hardback full of colour illustrations throughout as if it's a collection of short stories or fairy tales for children. This makes the text incredibly inviting. It's a truly wonderful book.

The author Gianna Rodari, who died in 1980, is regarded as 'the father of modern Italian children's literature'. I'd not heard of him before, but have since looked up some of his books and hope to read something soon ('Telephone Tales' is top of my list).

This book is said to have changed how creative writing was taught in Italian schools, and you can see why. It is both playful and practical. The only criticism really is that it's so enjoyable to read, and the experience of holding this book is so rich and fulfilling, you don't want to put it down in order to do any writing yourself. It's thought-provoking and enlightening. An amazing book.