Recent Articles

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.

Win a Copy of Wonderground (in: Freebies, offers & competitions)
May 29, 2024

Enter our competition to win one of five copies of Wonderground by Harry Miller and illustrated by Stephanie Zhao –  11 tailored rhymes for the 11 Underground lines, culminating in some tantalising Tube-Train-Trivia.

Extend Child Benefit for your 16 to19 year old (in: News)
May 21, 2024

Don’t lose out – extend Child Benefit for your 16 to 19 year old. More than a million parents will receive reminders from this week to extend Child Benefit for their teenagers if they are continuing their education or training after their GCSEs.

Airbrush Art Activity Kit from Canal Toys (in: Games & toys)
May 20, 2024

The Airbrush Art Activity Kit from Canal Toys proved to be an instant success with all four of Christine Mayle's grandchildren, aged three to eight years old as she says in her review

Spoutless Training Rim Cup and Insulated Food Jar with Spork for Toddlers from b.box (in: Products & equipment)
May 15, 2024

b.box is the brainchild of Dannielle Michaels and Monique Filer, two Aussie mums on a mission to design products that make feeding challenges easier. Anne Coates reviews their Spoutless Training Rim Cup and Insulated Food Jar with Spork for Toddlers.

Get Ready For Summer By Topping Up on Vital Nutrients (in: Healthy parents)
May 10, 2024

Dr Carrie Ruxton, from the Health and Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS) gives her top nutrition tips to get ready for summer.

You and the Universe by Stephen Hawking with Lucy Hawking (in: Books: children & YA)
May 7, 2024

With illustrations by Xin Li, You and the Universe by Stephen Hawking with Lucy Hawking is an inspiring book for curious young minds published by Puffin Books and reviewed by Anne Coates.

Uh-oh Niko Bathtime and Uh-oh Niko Bedtime by Chris Chatterton (in: Books: children & YA)
Apr 16, 2024

Anne Coates reviews two new board books by Chris Chatterton, the bestselling author of the iconic bedtime series, Ten Minutes to Bed. Uh-oh Niko Bathtime and Uh-oh Nico Bedtime are published by Ladybird Books.

CleanCo Gin (in: Products & equipment)
Apr 8, 2024

On world Gin and Tonic Day (9 April) why not celebrate with a non-alcoholic spirit and see if you can taste the difference? Anne Coates is won over by CleanCo G.

Casio Keyboard for Young Musicians (in: Games & toys)
Apr 5, 2024

Casio is a name you can absolutely trust and Anne Coates was delighted to be able to review their Casio SA-50 Mini Keyboard, Which delights the latest addition to her family.

QuartoKids' Best Books for Earth Month (in: Books: children & YA)
Apr 3, 2024

April is Earth Month and QuartoKids recommends these books to explore environmental issues and create consciousness about climate change with your children: My Friend Tree by Dawn Casey & Genevieve Godbout; Always Carry Me With You by Hervé Eparvier and illustrated by Fred Benaglia; The Secret Life of Bugs by Moira Butterfield & Vivian Mine and  Rewild the World at Bedtime by Emily Hawkins & illustrated by Ella Beech.