• The Missing Sister by Dinah Jefferies
    What I'm reading

    The Missing Sister by Dinah Jefferies

    February 2, 2019 - By 

    Image credit I’m not sure what has happened to me lately but I just can’t stop reading books! It may have something to do with working in a secondary school, as we have set aside time for personal reading each week. I also signed up to a reading challenge on GoodReads which is keeping me motivated. Anyway, I was delighted to receive a copy of Dinah Jefferies’ latest book, The Missing Sister, to review via NetGalley. I’m a huge fan of Dinah Jefferies so was excited to find more about her latest book. The Missing Sister by Dinah Jefferies A stolen sister.…

  • The Doll Factory book cover
    What I'm reading

    The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal {book review}

    January 13, 2019 - By 

    Image credit I love getting lost in a good book and I am delighted to share with you my first book review of 2019, The Doll Factory, the debut novel by Elizabeth Macneal. It’s an intoxicating story of art, obsession and possession set against a backdrop of The Great Exhibition in London. I thought the cover was very appealing, featuring a bell jar full of objects which appear in the novel – a butterfly, an iris, a girl, mouse, peacock feather – all trapped inside. The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal London. 1850. The Great Exhibition is being erected in…

  • book review - Family Life

    The Christmas Lights by Karen Swan

    December 14, 2018 - By 

    I love a good book and seem to read a lot more during the Winter months. I have just finished reading The Christmas Lights by bestselling-author Karen Swan, set on the scenic fjords of Norway, it’s a moving Christmas tale of love and heartbreak. The Christmas Lights by Karen Swan December 2018, and free-spirited influencers Bo Loxley and her partner Zac are living a life of wanderlust, travelling the globe and sharing their adventures with their millions of fans. Booked to spend Christmas in the Norwegian fjords, they set up home in a remote farm owned by enigmatic mountain guide…

  • Disney Ideas Book: More than 100 Disney Crafts, Activities, and Games
    Crafts for kids - Paper craft

    Disney Ideas Book: More than 100 Disney Crafts, Activities, and Games

    November 25, 2018 - By 

    We are huge Disney Fans, in fact I think it’s almost impossible not to be as a parent! I loved Disney films when I was growing up and I’m so glad I get to share them all over again with my own children. If you’re a Disney fan too then you will want to hear about the new Disney Ideas Book: More than 100 Disney Crafts, Activities, and Games from DK. You can bring your love of Disney to life with more than 100 amazing projects and activities in the Disney Ideas Book. With Mickey Mouse’s 90th anniversary later this…

  • The Cactus by Sarah Haywood
    book review - Family Life

    The Cactus by Sarah Haywood

    November 21, 2018 - By 

    It’s been a while since I read and shared a good book with you. I love to read and have been reading more since we started Drop Everything and Read at school this year. It encourages me to read just as much as it does the students, and I look forward to swapping book recommendations in the Staff Room at break. I picked up a copy of The Cactus at my local library as I found the cover image so eye catching. I read the blurb on the back and knew I had to read it, so bought a copy.…

  • Nature Month-by-Month A Children’s Almanac for 2019
    book review - Crafts for kids

    Nature Month-by-Month {A Children’s Almanac for 2019}

    November 1, 2018 - By 

    We love celebrating the seasons here at the gingerbread house. We can’t resist a beautiful new book for children so were delighted to receive a copy of Nature Month-by-Month. This is a lovely book which takes you on an inspirational month-by-month journey through the seasons. Nature Month-by-Month {A Children’s Almanac for 2019} Beautifully illustrated in full colour throughout by Elly Jahnz and written by nature-lover and wild swimmer Anna Wilson, this fantastic guide to the year includes nature spotter and animal behaviour guides, indoor and outdoor craft and activity ideas, seasonal recipes, and celebrations of religious festivals and special days…

  • Ladybird Tales of Adventurous Girls
    book review - Family Life

    Ladybird Tales of Adventurous Girls

    October 15, 2018 - By 

    We are lucky to receive some lovely books to read and share. Both my children love to get lost in a good book and we still read together at bedtime. Today I wanted to tell you about the new Ladybird Tales of Adventurous Girls book from Ladybird Books. It is a gorgeous book, beautifully illustrated and perfect for sharing! Ladybird Tales of Adventurous Girls Join six adventurous girls from around the world as they use their wits, courage and strength to overcome the odds in this colourful, illustrated collection of Ladybird Tales. This is a gorgeous collection of fairytales for our time –…

  • The Spectacular City by Teresa Heapy
    book review - competition

    Win a copy of The Spectacular City by Teresa Heapy

    October 2, 2018 - By 

    One day, adventurous Mouse determines to set off to the bright lights of the spectacular city, accompanied by his friend Bear. But the city is full of distractions and dangers, and Mouse might need his steadfast friend more than he realises … With Autumn here it’s time to wrap up warm and take things a little slower. Curl up with your little ones and read Teresa Heapy’s gorgeous new adventure tale. With instructions on how to make your own paper aeroplane included, this is the perfect activity for a rainy afternoon. Why not take a crisp afternoon walk to your…

  • Minecraft STEM Challenge books for kids
    Family Life - Minecraft crafts - STEM activity

    Minecraft STEM Challenge books for kids

    September 30, 2018 - By 

    MY 8 year old loves playing Minecraft, especially with his Dad. He’s got a great imagination and loves to build his own creations. He also likes a little help and has a good collection of Minecraft books to inspire him. He was recently sent two new Minecraft STEM Challenge books to read and tell you about – Build a City and Build a Theme Park. Minecraft STEM Challenge: Build a City Build a bustling Minecraft metropolis – and get to grips with STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering and maths) as you play! Using core STEM principles, this book will take…