ARE you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin.

It's story time across homes, libraries and schools in Southampton as the quest to find Southampton's favourite book for toddlers to share has begun.

The shortlisted six books are available in all of the city's libraries for families to read together.

They will also be available for nurseries, pre-school, SureStart centres and parent and toddler groups to borrow.

It's the second year the 'favourite book to share' scheme has been run by Southampton City Council's family learning team and the library service.

The aim is to encourage more children and their families to discover the fun that reading can bring.

Family learning co-ordinator Lorraine Davison said: "Last year we had more than 1,000 adults and children who voted for their favourite book.

"This year we would like to see even more families take the opportunity to enjoy sitting down and reading together.

"By encouraging more families to share their reading we also hope to introduce them to the many services their local library has to offer and give them a lifelong love of books."

You can vote for your shortlisted book on forms available from libraries.

Last year's winner was Turtle in the Toilet by Jonathan Emmett.