• 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)…

  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway cover
    competition - parenting

    Win a copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway by Jeff Kinney

    November 7, 2017 - By 

    Millions of children in the UK are readers because of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and fans will not be disappointed this autumn with the publication of the much anticipated Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway, the twelfth book in the series, which will publish simultaneously with twenty other publishers worldwide. My children were sent a special sleepover kit from Puffin Books, as well as a copy of the new book, so they could stay up and read it the night before it came out! 2017 also marks a milestone moment for the phenomenally successful series, with the 10th…

  • 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…

  • D.I.Y. Dollshouse by Alexia Henrion
    book review - Craft book review - homestyle - What I'm reading

    D.I.Y. Dollshouse by Alexia Henrion

    October 14, 2017 - By 

    I love receiving happy mail and was delighted to receive a small parcel containing a copy of D.I.Y. Dollshouse. I wasn’t sure if it was for me or my children but we’ve all been enjoying reading it. D.I.Y. Dollshouse: Build and Decorate a Toy House Using Everyday Materials is a lavishly illustrated guide for budding architects, builders, and designers, showing them how to build and furnish their own eco-friendly dollhouse using only items found around the house or available for free. Author Alexia Henrion has created a fun-filled book that is all about recycling, re-using and re-purposing. She provides simple…

  • book review - competition - parenting

    The Dancing Bear by Michael Morpurgo {review and giveaway}

    October 11, 2017 - By 

    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…

  • Win the perfect bedtime book for toddlers
    competition - homestyle

    Win the perfect bedtime book for toddlers

    September 14, 2017 - By 

    10, 9, 8 … Owls Up Late! Ten cheeky, bouncy, noisy owls are playing in a tree. It’s bedtime, but they’re having far too much fun to go to sleep! Uh-oh. Will Mummy Owl ever convince all her little owlets to fly down to the nest? Ideal for children who like the owlets are reluctant to sleep, 10, 9, 8 … Owls is a gorgeous peep-through book that uses the concept of counting owls to make bedtime a fun, educational, and ultimately relaxing experience. The muted colours and count-down helps children relax at the end of a busy day, making…

  • Michael Rosen Chocolate Cake book cover
    homestyle - What I'm reading

    Michael Rosen Chocolate Cake {book review}

    September 3, 2017 - By 

    I’m pretty sure that all parents of small children will have read at least one book my Michael Rosen to their child. Mine adored We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, and still do. Last year we visited the Discover Children’s Story Centre in London to explore Michael Rosen’s exhibition Bear Hunt, Chocolate Cake & Bad Things. It was amazing so i was excited to hear about Michael Rosen’s new book, Chocolate Cake. When I was a boy, I had a favourite treat. It was when my mum made . . .CHOCOLATE CAKE! Fantastically funny and full of silly noises, this is award…

  • Wilfred and Olbert’s Totally Wild Chase
    book review - competition

    Wilfred and Olbert’s Summer Giveaway

    August 28, 2017 - By 

    My children love picture books and we were recently sent one with a bit of a difference. Little Tiger Press have recently published Wilfred and Olbert’s Totally Wild Chase by Lomp. Not only is this a fantastic picture book but it’s also a puzzle and activity book which keeps kids occupied for hours. Wilfred and Olbert’s Totally Wild Chase Wilfred Wiseman and Olbert Oddbottom are wildlife explorers! Grab your boots and join them on a race through colourful coral reefs, wild grasslands and secret tropical jungles. Who will discover the unknown butterfly and win the Nature Discovery Prize? Let’s go! Packed…