Try William Kershner's book - "Private Pilot Flight Manual" (or similar). It is more USA/FAA oriented than Jeremy's books, but it is also a somewhat easier read - doesn't scare people off quite so badly. (Yes, I've met Jeremy and he's a nice guy, but the CAA wants SO MUCH stuff before they let you into an airplane it is absurd.)
Published by Iowa State University Press, Kershner was the grand old man of flight training in the USA (he did the ground school for Orville and Wilbur), he died in January of this year, aged 77, of cancer. He wrote numerous flight training books at many levels, including writing the factory manual for the Cessna Aerobat.
The airplanes work the same way on both sides of the pond, so even though the recipient is (presumably) in the UK, there's a LOT of commonality, and Kershner's book isn't as intimidating as the AFE library.
Just my opinion, YMMV! But do get him SOMETHING, we want to get him hooked on this!
Best Regards,
Echo Mike