Recent Articles

Join in the Big Butterfly Count (in: News)
Jul 12, 2024

Leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is today calling on people across the UK to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (12 July to 4 August) and help scientists understand how climate change is moving butterflies. Find out how to join in the Big Butterfly Count.

UV Protection Beach Shelter (in: Products & equipment)
Jul 10, 2024

Even in the UK we have to be careful of  the sun's rays especially on the sensitive skin on babies, children teens and not to forget adults and older people. This UV Protection Beach Shelter from Mountain Warehouse is perfect for the beach, park and garden and is compact and light enough to pack for your holidays abroad writes Anne Coates.

myFirst Camera 3 (in: Games & toys)
Jul 9, 2024

Fed up of sharing your camera or phone with a child? Christine Mayle found myFirst Camera 3 was perfect for her grandson.

Billie's Buzz by Alison Brown (in: Books: children & YA)
Jul 4, 2024

Written and illustrated by Alison Brown, Billie's Buzz is a delightful picture book for young children – introducing them to the wonderful world of bees. Reviewed by Anne Coates. 

DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse Mystery Cat Box: Clay (in: Games & toys)
Jul 2, 2024

DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse Mystery Cat Box Clay proved to be a great hit with Christine Mayle's granddaughter.

Family Friendly Museum Award Shortlist 2024 (in: News)
Jun 27, 2024

Today charity Kids in Museums reveals the shortlist for its Family Friendly Museum Award. Each year the charity celebrates museums, galleries, castles, historic homes and heritage sites that are most welcoming, fun and accessible to all ages. It’s up to families to decide the winner!

Adnan The Boy Who Helped His Mummy Remember (in: Books: children & YA)
Jun 24, 2024

Written by the directors of award-winning short film Adan, Mark Arrigo and Steven Chatterton and illustrated by the incredible Syrian artist Diala Brisly  this picture book tells the heart-warming story about the power of love, hope and determination.

Wonderground Competition Winners (in: Freebies, offers & competitions)
Jun 15, 2024

Thanks to publishers The Book Guild we had five copies of Wonderground by Harry Miller and illustrated by Stephanie Zhao to be won. Here are our competition winners.

Choking Prevention (in: News)
Jun 7, 2024

The annual World Food Safety Day, 7 June draws attention to choking hazards for young children. This year’s theme highlights the importance of being prepared to effectively resolve food safety incidents. A new report by CE Safety has analysed ONS data to investigate choking related deaths from 2018 to 2022. According to St John’s Ambulance, 80 percent of parents feel unsure about how to properly act when witnessing their child choking – this is worrying given how many incidents there are.

Lora Williams Skater Dresses From Mountain Warehouse (in: Products & equipment)
Jun 5, 2024

The new range of women's clothes from Mountain Warehouse looks great for the summer and Anne Coates was delighted to try out their Laura Williams skater dresses.

New Picture Books (in: Books: children & YA)
Jun 3, 2024

Anne Coates reviews two new picture books to inspire young readers: My First Draw with Rob: Unicorns and Frida the Rock-and-Roll Moth plus two new edition of old favourites: How to catch a Star and Cars and Trucks and Things that Go.

Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest (in: Books: children & YA)
May 31, 2024

Hamza may be best known by grown-ups as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing but in his TV programme for children on BBC CBeebies, he shares his passion for the outdoors, wildlife, the environment and conservation. This passion is continued in Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest, illustrated by Kate Kronrief. It was a hit with Christine Mayle and her young grandson.