On Saturday we planned a grand day out. Our diary was free of play dates and parties and we really wanted to go somewhere new. We live on the edge of West London and we’re so lucky to have the countryside on our doorstep. We decided to head over to High Wycombe for the day. We’ve passed through many times on our way to Hughenden Manor or Odds Park Farm but decided it was time to stop off and see what it had to offer. My husband loves to drive but we were recently offered a Family and Friends Railcard which…
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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…
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A few weeks ago we established a new family tradition. Family traditions are really important to me and I think our Friday night game night is pretty cool. The kids look forward to it all week and for me, it’s the start of the weekend, the end of another busy week, and a great way for us to spend time together away from the tv or laptop. My 7 year old is (already!) a huge gamer. He loves the PS4 and Nintendo Switch and if he isn’t playing computer games then he’s probably reading a book of watching YouTube for…
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If your kids want to know what the hottest toy is going to be for Christmas 2017 then you’re in luck. Meet Snot. The star of the Smyths Toys Christmas advert, the toy that no one wanted. Snot, a toy who begins as a factory line error but goes on to become this year’s most wanted toy. The story follows the cute and curious Snot as he wanders through the streets looking for a place to call home. Though he encounters a series of misfortunate events on his travels, including being chased by a 50ft monster, Snot ends up saving the…
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Did you know that World Animal Day was celebrated on October 4th? We love animals so are excited to be participating in a really fun book tour. Michael Morpurgo is one of the UK’s most celebrated authors, having written over 140 books in a career spanning over 40 years. He has won numerous prizes, including The Children’s Book Award for a record fourth time last year for his novel An Eagle in the Snow. Many of his novels have been adapted into stage shows and several of his titles have been made into films, most famously the Steven Spielberg-directed War Horse. Some of Michael’s most…
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I have a terrible sweet tooth. I just love sweets and they’re a huge part of who I am. Some of my happiest memories are of going to our little corner shop to spend my pocket money with my older sister. Mmmm, sheets of rice paper, shrimps and Hubba Bubba! My sister always went for the packs of Pacers whilst I always spent ages choosing my favourite penny sweets. I can re-call growing up through my favourite sweet shops. I remember I was allowed to walk to a sweet shop after school whilst my mum finished work, and I remember…
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80 sees eighty favourite poems from one of the nation’s best-loved poets. Roger McGough, brought together for the first time in a hugely enjoyable new volume. Poems include The Power of Poets, Apostrophe, Snuggles, Teapet, Trees Are Great and The Rolling Meatball. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, always inventive and often unexpected, the enormous variety of poems will never cease to amaze and delight children of all ages. 80 is a wonderful collection, truly with something for everyone, to be enjoyed again and again, read together or independently, at home or in a classroom. Published around National Poetry Day and in…
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Little Sis has recently embraced all things PJ Masks. Every time I think she is happy playing with one brand of toy she discovers another and suddenly she only wants to watch episodes of PJ Masks and has a new birthday wishlist as long as her arm. Earlier in the summer we told you about the PJ Masks Glow In The Dark Jigsaw Puzzle from Ravensburger. This 60 piece puzzle is the perfect size for Little Sis and one of her favourites. Luckily for her she was sent the new Ravensburger PJ Masks Night Sight Game to tell you about. PJ…
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My children love unusual toys. They love playing but if a toy does something extra or different then even better for them. We were recently sent a couple of the brand new Havex Machines to look at. Series 1 features an assortment of 12 Land, Sea and Air vehicles. You can roll your mini car into the battle pod to initiate the automatic transformation, revealing your battling vehicle. Each pack includes 1 mini car, 1 transforming vehicle and a collectors guide. Havex Machines are advanced mech designed to defend and explore the galaxy. Worthy galactic captains race high-tech vehicles into dormant…