• book review - Family Life - What I'm reading

    The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay

    March 3, 2018 - By 

    Last week I told you about the Book of Dust Volume 1: La Belle Sauvage. Today I’m telling you about another book I would recommend The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay. Back in 2015 I read The Bronte Plot, also by Katherine Reay, which I really loved. so I was pretty excited to hear she’s written another book as I really enjoyed her style. The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay I received a copy of The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay via NetGalley. I had trouble downloading it initially but had another go and read it in a few days. Sometimes I forget…

  • Thomas & Friends Encyclopedia
    book review - Family Life

    Thomas & Friends Character Encyclopedia

    February 28, 2018 - By 

    Thomas & Friends Character Encyclopedia is packed with fun facts, artwork and profiles from your number one blue engine! Including steam engines, diesels, construction vehicles, and of course The Fat Controller, this book is the definitive guide to all of your friends from the island of Sodor. Thomas & Friends Character Encyclopedia With entries on the Steam Team as well as new friends, this book is the ultimate guide to the personalities, jobs and design of more than 100 Thomas & Friends characters. Thomas & Friends Character Encyclopedia also contains fact files and Did You Know? boxes so readers can learn more about…

  • Alethiometers and daemons
    book review - Family Life - What I'm reading

    Alethiometers and daemons {La Belle Sauvage}

    February 26, 2018 - By 

    The Book of Dust is a story in three parts. The first part, La Belle Sauvage, is set 10 years before the events of His Dark Materials, and the rest of the story takes place 20 years after that. Did you know that the Book of Dust was published 22 years after Northern Lights was published in 1995? I’m not sure where the years have gone but I loved His Dark Materials, so I was excited when Penguin Random House sent me a copy of  La Belle Sauvage to read. I received it over Christmas but it was such a hectic time I didn’t really get into it.…

  • book review - competition - Family Life

    Win a copy of We Are Family by Patricia Hegarty

    February 12, 2018 - By 

    Start the year as you mean to go on with WE ARE FAMILY, a timely reminder that love trumps all. Spanning 24 hours, follow the lives of eight families as they go about their different daily routines, wrapped in Ryan Wheatcroft’s vivid and diverse illustrations along with Patricia Hegarty’s much-loved rhymes. WE ARE FAMILY promotes the idea of empathy, love and acceptance, and gently prepares children for times in life where family will be needed for support whilst also kicking a ball, flying a kite, and playing games of chase. Family should not be taken for granted, and kindness should…

  • Crafty Gifts by Jane Bull book review
    book review - Craft book review - crafts - homestyle

    Crafty Gifts by Jane Bull book review

    December 3, 2017 - By 

    It’s been a while since I shared a kids craft book with you but I have a lovely one to share with you today – Crafty Gifts by Jane Bull. Stuck on gift ideas for mum, dad, grandparents, or teacher? Then turn to Jane Bull’s charming new children’s craft book. Packed with over 20 ideas for presents, wrapping, and cards, perfect for kids who love to craft. Crafty Gifts is full of amazing projects for children aged 7+ to make, all with clear step-by-step instructions. Jane takes you from creating lovely presents, all the way to the finishing touches of wrapping…

  • Our 2017 Book Advent books (perfect for 5-7 year olds)
    Advent crafts - book review - parenting

    Our 2017 Book Advent books (perfect for 5-7 year olds)

    November 23, 2017 - By 

    I can’t believe it’s time to start getting ready for December 1st and our annual festive Book Advent. Do you organise a Book Advent? It’s a lovely way to bring out some of those classic Christmas books, as well as more modern classics, and cuddle up with a good book. We love to read and this time of year is even more perfect for picking up a longer book and sharing it with your child. My children are 5 and 7 but are happy to share their Book Advent books (thankfully!). The first thing I did was to get last…

  • Book gift guide for kids
    book review - Gift guide - parenting

    Book gift guide for kids (age 5-8)

    November 19, 2017 - By 

    We are a family of bookworms. We love reading, read every night with the children and enjoy discovering new authors. There seem to be so many exciting books out at the moment. I’ve been sourcing books for our Christmas Book Advent (more of that another day) and couldn’t resist sharing some new books for children aged 5-8. My youngest is starting to read to herself with a little help, whilst my 7 year old is a confident reader. I’m so excited to read some of these books with them over the coming weeks. Book gift guide for kids (age 5-8)…

  • Win a copy of Ronald the Rhino from Twinkl
    book review - competition - parenting - Twinkl Blogger

    Win a copy of Ronald the Rhino from Twinkl

    October 20, 2017 - By 

    Have you heard of Twinkl? They provide instant access to a complete range of award-winning teacher-created, engaging and inspiring teaching, planning and assessment materials. These are not just for teachers however, and are also great for parents, childminders and home educators. It’s a great resource and I find a lot of inspiration for learning at home. You can find out more about them here. Earlier this year we reviewed their new ebook, Ronald the Rhino. I’m delighted to say that this is now a proper book and I’m delighted to have a copy to giveaway today. Ronald the Rhino is big and…

  • Star Wars Coding Projects
    book review - parenting - Star Wars crafts

    Star Wars Coding Projects {book review}

    October 15, 2017 - By 

    My 7 year old is really enjoying his lessons in the computing room at his new school. In Year 3 they start to learn Scratch which he’s really excited about. He loves computer games, especially Minecraft, Cars 3, Mario Kart, Splatoon 2 and anything Lego. We’ve played around a bit with Scratch at home, he can make a sprite walk across the screen and move around. It’s something he loves to do with his Dad and it’s great to see them doing something together. Star Wars Coding Projects Combining the beginner coding language Scratch with the indomitable Star WarsTM empire, Star…