• book review - competition

    Win a copy of Alfie and Dad by Shirley Hughes

    Have you ever read any of the Alfie books by Shirley Hughes? I remember reading them when I was younger and now my children love them too! I’m so excited to be able to share this brand new book with you – Alfie and Dad from award winning writer and illustrator Shirley Hughes. This wonderful collection of heart-warming short stories celebrates the special relationship between Alfie and his beloved Dad. Alfie and Dad by Shirley Hughes Alfie’s Dad Simon is always there for Alfie and his sister Annie Rose. He reassures Alfie during a sleepless night, he rescues favoured toy Flumbo when…

  • book review

    Pirates: Dead Men’s Tales {book review}

    My 5 year old daughter *loves* pirates. She dresses up as a pirate, she acts like a pirate and talks like a pirate. I blame all those episodes of Captain Jake and the Neverland Pirates she used to watch before she started in Reception. I knew she would love to see a copy of Pirates: Dead Men’s Tales, a new title from Carlton Kids. Pirates: Dead Men’s Tales is a lovely book containing facts, maps and true stories about life on the high seas. It is aimed at children aged 9 and over but we always read together at bedtime…

  • book review

    The Amazing Emoji Puzzle Book review

    One of the books we packed to take away with us over Easter was The Amazing Emoji Puzzle Book, packed with totally tricky emoji puzzles and stickers. Both my children love emojis, we even used it as a theme for my son’s recent birthday. The Amazing Emoji Puzzle Book includes over 80 fun, emoji-based interactive puzzles to put kids’ brainpower to the test. It includes classic logic and number puzzles which have been re-invented and given a zany new twist and a sheet of re-useable emoji stickers. Emojis are the hottest stars of the small screen, and the world’s fastest growing…

  • book review - competition

    Win a copy of The Giant Jumperee by Julia Donaldson & Helen Oxenbury

    For the first time ever – two icons in children’s publishing collaborate to bring you a classic new picture book which will delight generations of readers. Rabbit was hopping home one day when he heard a loud voice coming from inside his burrow. “I’m the Giant Jumperee and I’m as scary as can be!” When Rabbit’s friends Cat, Bear and Elephant come to help they are each scared away intern by the mysterious voice. He can squash you like a flea He will sting you like a bee And he’s taller than a tree! But who IS the Giant Jumperee?…

  • book review - competition

    Win a copy of Tiger Tiger picture book

    Did you know that this year Little Tiger Press is celebrating turning thirty years old? To help celebrate their milestone I am pleased to have one copy of their new picture book, which is sure to capture the imagination of the young and old, to giveaway to one of my readers. The vivid and original illustrations will take your little one on a journey that will definitely put a smile on anyone’s face. Old Tiger’s world is dull and grey, and all he wants to do is snooze the day away. But little Cub is having none of it – he…

  • book review - Craft book review - crafts - Paper craft

    Folded Book Art by Clare Youngs

    I am looking forward to some extra crafting time over the Easter holidays. We have a steady stream of visitors who like to craft too so I’m very excited to share with them the latest book from Clare Youngs. Titled Folded Book Art: 35 beautiful projects to transform your books, this book is packed with ideas to create cards, display scenes, decorations, gifts, and more. My craft shelf is full of books by Clare Youngs, I really like her style and this is another great book for paper lovers. Folded Book Art by Clare Youngs Create a fantastic world of delight…

  • book review - competition

    Win a copy of the brand new Peppa Goes To London book

    I think it’s obvious from reading our blog that we love living in London. It’s a brilliant place to live and have fun so we were very excited to hear about the new book Peppa Goes To London. Out next month, Peppa Goes To London is being released in partnership with the new and exclusive Peppa Pig TV episodes been screened at Entertainment One’s My First Cinema Experience initiative this coming April. Peppa Goes To London Peppa Goes To London is a specially designed story focusing on Peppa and George’s first trip to the UK capital, featuring entertaining and educational visits to all of the…

  • book review - competition - Mother's Day crafts - parenting

    Win a bundle of Mr Men books for Mothers Day

    It can’t have escaped your notice that Mother’s Day is coming up soon. I don’t need a special day to remind me how much I love being a mum, although I can’t resist a handmade card and cuddle in bed with my little ones. I always encourage my children to put some effort into the cards and gifts we give so I was really excited to see the new Mr Men My Mummy book. As well as being a laugh out loud book which you would expect from the Mr Men brand, it’s also a lovely story to share with your…

  • book review - parenting

    Maternity Leavers by Soozi Baggs

    This weekend my son turns 7 which shocks me a little. It feels like he was just born yesterday. When I went on maternity leave 12 years ago I fully planned to go back to work. I didn’t love my job but it was interesting and paid well. After my son was born I applied to return to work part-time and I was offered a job share which I wasn’t comfortable with so I left. Instead I focussed on my new family and my daughter was born a little later. I threw myself into being a stay at home mum…