Books for parents

In summertime, a family's thoughts turn to  paddling pools and here's one which doesn't have to be inflated, won't be be punctured by animal claws, is made from slip-proof material  and has eco friendly drainage – well done Peteast.

Parenting Without Tears has teamed up with Zapf Creation UK to offer readers the chance of winning one of their fabulous toys: BABY born doll, BABY born My Cat Cookie, Splish Splash Surfing Berta and Splish Splash Swimming Emma.

Published by Frontier Publishing, Ava Spark: Hello I’m Here! is the first in a brand new young fiction series by Alex Field and illustrated by Joanna Bartel, following life through the eyes of ten-year-old Ava Spark as she navigates the trials and tribulations of home, school, friendships and family.

These HECCEI sunglasses are perfect for toddlers – a lightweight nylon frame which is ergonomically designed  for small faces and which changes colour in the sunshine while offering protection from both UVA and UVB rays. 

Following on from her huge success of her How to Train Your Dragon series, Cressida Colwell is delighting fans with her spin-off: How to Train Your Dragon School as cinema goers get to see the remake of the animated trilogy with a live action film.

Being prepared for summer ailments is the best way to stay healthy during this sunny season. But how? Dr Nisa Aslam, a GP, shares her simple self-care hacks borne out of nature and using Puressentiel products.

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, two engaging picture books: The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Oliver Jeffers and Drew Daywalt and Michael Rosen's Snow White and the Seven Bears, illustrated by David Melling.

From exploring out-of-this-world objects throughout the museum to a sleepover in our galleries, from tales of spcae toileets to watching A Beautiful Planet, there’s a galactic adventure for everyone at the Science Museum this summer.

Urban Pubs & Bars has announced a major new partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity). The ambitious new initiative will raise £250,000 over the next two years in support of GOSH Charity’s fundraising appeal Build it. Beat it – to help build a world-leading new Children’s Cancer Centre at the hospital.

A new study undertaken by Dr Matthew Cook at the University of Worcester, involving 600mg of CurraNZ taken daily, has stunned experts after researchers found that New Zealand blackcurrant extract can supercharge fat burning up to 200 per cent and has greater effect in women who carry more body fat.

My toddler granddaughter loves music and singing so I saved this set of wooden musical instruments from Lehoo Castle for a time when were were all together as a family for hilarious renditions of nursery songs with us all singing and playing, writes Anne Coates.

Lizzie loved the first two Wow! books we received and was equally delighted with Wow! Look at Me! and Wow! What a Party! illustrated by Alberta Torres and looking at life through a toddler's eyes, writes Anne Coates.

Getting rid of things you no longer need, unwanted gifts, clothes you bought and never wore, bags you bought for a special occasion and never used since – it's a wonderful feeling being able to clear the clutter and do some good as well, writes Anne Coates. 

Shark PowerPro Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is, according to Anne Coates, a brilliant machine which is easy to manoeuvre, cleans well, and is versatile from cobwebs in high corners, to stairs, and it knows the difference between hard and carpeted floors adjusting accordingly.

Chronicles of Whetherwhy The Age of Enchantment by Anna James  and The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon published by Harper Collins Children's Books are now available in paperback.

Every family – especially those with babies and young children – needs a reliable thermometer  in their medicine cabinet/first aid box. Anne Coates reviews the  Ear Thermometer from Femometer Family which gives an accurate result in one second.

These Balance Stepping Stones from Maycoly are great fun for kids – and adults, as Anne Coates discovered with her two-year-old granddaughter, Lizzie, when they used them indoors and in the garden.

When I saw Nature by Mamon Bucciarelli, with its attractive illustrations showing the natural world, I thought it would be ideal for our nine-year-old grandson who loves finding out about interesting facts to explore and we were not disappointed, writes Christine Mayle.

Hydration is key to good health and is especially important when exercising or being out in the sun. Here's a great way to  to keep your water or drink ice-cool for 46 Hours – with the b.box 1 Litre Insulated Flip Top Bottle, writes Anne Coates.

Parents of 16 to 19 year olds who are staying in education or training need to extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August or payments will automatically stop. Follow the advice from HMRC.

Banwood, the classic outdoor toy brand, has just launched a new Eco collection of scooters and helmets in fresh summer colours at half the price of their classic range.  Anne Coates  reviews and her granddaughter, Lizzie, is  delighted with her new mode of transport.

Christine Mayle's grandson fell in love with the Jay Franco Minecraft Fox Plush Pillow. And if Fox isn't your child's favourite Minecraft character, Tuxedo Cat, Creeper, My Hero Academia Deku, Buggy, Luffy, Purple Tiger and Bee are also available.