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19/02/2021

The 10 strangest and most wonderful beds in children’s books

From Harry Potter’s cupboard to mattress mountains, children’s literature is full of extraordinary beds. Which of these fired your childhood imagination? Perhaps it’s not surprising there are some many famous stories that feature notable beds. After all, sleep is so important for children’s development: they grow and gain strength in a cozy dream state.  It goes all the way back to the Bible and the story of Moses. His mother hid him amongst the bulrushes in an attempt to save him from the evil Pharaoh. To this day, parents still... Read More

19/02/2021

Let’s make a pineapple upside-down cake! Five classic school recipes to make with your own kids

Remember all those culinary masterpieces you brought home from school and made your family eat? Here’s how to give your own kids a little taste of your history by recreating five of the best ‘old school’ recipes… by Diane Trembath In the olden days, before there was Food Technology GCSE, we had Home Economics – fondly known as ‘home ec’. And before that, ‘domestic science’, and plain old ‘cookery classes’.  Everyone who attended Home Ec classes can remember their favourite recipes (rock cakes and chocolate cornflake cakes feature) and, occasionally,... Read More

18/02/2021

Children’s bedrooms and the science of sleep

Why sound sleep is so important for children – and how to make sure your kids get a proper, healthy night’s sleep… It’s a serious business, sleep. But lack of it is even more serious, according to neuroscientist and leading sleep scientist, Matthew Walker, who believes that we are in the grip of a “sleep-loss epidemic”, with profound implications for the physical and mental health and general well being, not just of adults but of children too.  Doing all that we can to help our children get a good night’s sleep... Read More

18/02/2021

25 simple, fun, boredom-busting things to do in the summer holidays (with no screens!)

Summer hols feeling a bit long? Switch off the tablets and TVs and try one of these proven boredom-busters. Misti Traya offers a handy list of 25 fun childhood activities that have really stood the test of time… “I’m boooor-ed’…. How many times have you heard that from your child, especially during a long holiday? At the beginning of summer, my daughter is always excited as the potential for fun feels limitless…there’s the end of year class picnic, then ice cream cones on the heath, a week of dance camp to... Read More

18/02/2021

Moving from a cot to a first proper bed – your questions answered

Everything you need to know about choosing your child’s first proper bed, once they’ve outgrown the cot… It may not be on quite the same scale as the first moon landing but when your little one moves from a cot to their first bed, it certainly does feel like a giant step.  As a parent, you want to make sure that it’s the right bed at the right time, and that this milestone transition goes smoothly. You’ll have plenty of questions! For example, what should you look for in a... Read More

18/02/2021

10 great kid-friendly festivals this summer – plus tips for surviving a festival with your family!

How about a spontaneous family adventure at a festival this summer hols? Here’s a guide to the best festivals for kids in the UK… A weekend at a festival can make for a fantastic family adventure – camping, dancing, sharing interesting food, and plenty of entertainment for parents and little ones alike. It’s a chance to let your hair down and loosen the usual rules.. .But of course when you have kids in tow you don’t want anything too wild.  Here are some of the best festivals this summer that... Read More

18/02/2021

Top tips for lighting to make your child’s bedroom perfect

What lighting do you need in a children’s bedroom? Here are 7 top tips from an experienced mother… Getting the lamps, pendants and general lighting scheme right in a nursery or child’s bedroom isn’t easy. Their sleeping habits can change as quickly as their favourite colours or animals. Some tips for lighting may be key to keeping these habits in check. My daughter was a very light sleeper throughout her toddler years, when the merest crack of light would stop her from dropping off.  Then one night she suddenly decided she was... Read More

18/02/2021

Father’s Day Special: The Ultimate Dad’s Guide to Growing a Smashing ‘Tash!

Facial furniture, cookie duster, crumb catcher or face lace…Call it what you like, the moustache is back in fashion! For Father’s Day we’re doing some special hairy deals – and to kick it off, here’s our ultimate ‘tache style guide for Dads (and even Mums)… A brief history of the ‘tache In many places in the world, from India to the Balkans, moustaches have long been a sign of strength and virility. When a boy’s facial hair grew in, the bushier and wilder it was, the more untamable his masculinity... Read More

18/02/2021

12 brilliant illustrators bringing today’s children’s books to life

You know their pictures, but do you know their names? Here are 12 contemporary children’s illustrators we love – some very famous, others who deserve to be. Which is your favourite? by Misti Traya Some children’s illustrators are extremely famous – you see their work the world over, emblazoned on bags, posters, lunchboxes ….even books. Pick up a Korean edition of Roald Dahl for example, and the Quentin Blake cartoons will mean it’s immediately familiar. See also Axel Scheffler’s pictures for Julia Donaldson’s books. But about 10,000 new children’s books are published... Read More

18/02/2021

Every picture tells a story – the magic of children’s book illustrations

The illustrations we see in our favourite childhood books stay with us for life. Which ones bring back memories for you? By Misti Traya When I lived in Los Angeles, there was a wonderful shop called Every Picture Tells A Story. The sign on the front described it as “A gallery of original art from children’s books.” Though I was an adult, I loved it. It was my happy place and I’d unabashedly use my kid sister who is 23 years my junior as an excuse to go. This bookshop-cum-art... Read More