A gorgeously illustrated picture book edition of the beloved classic children's story about overcoming fears.

HRH the Duchess of Cambridge will be reading The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark on CBeebies Bedtime Stories on Sunday 13th February as part of Children's Mental Health Week.

Plop, the baby owl, is like every barn owl there ever was, except for one thing - he is afraid of the dark . . .

The dark is brimming with excitement and magic. As Plop ventures into the night, he meets a boy who shows him fireworks, a black cat who takes him exploring, a girl who tells him about Father Christmas, among other surprising discoveries . . .

Filled with gentle humour and heart-warming illustrations, this uplifting story about finding the courage to face your fears has been beloved of parents and children for decades - and its message of resilience is as timely as ever!

An abridged picture book edition.

Howard, Paul

Paul Howard studied graphic design in Leicester, graduating in 1989 with first class honours. For a time he worked in London's Natural History Museum. He lives in Ireland. He won the Blue Peter Children's Book Award 2001.

Tomlinson, Jill

Jill Tomlinson never intended to be a writer. She trained as an opera singer, and then decided to have a family whilst her voice matured. But illness intervened, and she had to find another outlet for her energies. She started on a journalism course, and by the third lesson decided she wanted to write for children. So she did! Jill Tomlinson's animal stories are much-loved and have been best-selling children's books for nearly four decades.