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Thanks MPRS,

I've just remembered that, like Geeker, you're from America so it's no wonder 8d is proving problematic. The "commonplace" needs to split in two, then put the 8 letters surrounding "encourage" and "smooth" in to Google followed by "common", that should help you out.

Really enjoyed today's challenge from Paul. Some very clever cluing, 5 and 25 my favourites. Took me far too long for PDM on 24!
FOI 4, LOI 17d.
As for assisting those over the pond with 8, the 'commonplace' once had significant American presence.
Thanks to Paul and Brendan

Nice one JohnnyKingsman,

8d - You're absolutely right about the American presence, I'd completely forgotten that :-)

i've a clash between 27a and 23d. Is the second word of 23 not UP?

Chris
23a. I have a word for poisons minus first letter, inside a word for large numbers minus 2nd letter (L)

sorry, wrong clue. Back in a mo

I was referring to 23d. Does this help?

chrise, jazzgirl. I have the same answer as jazzgirl for 23d, and the second word is not ‘up’

Thanks. All my other letters fit POP UP BOOKS!

Apart from having heard of 2 or 3 titles, I know nothing of the theme - I've never even touched one of the books. Our daughter was brought up on Beatrix Potter and Winnie-the-Pooh.

Chris, 23d was published in 1965