• How to fly like an elephant by Kyoto Nemoto
    book review - Family Life

    How to fly like an elephant by Kyoko Nemoto

    May 11, 2018 - By 

    It feels like it’s been a while since I shared a really good childrens’ book with you. Both my children are bookworms. We still visit our local library every few weeks but it’s also really lovely to be sent a book to review. Recently the V&A has collaborated with Puffin on some fun picture books. The partnership brings the museum alive through innovative activity books and we are so excited to be telling you about How to fly like an elephant by Kyoko Nemoto. How to fly like an elephant by Kyoko Nemoto EVERYONE knows that elephants can’t fly. They’re TOO…

  • Sticker Safari
    book review - competition - Crafts for kids

    Win a copy of Dot Art: Sticker Safari by Yoni Alter

    April 12, 2018 - By 

    We’ve had some amazing meals out whilst we’ve been away. We have a strict no phones or iPads rule whenever we eat out. I really dislike seeing families eating out where no one talks to each other! This may not work for everyone but it works for us. I always make sure to pack some cards or a small game. We had a really lovely meal at The Golden Fleece in Wells next the Sea (the New York Deli pizza is sooo good!) and I packed a copy of Dot Art: Sticker Safari by Yoni Alter to keep us all…

  • Minecraft Master Builder World Tour
    competition

    Minecraft Master Builder World Tour {review and giveaway}

    March 20, 2018 - By 

    It’s no secret around here that my 8 year old is a huge Minecraft fan. I can’t remember when he was first introduced to it but he loves it. It was his birthday last week and there was a definite Minecraft theme going on. I managed to find Minecraft inspired tablecloths, plates, cup and napkins for his party, and had fun making him a Minecraft inspired chest to hold some of his birthday presents. We also made some Minecraft inspired wall art for his bedroom which he really liked. Not only does he enjoy playing Minecraft but he pretty much…

  • Win a copy of Cock-A-Doodle-Poo!
    book review - competition - Family Life

    Win a copy of Cock-A-Doodle-Poo!

    March 6, 2018 - By 

    Down on the farm there’s a terrible pong. (Well the animals are pooing there all day long!) SPLAT! What’s that? It’s a big cow pat. Farmer Jill is well aware of the ecological benefits that animal excrements can have for farmland. But she just can’t keep on top of it all, especially the phantom flying poo. But all suspicions firmly point to the rooster… Cock-a-doodle-poo! is a side-splitting, rhyming, riot packed full of toots, poops, plops and parps from award-winning author Steve Smallman and illustrator Florence Weiser. This poop-packed extravaganza is the perfect read for fans of Poo in the…

  • 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…

  • 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…