Parenting Without Tears

Star Wars Origami by Chris Alexander

Origami is a skill that requires patience to learn – difficult for eight year old Toby. But Alex Bell found the perfect solution – an older cousin and Star Wars fan uncle to work through Chris Alexander's excellent book Star Wars Origami from Workman Publishing.

Poppy Cat books and toys

To celebrate the launch of the new Poppy Cat books and toys at John Lewis Oxford Street, Yvette Henlon and two year old Victoria attended a breakfast reading, with Poppy Cat herself and the voice of Poppy Cat, Joanna Page.

Justin's Annual 2013

Justin Fletcher has become the darling of children's programming with the award-winning CBeebies show, Something Special and Justin's House. Now we have Justin's Annual 2013 to add to the fun, writes Anne Coates.

George and the Knight by Sue McMillan and Ellie Jenkins

A twist in the tale of the traditional George and the dragon legend, this Far Far Away book by Sue McMillan and Ellie Jenkins is a gentle story of friendship, loyalty and courage which should be a winner with early years children, writes Anne Coates.

The Classic Guide to King Arthur by Dr Keith Souter

The definitive book for anyone interested in King Arthur, Dr Keith Souter's Classic Guide is a must for history fans – and any school projects, writes Anne Coates.

My Reward Chart Book by Priddy Books

Alex Bell tries out Priddy Books My Reward Chart Book on daughter Pippa and finds big brother Toby is more interested!

Roald Dahl Funny Prize Shortlist 2012

Nominations for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize have been whittled down to a shortlist of 12 of the funniest books and here is the full list.

Arlo Needs Glasses by Barney Saltzberg

From the Workman Publishing stable another excellent book for young children: Arlo Needs Glasses by Barney Saltzberg. Another excellent book for young children, writes Anne Coates.

Toxic Treacle by Echo Freer

Published by G-Press Fiction, this dystopian novel by Echo Freer is a fabulous read. Toxic Treacle is a book that Anne Coates just couldn't put down until she'd finsihed reading it!

Vintage Children's Classics

Vintage Classics published has launched a new series of books for eight to 12 year olds – Children's Classics. Anne Coates took a look at a couple of titles and recommends the series.

Goodnight Digger by Michelle Robinson and Nick East

Published by Puffin, Goodnight Digger by Michelle Robinson and Nick East is a gentle tale of a nighttime routine as a little boy bids goodnight to all his toys!

The Curse of the Body Snatchers by Keith Souter

The Curse of the Body Snatchers by Keith Souter is the first in The Adventures of Jack Moon published by Golden Guides Press.

Schoolboy Science Remembered by Dr Keith Souter

With illustrations by Andrew James and published by Pen & Sword Books, Keith Souter's Schoolboy Science Remembered will inspire a new generation of youthful scientists – both boys and girls, writes Anne Coates.

Three new titles from Priddy Books

Priddy Books are fast becoming a byword for excellent pre-school and primary books. Anne Coates takes a look at two from New Concepts: Numbers and Colours plus Meow! Meow!

Smart Kids: Space by Sarah Powell, Priddy Books

Another lovely book from the Priddy stable for children aged five plus, Sarah Powell's Smart Kids: Space will delight young readers, writes Anne Coates.

Grandma Bendy by Izy Penguin

From the Maverick Arts Publishing stable, a fun picture book for young children written and illustrated by Izy Penguin: Grandma Bendy.

The Jelly That Wouldn't Wobble

A new title from Maverick Books for three to seven year olds: Angela Mitchell's The Jelly That Wouldn't Wobble. At only two, Harriet Coates was enthralled.

Best Children's Book of the Last Ten Years

Blue Peter commences its search to find the best children’s book of the last decade, with the launch of an online vote in which its young viewers will be able to choose from a shortlist of ten iconic titles.

Books: children & YA