All Things Wise and Wonderful (Herriot J.); Pan Books, 2013

The third collection of memoirs from the author who inspired the BBC and Channel 5 series All Creatures Great and Small. This omnibus edition comprises of Vets Might Fly and Vet in a Spin.

Training as an RAF pilot in the smoke and bustle of London is a far cry from James Herriots day job as a country vet in the Yorkshire Dales. And while he is keen to serve Queen and country, James cannot help but miss his life in Darrowby - despite frequent arguments between his colleagues, bad-tempered cattle and equally irritable farmers, and the continuing saga of Cedric the flatulent dog. But most of all he misses his wife Helen; pregnant with their first child. The question is constantly hanging over him - will he be going to war? And when will he get to go home?

Since they were first published, James Herriots memoirs have sold millions of copies and entranced generations of animal lovers. Charming, funny and touching, All Things Wise and Wonderful is a heart-warming story of determination, love and companionship from one of Britains best-loved authors.

I grew up reading James Herriots books and Im delighted that thirty years on, they are still every bit as charming, heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny as they were then - Kate Humble