By Adam Howling

Puffin Books, out now

 

A delightful primer to teach the youngest reader how to count up to 20 with a Doctor Who timey-wimey twist.

As books go, Puffin Books’ follow-up to T is for TARDIS is the quickest of reads, making the Doctor Men books look comparatively like War and Peace, but you’re not meant to buy this slim hardback for its word-count but rather as a fun teaching aid for a lucky youngster.

Adam Howling provides continuity from T is for TARDIS, creating stylised versions of the Doctor’s regenerations, companions and enemies. Much like the Adam Hargreaves Doctor Men, a particular quirk in their appearance is honed in on to help the novice reader recognise and distinguish the characters.

This release has the distinction of being the first official Doctor Who book to feature a likeness of Jodie Whittaker’s 13th Doctor, and she looks great in the Ray Holman-designed coat, braces and rainbow T-shirt. As bizarre as this sounds, I’m not going to spoil this book (what? I’m not going to reveal what number comes after 11?!) by saying which characters and scenarios are used, as that really is the charm. Some are obvious decisions, others less so, and some… bizarre! (Why 17 Sea Devils?) But that’s the hook of primary books like this, to create associations with striking imagery and ideas. And while there’s an understandable skew towards 21st Century, there’s still Classic Who characters and moments.

Verdict: Don’t go looking for The Two Doctors, World War 3 or Four to Doomsday, buy it for the Time Tots in your life – present or future – or just treat yourself to this little retro gem that’s as colourful as the Sixth Doctor’s coat, though far more tasteful. 9/10

Nick Joy

Click here to order One Doctor, Two Hearts from Amazon.co.uk