STEPHEN LEWIS rounds up recent children's fiction.

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, retold by Hiawyn Oram and illustrated by Tudor Humphries (Collins, £10.99) For younger children

This is one of the great children's stories. It has enthralled generations. So do we need a new version that tells the same story for younger children in simpler language? Probably not. That said, the illustrations are beautiful, and should help to stimulate a young child's imagination and love of books. I just worry it could spoil the joy of discovering the original.

The Little Gentleman, Philippa Pearce (Puffin, £9.99) For middle-sized children

When Bet is asked to go into the meadow and read aloud from an old book about earthworms, she wonders why. There is no one there. Then she realises a little mole is leaning out of his hole with his head on his paws, listening attentively. Eventually the mole interrupts, and starts telling her about his own larder of delicious earthworms. And so begins an extraordinary friendship. This is no ordinary mole. He can talk, he's 300 years old, and he's played a part in important events in English history - including the death of King William III, the Jacobite rebellion and the Battle of Culloden. But now he needs somebody he can really trust. A wise, warm, wonderful little book that is a magical delight.

Wolf Brother, Michelle Paver (Orion Children's Books, £8.99) For older children

Deep in an ancient forest, Torak is alone and on the run. His father has been killed by a demon in the shape of a great bear. But before he died, he charged his 12-year-old son with a terrible responsibility: to travel to the great Mountain of the World Spirit far to the north, and there find a way to kill the bear demon. The forest is full of eyes. But Torak has been well-trained as a hunter and soon an orphaned wolf cub becomes his friend, brother and guide. Wolf Brother is a thrilling story of friendship and survival that takes you back to the great forests of Europe 6,000 years ago.

Apocalypse, Tim Bowler (Oxford, £12.99) For teenagers

Caught in a storm, 15-year-old Kit and his parents are shipwrecked on a remote island. The inhabitants, part of a fanatical religious community, are hostile to outsiders, and begin hunting the family. When Kit's parents disappear, he faces a desperate struggle.

He is helped by Ula, an outcast from the religious community who has survived on her wits alone. Gradually, their wary friendship deepens into something more until everything changes with the arrival of a mysterious wild man who bears an uncanny resemblance to Kit himself.

At times the relentless harrying of Kit and Ula is almost brutal. But Bowler fashions a story that is wise and moving. The poignant ending will leave you shaken to the core.

Updated: 09:47 Wednesday, October 13, 2004