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Latest Articles, News & Reviews

Doodle Copy from Canal Toys

Giving children's early art attempts a new edge, Doodle Copy from Canal toys provides reusable templates for young artists to create pictures – and then print them off to be coloured in. 

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Thorn Season – a YA Romantasy by Kiera Azara

In a welcome addition to the increasingly popular young adult romantasy market , Kiera Azara strikes just the right balance for younger teenagers in her new series, writes Elaine Hewlett.

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Orzbow Foldable Baby Standing Shower Support

Foldable Baby Standing Shower Support from Orzbow fits into walk-in showers perfectly, offering safer washing – especially useful if you don't have a conventional bath, writes Anne Coates.

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Hay Fever – problems for contact lens wearers

Hay fever sufferers know the common, at times unbearable symptoms, that affect the eyes, and contact lens wearers have extra problems. Here's what to do, by Francesca Marchetti.  

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Win copies of Little People, BIG DREAMS: Mozart & Beethoven

We're delighted to team up with QuartoKids with a competition for five readers to win two books from their bestselling series Little People, BIG DREAMS®.

 

 

 

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Muddy Puddles Essentials Waterproof Jumpsuit

Muddy Puddles has been one of our go-to places for outdoor toddler clothes and we were delighted to review this waterproof jumpsuit plus matching wellies, writes Anne Coates.

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Working Families’ Legal Advice Service

The latest impact report from Working Families Legal Advice Service shows that the charity’s helpline and 200-plus advice and guidance pages reached one in ten UK parents. 

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Beating Bites and Stings with Puressential Products

For bites and stings, Puressentiel has a number of products that can not only repel insects in the first place, but also soothe bitten, sore and itchy skin, writes Dr Tim Bond.

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Competition Winners: The Best Counting Book Ever

We had ten copies of the 50th anniversary edition of Richard Scarry's Best Counting Book Ever to be won. Here are the names of the winners who will receive their prize from HarperCollins Children's Books.

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Colin's Grandma written & illustrated by Holly Swain

An engaging picture book from the award-winning author of Colin's Castle. In this second book, Colin the vegetarian vampire prepares for a visit from his Grandma. What could possibly go wrong? asks Anne Coates.

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Art Lab Fluffy Paint Studio from Smyths Toys

Natasha Da Souza and her daughter Theia loved this product! The premise is very simple – paint your picture, apply fluffy paint and decorate with accessories. The results were great!

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Muddy Puddles Launches ‘Preloved’ Marketplace

The award-winning children’s outerwear brand has launched Muddy Puddles Preloved, a dedicated online platform where you can buy and sell pre-loved Muddy Puddles clothing.

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Favourite Books now Published in Paperback

Two of Anne Coates' recently published favourite books for children are now available in paperback: a book of poems by Michael Rosen and the first in a series by Philippa Leathley.

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The Hidden Benefits of Letting Children Get Muddy

Mud play offers freedom, creativity, and a connection to the natural world. Activities such as mud kitchens can encourage skill development, problem-solving, and cooperation. 

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The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire by Anna Fiteni

Fantasy is all the rage at the moment but Anna Fiteni takes a truly unique approach to the genre, rooting her young adult book firmly in Welsh myths and culture. Review by Elaine Hewlett.

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Nature’s Repair Balm by Green Therapy

Packed with nourishing ingredients like calendula, hemp oil, and lavender, Nature’s Repair Balm, from Honey Heaven, helps hydrate, protect, and heal dry, irritated, and inflamed skin without feeling sticky or oily. 

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New Term, New Shoes from Hush Puppies

Hush Puppies offers comfortable, reasonably-priced school shoes for both boys and girls. Many of the designs have both a junior and senior style, alongside patent and non-patent options. 

 

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My Brother is an Avocado & My Sister is a Treasure

Tracy Darnton, the author of these two delightful picture books on new babies and sibling relationships, shares her tips on smoothing the transition when a new baby arrives. 

 

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BUKEWIT Three Pack Walkie Talkies for Kids

Lightweight, child-friendly rechargeable walkie talkies to encourage social interaction and cooperative, imaginative play for young children. Perfect entertainment for holidays and days out.

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The WakeBand™ Silent Alarm – the Smarter Alternative

Pioneer in health and wellness technology, Homedics, has launched The WakeBand™ Silent Alarm, a wearable device to gently rouse you from sleep without a sound for a serene start to the day.

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GCSE Results Day 21 August, 2025

Congratulations to all the teens and their families receiving their results tomorrow. It can be a stressful time even if pupils' achievements are brilliant. Anne Coates give some top tips for parents.

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New Menu Launch From Prezzo Italian

Hayley Willsher and her family dined at the Prezzo Italian Restaurant in Letchworth to try out the new children's menu and dining experience that included 3D specs and a digital game.

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New School Year – New Shoes

Footwear specialists, Kickers, have teamed up with Steven Thomas, The London Podiatrist, to share his expert guidance for back-to-school shoe shopping, plus they're offering readers a ten per cent discount.  

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