Toys - the dream dozen for children

At Eastertide our thoughts turn to chocolate eggs ... but picture books make great presents especially when they deal with eating – or being eaten! – by monsters. I'm Gonna Eat A Monster by Karl Tudor and Scott Wilson and A Good Night's Sleep by Emma Chichester Clark both offer a hilarious take on childhood fears, writes Anne Coates.

Christine Mayle says she always looks forward to reviewing Canal Toys and this Photo_Creator Instant Camera was no exception when asked to try it out with her seven year old grandson. 

BABY born Push Along Berta from Zapf Creations is perfect for toddlers who love their baby dolls, writes Anne Coates.

Following on from Look out! Hungry Lion and Look out! Hungry Snake comes the next two books in the Look Out! Hungry Animals series by Paul Delaney: Look Out! Hungry Spider and Look out! Hungry Shark. Review by Anne Coates.

Parker's Tavern, in the Cambridge Arms has just released its Easter Menu, which includes Easter Afternoon Tea available until  20 April as well as Good Friday and Easter Sunday specials. Chef Lee Clarke's shares his recipe for Hot Cross Bun Pudding. 

NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor offers peace of mind for parents and carers, writes Anne Coates.

This Easter holidays from 4 to 21 April, families dining at Côte can treat their children (aged 12 and under) to a delicious, high-quality meal for free when spending a minimum of £20.   

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Happy Mother's Day from The Crayons, created by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers is a funny and beautiful celebration of mothers in all their shapes, sizes and and variations. Reviewed by Anne Coates 

The Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet made by dynamicFRAMES® is a picture frame with attitude – it stores up to 50 A4 Pictures and is a boon for parents, grandparents and all recipients of children's art.

b.box sippy cup is perfect for older babies and toddlers who like to hold their cups – without spills! Anne Coates reviews.

The award-winning children’s book The Detective Dog, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sara Oglivie, first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2016 is now brought to life by Tiny and Tall Productions and is currently on tour in theatres around the UK.

Award-winning author and illustrator, John Bond has produced a fabulous tale to delight youngsters from three plus: How Long Is That Dog? Review by Anne Coates.

We are like Birds by Laila Ekboir is a stunning new picture book about family, friendship, identity and resilience reviewed by Anne Coates.

Adult thriller writer, Joanne Sefton has turned her creative hand to writing for young adults with Ring of Truth, a compelling novel about truth and lies, reviewed by Anne Coates.

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Murray the Pirate is the third book in the Murray and Bun series, written and illustrated by Adam Stower. Reviewed by Anne Coates

Inkbound Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo by Phillippa Leathley is the first in a brand new series that will captivate readers who love magic in their books, writes Anne Coates.

Get Dressed, Belly Button! written and illustrated by Lucie Brunelière and translated by Linda Burgess is a perfectly designed board book for babies and toddler, encouraging naming of clothes and discussion, writes Anne Coates.

Illustrated by Dotty Sutton, Scarlet: Defender of the Universe is the exciting, action packed middle grade debut by James Davis. Review by Anne Coates. 

A great way to start the new year is with a super clean home but if, like me housework is not one of your favourite occupations, it's great to find a machine which makes vacuuming a pleasure which isn't time-consuming. Anne Coates puts the Hoover Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with Anti Hair Wrap & ULTRA COMPACT X3™, Red - HF2 through its paces.

Illustrated by Steve May Sammy and the Stolen Paintings  by Charlie P. Brooks is another warm and super funny family comedy told from the perspective of Sammy the sniffer dog – perfect for younger readers aged seven and up, writes Anne Coates.

So Sensory Light-Up Unicorn World from Canal Toys was a great hit with Lesley Lodge and her granddaughter.

The Deep Freeze products range is available in a variety of easy to use and discrete formats, all useful for soothing minor aches in muscles and joints. Working just like ice, all Deep Freeze products are non-medicinal, providing targeted, scientifically proven cooling and soothing relief, whilst being fast acting and providing an instant cooling sensation.

In my opinion children can never get too much of Canal Toys Gabby’s Dollhouse and Gabby’s Dough House Playset is proving no exception, writes Christine Mayle.