Weekend Reviews (Early edition)

Last weekend, The Independent posted a great selection of reviews of children's books. And, they're at it again today with a "Children's Book Special." I'm not sure what's up at The Independent, but here's what's in store:

• Sally Williams reviews picture books, including The Jungle Book, by Matthew Reinhart, and Silly Billy, by Anthony Browne
• Boyd Tonkin reviews Murder in Amsterdam, by Ian Buruma ("Europe's agonising tangle over race, religion and respect calls for a cool head and a long view. Buruma supplies both." Sounds interesting!)
• Christina Hardyment considers new fiction for the 8-12 crowd, including Into the Woods, by Lyn Gardner, and Peter Pan in Scarlet, by Geraldine McCaughrean
• Nicholas Tucker appraises new Young Adult fiction, including Hilary McKay's fabulous Caddy Ever After, and Mal Peet's The Penalty
• Christina Hardyment gets it right with her introduction to her review of new audiobooks: "There are good audiobook readers, and there are great ones, especially when matched to a title that suits them perfectly." Sir Ian McKellen narrates Michelle Paver's Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series!?! This series has been on my "to read" list for a long time. I'm heading straight for the audio now.