When I came across this on social media I knew instantly that it would be a great fit for my blog theme. The pink box arrived with a sweet, neat, green bow on the lid, with the book tucked neatly away inside. The book is a hardback with a striking front cover, enticing readers to…
The book has a bright, vibrate front cover. When Ben is struggling at school because he finds everything over whelming A decision is made , to home school him instead. . The book is full of colourful illustrations on every single page and the text is written in rhyme, my absolute favourite for children’s literature….
I am reviewing this book as a part of the love books tour(LBT) The book has an enticing front cover, which makes readers want to delve inside to investigate it’s contents. The book which is the 4th of the Elementalists series has 440 pages over17 chapters. At the beginning of the book is a sketch…
With the current cost of living crisis , parents and carers will be looking for cheap days out and activities for their children: Young pre school age children are pretty easy to occupy on a day out, in my experience, a simple visit to a play park with a picnic or ice cream is always…
When I decided that I wanted to separate from my husband, telling my 2 young children was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I tried my best to be honest and make them understand that it was not because of anything that they had done. When explaining divorce and separation…
I came across these great children’s books on Facebook. The author sent the set of 3 books about Bazil: Bazil and the rumbling tummy: Introdues readers to Bazil, A boy who loves baked beans so much he has them for every meal. We all know what too many baked neans can do to our bodies:…
I am reviewing this book as part of the Love books tour.(LBT) It has a striking front cover that entices readers to want delve in to investigate further! Until 15 year old Grace makes some new friends at the posh boarding school that she has just moved into, she doesn’t seem to fit in. The…
The book has a lovely, bright front cover. The Moon was lonely as she sadly watched the stars happily playing together, until one day a star told her that they were all her friends too! From that day on the moon never felt lonely again as she happily joined in with the stars games. The…
The book has a vibrant, blue, fun front cover and is part of a set of the Tyson in Whiskerville collection of books. Tyson is a cute, clever and mischievous cat, who is always getting into trouble. When his owner leaves him alone to go to work, Tyson sneaks out of his cat flap and…
I am writing this review as a part of the love books tour (LBT). The hardback book. that I was sent has a mysterious front and back cover, which entices the reader to want to delve inside! The tale is, chilling and dark, I loved it: Set on a remote island, masked in fog the…
I am writing this review as a part of the love books tours(LBT) The book has a striking front cover, which made me want to start reading immediately The novel is about a small, quite village called Seabrook: Amber, one of the residents goes on an adventure to find answers after a strange creature burns…
When I was working as a registerered child minder it took me a while to master the ‘secret’ of easier drop offs/collecting children by parents I had one particular child, J. Who when mum dropped him off in the morning wasn’t too bad. but when his dad brought him it was a completely different story….
I am writing this review, as a part of the love books tours(LBT). The book has vibrant, colourful front cover, which invites readers to want to look inside and discover all about Captain Daddy Beard. Captain Daddy Beard is a fun loving character, who enters an exciting sailing ship race around the beautifully named islands…
I was sent a bag of various items. Harley (8) and his friend Summer (9) were excited when they sorted through the bag. Harley was particularly pleased to discover a squashy keyring that he said, “Would help with his ADHD. for sure!” He told me that he was going to clip it onto his school…
Being a mum of two kids under seven is an adventure I wouldn’t trade for the world—but let me tell you, some days feel like living in a whirlwind. My children are completely different from each other: one is energetic and impulsive, the other thoughtful but stubborn. Every day, I faced sibling fights that could…
Beercott Books( Marvin’s publisher) sent the following books: MAN’S FIRST WORDS; How did man learn and start to talk? Find out through the rhyming text how a small child taught his family to talk! Children will love the fun illustrations this book offers. In my experience, boys especially will enjoy the concept of the cave…
I was sent the following toys: I HEAD MASSAGER: Harley,9 was excited to see this head scratcher, as he called it! This retails at £2.50 and is aimed at children from 6 months ( I wouldn’t let a baby of this young age have it unsupervised personally) Maisie,7, said that it felt funny on her…
I was sent 6 of the garden birds set of children’s books: Each of the 6 books follow a year in the different species of the he birds lives, with a month by month account of what the birds do: from surviving the cold winter months ,finding a mate, nest building, laying eggs and raising…
At the very beginning of the book, which has a bright front cover there is a useful explanation for parents and carers to make the most of the book. . Inside there is an animal for every letter of the alphabet and underneath is the animal’s name that children can be encouraged to read and…
Victoria, from Brooks Books, an independent Usborne partner, sent the following book: That’s not my dog… As soon as I opened the package I instantly fell in love with the book! As a former outstanding Ofsted registered child minder( sadly forced to give up due to health issues) I fully understand and apricate the value…
Following the success of my last review, Helena asked if she could send me more of her activity boxes: REFLEX AND DRAW : This contains some double-sided laminated images on squared card for children to copy exactly underneath, using the red and blue felt tipped pens. Harley 9, loved this activity( which he said he…
The author of these wonderful books is prepared to work with schools, libraries and early years settings to provide free books in return for a donation to this very worthy cause https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eb-childrenbook/sam-and-sophies-cricket-challenge?ref=5o2qtv&fbclid=IwY2xjawMEEktleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHngsFXPf0zJ31TWhrsVPNuhSAkmd7Y_P–vqB0xOXqT_2sJjX-5eGhd4zn3l_aem_qedwBmO2Zj795pQlBgjzdg I was sent the first 2 books in this series of children’s books: SOPHIE AND SAM’S RAINY DAY TREAT: Sophie and Sam are…
Jennifer Dexter and her friend Dougal have to move to a new farm, read this heart warming story and discover how they deal with this big move. Every page has a delightful, colourful illustration making the book even more appealing to readers. The story could be a useful tool for helping any children who are…
I came across this company on Facebook. And after reaching out they agreed to send me the following activity boxes: LINK IT UP: This pack consists of 4 different coloured strips of a textured material, which children can be asked what it feels like, with a button on one end and a button hole on…
Based on a true life of Percy, a Patterdale pup, this lovely book will delight children. Discover, how Percy helps a mother fox to find her lost cubs. The tale is full of acts of kindness, bravery and working together: All things that children will benefit from while listening to the story. Every single page…
Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie publishers kindly sent the following books for review: ALITTLE RED DRAGON CALLED LOLO: This sweet little book is written in rhyming text, which is great as it makes the the story more intersting for adults to read and children can sometimes predict the next word which encourages a life long love of…
As a former, early years practitioner ( Ofsted registered child minder) myself. I have experience of parents coming to visit me for prospective care of their children and a few had no idea of what to expect and therefore, had no thoughts on what they should ask me: I always helped them out by telling…
The front cover of this book shows girls with several different hair colours and colouring of different skin kinds; making it feel inclusive to everyone. Inside the book there are 18 chapters over the 191 pages. the book covers lots of subjects regarding puberty: From how our bodies will gradually change to frequently asked questions,…
This book has a bright, vibrant front cover. Inside there are 13 pages of bold pictures for little ones to colour in.: The images are large enough for tiny hands and fingers to be able to colour and slay inside the lines; developing hand to eye co-ordination, fine motor skills and learning colour recogition at…
I came across this book on social media and reached out to the author, as I knew it would be a great fit for my blog theme: The book has a bright front cover; showing children of different ethnic backgrounds, a child in a wheelchair and another wearing glasses ( it’s great for children to…
This book has a striking, glossy front cover that instantly draws the reader into the book. If you have ever wondered or worried about explaining the truth regarding Santa/Father Christmas to your children; this book is the key to solving the issue. Over it’s 30 brightly illustrated pages. the author cleverly offers a simple believable…
I discovered this company who specialise in personalised gifts on Facebook. They kindly offered to send ne a t-shirt after seeing another of my review posts, containing my great niece, Ottie. When I told them that she was soon going to be a big sister, they sent this cute item. Ottie, who is 2,enjoyed taking…
Katie has very kindly written this post for me. When I was working as a registered child minder, I learned some basic Makaton signs because I was caring for a child with Down syndrome who used signs to back up her vocabulary: I think you will agree with me, after reading this invaluable post that…
Perter sent the following books: THE FIRST LAMB: The first born lamb had nobody to play with, so he went for a wonder to find some friends. The simple illustrations provide opportunities for developing communication and language skills. The text is repetitive; which means that children can join in with the story. Find out if…
When I lost my beloved German shepherd dog, Keira, my heart was broken. So when I came across this book on social media, I was intrigued to learn more about healing after pet loss The book has a lovely front cover of a dog with it’s human family. In 9 chapters, over 134 pages there…
Kerrie, an independent Usborne partner was kind enough to send the following books for review: THAT’S NOY MY TRAIN… . This cute little sturdy board book is just perfect for young children’. It has a detachable strap that can be fastened to a child’s buggy, pram, car seat or high chair (meaning that parents and…
Zoe very kindly sent me the following to review: MY FIRST PHONICS READING LIBRARY : This amazing box of 20 different titles which are all written in rhyming text, which is my absolute favourite for children’s literature because it helps them to have a go at predicting the next word, giving the children confidence to…
Kate is a Developmental psychologist and has written these books to encourage children to poo on the potty: Squiggy the poo: This colourful book explains in a fun way why children need to poo; from telling what foods are good to eat for our bodies to be heathy, what it feels like when we need…
As I have worked with this publishing house in the past, they have kindly sent me the following children’s books to review. THE TALES OF JACKAROO: Jack is an abandoned puppy, who is sad and afraid; that is until a family of kangaroos find him and give him a loving home. This delightful book is…
I have seen that several new registered child minders have been reaching out on social media for help with writing a contract for parents. Hopefully this will help. As registered child minders are as professional and qualified as nurseries and other forms of day care , it is important to have a legally bonding contract…
I often do colouring in a book designed for adults as I find it relaxing and something not too taxing for my stroke affected brain to cope with. So when I was given the opportunity to review this particular colouring book I jumped at the chance. The book has a bright, colourful, vibrant front cover…
Jason kindly sent me the first two books of the dwellings series of children’s books: IVAN THE IGLOO WARMS A COLD HEART; The book is written in a rhyming text, which is my absolute favourite for children’s literature, because it makes the stories more interesting and fun for children as they can sometimes predict the…
I came across this series of children’s books on Facebook and as I have always been horse mad, I knew that I would enjoy reviewing the books. The books arrived tied up in a beautiful purple ribbon with a purple rosette on the front. Julie kindly sent me 3 of her children’s books: Ed’s grumpy…
Travel tikes are a new company trying to get established. They sent me a travel Tikes tote bag to review. The bag which is a vibrant yellow contains12 items designed for keeping children entertained while they are travelling. ; These include some fidget toys, small colouring book with felt tip pens and crayons .a snakes…
Every child deserves to have a toy that looks like them (whether they have a different skin colour, disability or something else that makes them a little different from’ average’ children). When I was working as a registered child minder I had dolls with varying skin tones ( black ,white and yellow) in my play…
I have worked with Louise from the Enchanted page in the past, so when she asked if I would review more of her books. I agreed at once because I love Usborne books: USBORNE VERY FIRST WORDS LIBAY GARDEN: This is perfect for tiny hands and fingers; the book is made from thick card and…
I came across this children’s book on Facebook. It has a bright, vibrant front cover enticing readers to want to investigate what is inside! The book which has 20 pages tells the story of Ray, who loves spending time with her Grandpa. Ray has been told not to venture into Grandpa’s garden; what would she…
Kate sent me 2 of her books: A SPECIAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS; This is a lovely book , which made me and the children who I shared the books with feel really Christmassy. We chatted about putting up our Christmas tree. The book is written in a rhyming text, which, as my regular readers will know…
I have worked with Best learning in the past http://www.bestlearning.com So when I was given the opportunity to review another of their educational toys, I jumped at the chance. My Geobloxhttps://bestlearning.com/products/best-learning-my-geo-bo xis a set of sorting and building blocks, which help young children to learn colours and shapes. Along with the blocks there is a…
This board book ( thick pages made of card, rather than paper) is perfect for little hands; as the pages won’t tear and can be wiped clean if necessary. The story which is written in rhyming text- my absolute favourite in children’s literature , tells the tale of Susie a slug who loves to slide…
I came across this book on social media and instantly thought that it would be a great fit for my blog theme. Mark shares his experience of growing up with dyslexia in a way that could quite easily be used as a tool in the classroom as a way of supporting children who find learning…
This sweet children’s picture book has a rhyming text which makes it even more appealing to children ( and to adults who are reading it aloud to their little ones). The story explains how hard bees work when collecting pollen to make honey. It is also a tale of family love and believing in and…
The striking front cover of this book is enough to make children want to investigate further. Harley, aged 8 was certainly interested in it! The book has so much more than just space : there are dinosaurs, aliens. robots and astronauts too. Disclosure: I was gifted the book for the purpose of the review, but…
I can’t speak highly enough about this amazing children’s picture book. ! First of all the text is rhyming which is my absolute favorite for children’s literature. At the beginning of the book there is page for the reader to fill in a loved ones name; making it a treasured memory keepsake of a lost…
This book has a bright, cheerful front cover. Ellie is a shy creature who is lacking in self confidence, so how will she cope when a friend suggests that they go to gymnastics? With some gentle encouragement from her friends, Ellie tries all the equipment and eventually enjoys herself so much that she can’t wait…
With Halloween on the horizon, this is the perfect book for children who want to hear about spooky ghost stories! I have been a huge fan of Usborne books for a number of years: I read and shared them with my own children and with the children that I cared for when I was working…
I was asked by the publishing house to review this children’s book. The book arrived wrapped in a lovely wrap around cover. . And had it’s own bookmark. Disclosure: I was gifted the book for the purpose of the review, but all opinions are my own. As the title suggests the book contains 13 different…
sI am writing this review as part of the love book tors here ISummerday is the second book of the war bunny chronicles It has s striking front cover. . In this exciting follow up book, even more prey animals are joining war bunny in his fight to take control of the land. Summerday is…
We are well known in our neighbourhood for keeping any children entertained. I have been outside in my wheelchair to play with them; playing hide a ndwheelchair is a challenge, but we all enjoyed it! Read about children’s word searches here Today my husband came up with the idea of making a water slide on…
i was sent the following books to review: THE RIVER, THE STARS AND THE FOREST AT NIGHT: A cute, baby bunny is reluctant to venture out into the forest at night because she is afraid of the dark. With a mother’s love and encouragement she eventually enjoys their night time adventure. The book which has…
This is the first Dara story. How will Dara fulfil her dream of dancing for all her forest friends when she can’t find her ballet shoes? The text is written in rhyme my absolute favourite for children’s literature because it helps them to predict the next word which gets children even more involved in a…
The package arrived in a bright purple wrapping; which immediately got the attention of the local children who were playing outside when the delivery driver walked down my driveway! Inside the package I was delighted to find 2 children’s books, 2 purple draw string pouches and some monivation cards . WALTER THE WIZARD AND THE…
came across this sweet little book on social media and instantly knew that it would be a great fir for my blog theme. The front cover is vibrant. Max, the cat looses his miaow, discover how he finds it again in this delightful tale which is written in rhyming text; my absolute favourite for children’…
This book has a bright, vibrant front cover which entices readers to want to look inside. The book is a first for the author who has dedicated it to her son who sadly passed away. .Beaford goes on a walk because he wants to find something that he is good at. After a few mishaps…
The first thing that attracted me to this book was the bright, vibrant dolourful front cover. The first illustration in the story is of Trigger’s digger parts; which I know, from experience children particularly boys will really apricate. Trigger is a digger who wants to find out what he is good at, so he has…
I could see how great this book is as soon as I opened it! As a former early years practitioner I know that a toddler’s brain is like a sponge; they soak up knowledge and learn at their very best when they are having fun. At the beginning of the book is an explanation for…
As a former early years practitioner (registered child minder) I understand the benefits of publications, such as this; because children learn at their best while having fun. I was sent issue 9 of this magazine: It is jam- packed full of early years learning activities: Make a dinosaur, hand writing practice,, pages to colour (…
The first thing that struck me when I received this book was the bright, colourful front cover. Luna loves her nursery and is especially fond of a particular toy tiger, so she borrows him from nursery over the bank holiday weekend. Luna and tiger visit lots of different places with her family and have some…
I am reviewing this book as a part of the U.K. book tour. What would happen if a head strong bunny decided to become a predator, rather than prey? Find out in book one , a debut novel of the War Bunny chronicles. The best thing since George Orwell’s animal farm, this book that has…
I have recently joined a new mother and baby walking group and several of the mothers have said that they have issues with making their children sit in a buggy. Let’s look at this from the Childs point of view; they have just learned to walk after lots of praise and encouragement from their parents…
I was sent he following books to review: SPRING TIME; This sweet book is full of the wonders of spring time. The old oak tree which stands manifestly in the wood is home to lots of fairies. The great thing about the fairies in this book is that they are not all female, small, white…
As soon as I came across Scotchbooks on Facebook I knew that they would be a good fit to my blog theme. I was sent 3 books:- SCOTCH THE SCARE-GO; Scotch appears to be an average run-of-the-mill scarecrow at first glance .But he is so much more than that when he becomes a scare- go…
I came across this book on social media and was attracted by it straight away because it’s just the thing that my youngest son loved to do when he was growing up ( he is the youngest of 4 siblings) and always wanted to be ‘a big boy’ like his brothers and as they had…
I was sent a tube containing 240 low-in-the dark pieces. And a box, in which I was expecting to find a board ( for holding the pieces). But the box contained another 250 puzzle pieces in 10 different colours. And a puzzle mat. Harley, age 8, who was eager to help with my review was…
Fun Affordable Easter Holiday Activities for children As Easter approaches, it’s time to plan some delightful activities to keep the childrenentertained and immersed in the holiday spirit. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor fun. Here are 6 fun Easter holiday activities that children of all ages will enjoy. The onething you will need to purchase…
This is the authors first children’s book ( and the first of the Lavender maze series). . The book is full of descriptive words that really take you into the story. At the beginning of the tale is a map showing the reader exactly where the story characters are going. At the beginning of each…
This is the third book in the Greta the happy maker series of children’s books based on the adventures of a real life pug. Greta wakes up to be told by her Mama that today is a special day. Why? Greta thinks, Is it Easter, Greta’s birthday, Valentines day , Christmas or Halloween? Eventually after…
Regular readers will know that I have worked with ichild for a number of years. This is a selection of their winter activities and crafts which will be suitable for a variety of different aged children: Winter olympic wordsearch: This is great for alder children, there are 12 winter Olympic themed words to find. The…
Deddy bears are not your average teddy bears. Deddy bears are a collection of 8 different DEAD cute plush toys, that are scary, but still cute and sofI tenough to cuddle I. was sent the following Deddy bears: Squash: Squash is rather cute with his big smile. Vambear: Vambear is a litle more scary because…
Explaining about the death of a family member, including the loss of a pet, to children can be extremely difficult for parents, especially if they too are grieving. This beautifully written book could be the answer to this for parents, carers and other adults. The author wrote the book based on his own exigence of…
This book has a lovely bright, colourful front cover, enticing readers to want to look inside. What would happen if Santa was ill? This delightful children’s book explains with fun, rhyming text how everyone in Santa’s grotto coped when the big man was unwell with flu. Children will love hearing and seeing the illustrations showing…
As soon I saw this children’s book it made me feel all Christmassy. The book is about the magical world in Snowy Hollow and how a family of Polar bears work together to make it a sparkling Christmas. The book is written and illustrated by Stephanie Rose It retails for £9 and is aimed at…
This is the second book in the Greta, the happy maker series of children’s books. As in the first book where Greta makes a friend here Greta is making the most of her life. . Greta likes to dream, but one time she has a nightmare and is afraid until her mother comforts her. ….
A registered child minderwas asking for tips on this subject on social media. When I was working as a registered child minder, I had a system that worked for me and the children, We would tidy away the toys, by making it fun. I said “What time is it?” and the children would answer “Tidy…
Usborne books wre always a great read when I shared books with my own children and the ones I cared for when I was working as a registered child minder. So when I was offered the opportunity to review some of their books, I was delighted. I was sent 2 hardback books: Little lift and…
I came across this book on social media. On arrival the first thing that struct me was the vibrant colours on the front cover; which made me want to investigate inside the book, I wasn’t disappointed the book tells a magical tale of how flowers became different: From all being plain white in colour, the…
In preparation for National nursery rhyme day on 13 November, I am sharing some of my favourites: This little piggy was a firm favourite when I was working with children of different ages, I would recite the rhyme while tickling a baby’s toes or fingers and any other older children would join in. More activities…
Greta is a happy, lovable, friendly pug. How can she cheer up a sad dog that she meets one day? ? This lovely picture book could help children with a low self esteem realise that they too are unique in their strengths. The book is written by Nicole Stanghetti and the charming illustrations are drawn…
The very loving caterpillar is happy and content living in his community of caterpillars. But how will they cope when the weather turns colder? Eventually after a lot of thinking that sends them to sleep, the caterpillars become butterflies and harmony is restored. the book is written by Sean Browne and the colourful illustrations are…
This is just a small selection of crafts available from ichild:- GRANDPARENTS DAY FRIDGE MAGNET; This is a picture of a teapot that children can decorate how they wish; then stick on a photo of a grandparent ( or themselves) add a magnet and it’s good to go! HEART CRAFT; Again children can have fun…
This sweet little children’s book is about a visit to the seaside: But Kelly is a cat, not a child! Kelly is accompanied by her dad, who keeps her safe while doing all the usual seaside things: Paddling in the sea, building sand castles and having a picnic. They both have so much fun that…
For anyone that wants to be more organised, check out this book on Amazon by Ava Heart It’s for Early years workers to put all their activities into one place. On each page is a blank table to fill in the: activity, materials required and what areas of the curriculum it covers (to save you…
Kayleigh, a registered child minder asked for this post after she was finding it difficult to calm the children in her care when they came in from the garden’hypo’. My biggest tip for stopping children being really nosy; was given to me by a school teacher. She told me that trying to shout over them…
Jacqueline sent me 2 children’s books for review:- The tales of Mr Mouse and friends: At the very beginning of the book ( before chapter 1) is an introduction to Mr Mouse written in four paragraphs. The paragraphs are repetitive and written in rhyming text meaning that children can join in when the book is…
The unique selling point that this children’s book has is that it teaches children their first animal words in both English and Spanish! The24 different animals are illustrated simply in white with a black background. making them stand out and help young eyes to send straight to their brains. Each picture page has the animal…
With the cost of living rising almost daily, parents and carers will be wanting to save money whenever possible. These are some of my ideas:- Make window shopping a fun activity; I have spent quite some over the years time just looking in shops rather than buying with my own children, grandchildren and the ones…