CELEBRATE WORLD BOOK DAY AT HOME

Emily Bright and Sarah Campbell of Parrot Street Book Club select five books to inspire and delight kids this World Book Day

We’re huge fans of World Book Day here at Parrot Street Book Club – we love seeing schools and families come together to celebrate everything that’s brilliant about books!

As parents, we know that one of the first things that comes to mind when you hear the words World Book Day is “the costume”. For some it’s a much-needed artistic outlet and for others an absolute chore.

Of course, World Book Day feels a bit different this year with so many kids out of school but it’s certainly not cancelled and dressing up as a favourite book character is very much still on the agenda.

With that in mind, we’ve picked 5 fantastic chapter books that we’d heartily recommend reading at any time of year but which have characters that are really fun (and not too tricky) to dress up as. Whether you’re looking for a DIY project or will be raiding the wardrobe and dressing up box, hopefully this list gives you some fun ideas…

Mia Mayhem series by Kara West

Mia Mayhem series by Kara West’s also a superhero-in-training! She always tries her best but often manages to cause chaos! This is a wonderful early chapter book series, illustrated throughout and perfect for kids making their first forays into reading alone.

We picked this book as who doesn’t love dressing up as a superhero?! You may already have a superhero costume but if not, it’ll be fun to create a superhero mask and cuffs and we’ve shared instructions on our website.

Inkling by Kenneth Oppel

Ethan’s dad is a comic book artist and when an ink spot comes to life and leaps from his drawing board life gets complicated for the Rylance family! Ethan discovers that his new friend loves to eat text and drawings, leading him to become multicoloured and vibrant. But this small burst of creativity also causes chaos. This is a thrilling read with important messages for children aged 8+.

We picked this book as a perfect excuse for some messy art! We thought you could either splatter-paint some cardboard and make a tabard or paint on some old clothes in multicolours to dress as Inkling.

Flyntlock Bones: Sceptre of the Pharaohs by Derek Keilty

This is a beautifully illustrated pirate adventure with a twist. The main characters are well-intentioned pirate detectives, who must discover the truth about an ancient Egyptian curse and put a stop to the antics of a crew of villainous, unreformed pirates.

Kids could be inspired to dress as a pirate captain or part of the crew –a stripy t-shirt and head scarf would look great. There are also Egyptian mummies which could be fun to recreate and even a parrot and a snake too!

Ottoline & the Yellow Cat by Chris Riddell

This is a stylish and fun mystery adventure from award-winning author/illustrator Chris Riddell. Ottoline Brown lives in a city apartment with Mr Munroe, a small hairy creature. When a spate of dog-nappings and jewel-thefts hit the city, they start to investigate and follow a trail that leads them to a criminal mastermind – the Yellow Cat.

Whilst creating a Mr Munroe costume would be a feat of creative genius, we picked this book as we know our own kids would love to dress as one of the dogs or the cat from the story. We like to keep things simple, so think a coloured t-shirt, face painted nose and whiskers and some animal ears would do the trick!

The Cure for a Crime by Roopa Farooki

This is the first in the Double Detectives Medical Mystery series featuring twins, Ali and Tulip. Their mother is a surgeon so they’ve spent their childhoods picking up medical knowledge, which they must put to good use as they set out to discover why their mother is constantly tired and why her new boyfriend is acting so suspiciously. This is a fast-paced and funny read for 8+.

We picked this book as we know doctors’ outfits, complete with medical props, are always a hit. It might also be fun for siblings to channel Ali and Tulip by wearing twinning t-shirts or even creating complementary t-shirts that work as a pair!

NEW BOOK: When We All Stayed at Home

One day in March, during the first UK lockdown, photographer Katrina Campbell picked up her camera and took to her street. Unable to carry out her usual family portraits or commercial work, she walked along her road in Grange Park, north London and started asking her neighbours if she could snap them on their doorsteps. As well as taking their pictures, she talked about what lockdown meant to them. Before long, she had a collection of heartfelt stories. Through word of mouth, Katrina’s circle soon widened and she hopped on her bike to get more pictures and more stories. Despite the different circumstances her subjects found themselves in, every entry was as compelling and relatable as the next.

Katrina’s journey to capture these doorstep stories took her from Enfield to Edmonton via Tottenham, Palmers Green and her home turf of Grange Park/Winchmore Hill. Along the way she meet people of all ages and backgrounds. All of them had similar stories of resilience and hope. By the end of lockdown, Katrina had amassed dozens of pictures and stories, sharing them on her @storiesbestshared feed on Instagram and featuring in a Grazia magazine spread. Katrina knew she had to put them all together in a book and miraculously with a lot of hard work and determination, she has made that happen in time for Christmas. The result is a wonderful document of life in London during lockdown. A brilliant insight into everyday lives or ordinary yet extraordinary people in 2020.

Order ‘When We All Stayed at Home’ by Katrina Campbell here

Five books to take your kids on an adventure

Emily Bright and Sarah Campbell, founders of Parrot Street Book Club, a monthly book subscription service for kids, talk us through their five favourite books to transport kids on an adventure this winter

Emily and Sarah, Parrot Street Book Club

We’ve all had to stay a bit closer to home this year but we’ve still managed to have some amazing adventures through the books we read with our kids. We are passionate about the magic of books, which is what inspired us to set up Parrot Street Book Club, a monthly book subscription for children aged 5 to 11. Each month our subscribers receive a letterbox-friendly parcel containing a chapter book and an activity pack we’ve designed to accompany it.

We work hard to ensure we’re introducing our subscribers to books, authors and genres they might not otherwise have discovered, often seeking out tiny independent publishers or emerging authors.

Here are five of our favourite books to take you and the kids on an adventure.

www.parrotstreet.com

The Land of Roar

This is a wildly imaginative modern fantasy adventure that reminded us of the Narnia books. Arthur and Rose are eleven-year-old twins, tasked with helping their grandad clear the junk from his attic. They both remember playing a make-believe game about a land named Roar, but when Grandad climbs through a Z-bed and disappears, Arthur wonders whether those games were make-believe at all. Featuring dragons, ninja wizards, mermaids and a very creepy baddie, this is a lovely adventure with beautiful illustrations for children aged 7+.

The Mapmaker’s Race

The Santanders are a family of explorers and mapmakers but since their father failed to return from his last expedition the family has struggled to make ends meet. Putting their skills to good use, they plan to take part in a race across mountainous terrain to discover and map the best route for a new railway. But when they become separated from their mother, it’s up to the Santander children to beat the other teams and win that prize! A classic adventure with some steam-punk elements, this is a great read for children aged 8+.

Knights and Bikes

Demelza lives in a caravan next to an abandoned adventure golf course. Her only friend is a pet goose. That is until enigmatic Nessa arrives and the two girls set out on an adventure to discover the truth about the legendary Penfurzy Knights. With only their wit, bravery and trusty bikes to rely on, it’s a rip-roaring adventure with a 1980s setting that parents will particularly enjoy. We’d recommend this for readers aged 7+.

The Incredible Dadventure

This was one of the first books we ever sent our subscribers but it’s still a firm favourite. Holly’s dad is a travel journalist and will be away for her 10th birthday while she’s stuck at home. However, her dad has created a special birthday treasure hunt for her and Holly soon discovers that you can find adventure in even the most seemingly boring of places. With illustrations throughout this is a great chapter book for children aged 5+.

Clean Getaway

When G’ma arrives in her RV and whisks him away on a road trip across the southern states of the USA, Scoob thinks he’s found a brilliant way to dodge his father’s anger at him getting into trouble at school. But as G’ma’s behaviour becomes more erratic Scoob learns that everything is not as it seems and gains insight into the history of his family and what life was like in a segregated American South. This is a highly entertaining, insightful and deeply moving story for readers aged 8+.

Five great summer reads for kids

Off on your summer holidays and wondering what books to pack for the kids? Look no further than this brilliant list by school librarian and Chic Little List’s very own books editor Ruth Horsman

See more recommendations from Ruth at Libraries Unlocked

Swimming Against the Storm

A fabulous book with strong message about the effects of climate change – particularly rising sea levels. An exciting adventure set in the swamplands of Louisiana, the characters are strong and both boys and girls will see themselves reflected here. There's a part of the story about growing up and not being a 'little kid' anymore and the ramifications of that with siblings and friends.

I learnt lots about the culture of this tiny community in the southern United States through this book. As with all of Jess Butterworth's books the chapters are short and punchy. Unputdownable!

Kat Wolfe Takes the Case

For animal lovers who love a good mystery/crime book, you can't go wrong with the Kat Wolfe series by Lauren St John. Kat Wolfe is the daughter of a vet who has recently relocated to Bluebell Bay in Dorset (loosely based on Lulworth Cove). Kat runs a pet-sitting business and has teamed up with her best friend, the tech whizz Harper Lamb, to form a detective agency on the side. When a rare dinosaur fossil is uncovered during a landslide, Hollywood stars and scientists flock to the area. Strange happenings and a suspicious death place Wolfe and Lamb at the heart of the mystery. Can they solve the crime?

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Ghost is probably for the older end of this age group - 11+. It is a story about overcoming tragedy and discovering who you are. There are themes you might want to discuss with your children after reading this book including alcoholism, bullying (and how to stand up to bullies in a non-violent way) and pursuing your dreams. The main character, Castle Crenshaw, or 'Ghost' as he is otherwise known, learns he has a talent for sprinting after running away from a violent episode at home, and the story develops into how he finds the right path to follow. I see all books as non gender-specific, but all the boys I have lent this to have particularly loved this. A great protagonist.

The Boy at the Back of the class

If you haven't heard about this book yet, where have you been?! Hugely popular, this is the sort of book you will want to read and pass on. I have bought so many copies and they have all disappeared as I keep handing them over to people. It's a story told through the eyes of a nine year-old about a 'refugee kid' who arrives at school. I laughed, I cried, I got angry at society and the bullies. It's brilliantly funny and heart wrenching at the same time – an huge injection of empathy at a time when the world needs it most. Read the book and encourage your children to discuss the issues – there are facts and more info about what you can do about the refugee crisis at the back of the book explained in a simple way for them to understand.

Boy Under Water

Another heartbreaking, heartwarming story told from the viewpoint of the child, about family, friends and secrets. Cymbeline Igloo (yes that is his name) challenges another boy at school to a swimming race. The problem is...he can't swim. What happens after that leads Cymbeline to solve the mystery of why his mother has never taken him near to water. This story covers adult mental health in a child-friendly, beautiful way and will probably make you cry and laugh. My 11 year old is off to secondary school in September and his holiday homework is to choose a book to read and review and he's gone for this one, so it's in the suitcase.

The Snowman: an unmissable Christmas show

It’s 40 years since Raymond Briggs’ published The Snowman and it’s been captivating kids around the globe ever since. I adored the book as a child and still remember the magic of the film release in 1982 film featuring the famous vocals of singer Aled Jones, which became the soundtrack to every ‘80s child’s Christmas.

I was thrilled to take my girls to see the theatre adaptation at The Peacock theatre last week. Now in its 21st year, the production by Birmingham Repertory Theatre, retains all the heartwarming sparkle of the original book – the tale of the boy whose snowman comes to life the night before Christmas never grows old. Their night time adventure to the North Pole is eternally full of awe and wonder. The production has the added flayer of exquisite dancing, whimsical sets and stunning effects. Every child in the theatre is in awe when the boy and the snowman gliding above the stage ‘walking in the air’.

There’s heaps of humour in this production too; the hilarious fruit dance, the comical snow people and the sense of cheeky glee the snowman and boy exudes is utterly infectious. Father Christmas makes a jolly appearance much to the delight of every child in the theatre. Perfect for children of about four years-old upwards, there’s not a more charming Christmas production out there. The girls adored it. My seven year old summing it up nicely: “Mummy, it’s not great, it’s amazing!” Maggie Davis

The Snowman, The Peacock, London WC2A 2HT. Until 6 Jan 2019. Tickets: £15 - £38.

Ticket Office: 020 7863 8222 or peacocktheatre.com.

Pics: Tristram Kenton 

READER'S CORNER: FIVE WINTRY KIDS' READS

School librarian and regular Chic Little List contributor, Ruth Horsman, selects five wonderful wintry reads that make the perfect Christmas gift or stocking filler for kids age eight to 12. Don’t do you Christmas shopping without a quick read.

The Way Past Winter by

Kiran Millwood Hargrave

She's done it again! One of THE best young authors around at the moment and only on her third publication, The Way Past Winter is a magical Nordic treat of a book. Three sisters on a mission to rescue their brother, who mysteriously vanishes overnight, this book is very reminiscent of scandi folklore and is a fabulous adventure with some wonderful (and genuinely terrifying) characters throughout. More for the 10-12 age range, although I have recommended to some adults too.

Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Guide to Hogwarts by

Matthew Reinhart

A 3D masterpiece celebrating Harry Potter's Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from New York Times best-selling pop-up engineer Matthew Reinhart. I don't think you can ever be too old to enjoy an intricate pop-up book like this, I could spend hours looking at it. Definitely one for the Potter-head in your life - the detail is incredible. Age? Any. Although you'll want to look after this one so maybe not for the younger children.

A Girl Called Owl by

Amy Wilson

Thirteen-year old Owl has never met her father, and her mum is very mysterious when she asks about him. When Owl discovers strange frost patterns on her skin, she decides it's time to find out who he is. A strong female lead character who struggles with identity, friendships and an absent father - this is another book that borrows from old folklore and fairytales, bringing it to a modern setting. Again probably more towards the older age, so I'd say 10-12.

A Boy Called Christmas by

Matt Haig

An original take on the Father Christmas story, the tale of Father Christmas as a boy, and how he came to be the big guy himself. A good book to pack away with your decorations and read a chapter or two every night in the run up to Christmas. Like a lot of Matt Haig's books, this story handles bad times and sad times, mixing it up with lots of heartwarming humour. If you want a book that will give you that warm fuzzy Christmas feeling, this is it. Best for ages eight to 12 (although I will definitely be reading this to my seven year-old this Christmas)

There's A Yeti In The Playground by

Pamela Butchart

The latest from this wonderful author who wrote Attack of The Demon Dinner Ladies (a very popular book in our school). Laugh out loud fun, this tale follows Izzy and her friends who are excited when it snows at school as it means going home early. But then they hear strange noises coming from the playground and find a large, yeti-sized footprint in the snow. Funny, fast-paced and a little bit bonkers, like all Pamela Butchart books (and we love her for it). Great for ages eight to 12.

READER'S CORNER: six classic kids' books

Ruth Horsman is a librarian at a junior school in south west London and is passionate about the importance of primary school libraries. She is launching a pilot project for shared resources between primary schools and community libraries across Lewisham in September 2018. For more information follow Ruth at Stillness_Library or Mrs_Horse

Ruth says: "It's a huge boom time for children’s literature at the moment, and with all the bright, colourful doodle-filled books, or latest offering by a celebrity children's author, it’s easy to overlook the classics. Here are six kids' classics that I've read recently that have stood the test of time. Enjoy.”

Swallows and Amazons

By Arthur Ransome

This is the ultimate summer holiday adventure. I was listening to the radio the other day and this came very high in a poll of favourite books from childhood. It’s a wonderfully descriptive story of children being left to roam outdoors in the Lake District in the 1920’s. The Swallows and Amazons battle it out over a summer of adventure and discovery. I read this recently and it’s so addictive – it’s the perfect book to read on a camping trip – just be prepared for your kids begging you to catch them fresh fish for their supper!

The Secret Garden

By Frances Hodgson Burnett

Another early 20th century children's classic – this was first published in 1910. A lonely, unhappy, spoilt child gets sent back from India to live in a Yorkshire manor house and garden, which is full of secrets. I like fact the protagonist in this book is so unlikeable to start with, it really helps you on the journey of self-discovery with her.

White Fang

By Jack London

My 10 year old son went straight for this in our local book shop Moon Lane the other day and has barely put it down since. Published in 1906, it is tale of survival written from the viewpoint of the books eponymous character. White Fang is part-dog and part-wolf, and the lone survivor of his family. He has a hard life and learns how to survive, but can he ever be nurtured into a life of domesticity with the love of a gentle owner? I am surprised my son is enjoying a book as old as this as I thought the language might put him off but he is really loving it.

The Silver Sword

By Ian Serraillier

A war-time adventure – another one my son couldn't put down, and when his nana saw him reading it, remarked: "Ooh I loved that when I was your age". Four children made homeless by the second world war, on a dangerous journey to find their family. A very moving story about hope, and overcoming adversity, probably a very realistic account of what it was like in Europe in the 1940's and also what it is like for families fleeing war in modern times. As relevant now as it was then, sadly.

A Bear Called Paddington

By Michael Bond

2018 marks 60 years of one of children's literature's favourite bears (another one features below), Paddington Bear is enjoying a new generation of fans thanks to the excellent recent film releases. This is the first of many Paddington books by author Michael Bond, and is such a comfort to re-read. We had the full set of these donated by a parent to our school library recently, and they flew out. A great classic to tuck into with your child at bedtime – my daughter and I are perfecting our 'hard stare'.

Winnie the Pooh

By AA Milne

This is one of the best books about friendship. I use quotes from this all the time when creating 'friendship' book displays in the school library. This is the first book in the world-famous series, and follows Winnie The Pooh on his adventures with his friends Piglet, Eeyore and of course Christopher Robin. I hope this quote perfectly sums up the summer hols for you all: “We didn’t realise we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun.”

TOP FIVE: museums and galleries for kids in London

Garden Museum

Flower Fairies touch down on 8th August. A nostalgic exhibition if ever there was one from childhood, showing Cicely Mary Barkers beautiful illustrations from her Flower Fairies books. An enchanting show where children can dress up as fairies and bring to life Baker's delightful drawings. The Garden Museum is a small tucked-away museum next to Lambeth Palace, in a de-consecrated church which was once called St Marys. Luckily, just before planned demolition in the 70's, it was saved by Rosemary Nicholson and became the first ever museum for gardens. It now has a fantastic cafe and learning centre thanks to a redevelopment last year. 

Garden Museum,
5 Lambeth Palace,
London SE1 7LB (020 7401 8865/www.gardenmuseum.org.uk). Vauxhall tube/rail.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

There's still time to catch the wonderful Edward Bawden exhibition at one of the most family friendly galleries in London. Small is definitely beautiful when it comes to children and museums especially for younger children so you can keep an eye on them. Dulwich Picture Gallery is in a wonderful location with plenty of outdoor space, a great cafe and lots of children's activities to keep them entertained. With animals, beach scenes and famous London landmarks, the Bawden exhibition is full of colourful prints to delight kids. Plus, there are lots of covetable goodies in the gift shop.

Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, London
SE21 7AD (020 8693 5254/www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk). West Dulwich rail

Guildhall Art Gallery

This inspiring gallery houses the art collection of the city of London and includes some wonderful examples of Victorian art as well as some dreamy pre-Raphaelites. Underneath the gallery you can see London's Roman amphitheatre covering both art and archeology all at once. The amphitheatre was used for various public events such as gladiator games and animal fighting. This is convenient location for parents working in the city if they want to organise a visit over the summer in their lunch break.

Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall, Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7HH (020 7332 1313/www.guildhall.cityoflondon.gov.uk/art-gallery). Bank/Moorgate tube/rail.

Tate Britain

One of our favourite galleries is Tate Britain. During the summer it's also fun to get the river boat there (it is the most civilised form of transport in London using your Oyster card, after all). Tate Britain is good for kids as it's got a wonderful layout, it's not too big but not too small with a good cafe and great shop selling wonderful art books for kids. You will still catch the Squash lurking behind the columns of the Duveen Galleries, which will delight and surprise children. Sneak a peek of the quirky performance art by Anthea Hamilton - note the moving statue are probably best enjoyed alone! Also Aftermath: Art after World War I exhibition is on until mid-September and is a good educational insight for school children. 

Tate Britain, Milbank,
London, SW1P 4RG (020 7887 8888/www.tate.org.uk). Pimlico tube.

The Royal Academy

Until 19th August, the mighty summer exhibition is a riot of colour and feast for the eyes for the whole family. Curated by Grayson Perry this year, it has the hallmark of his eccentric style. So many wonderful artworks adorn the walls that it will inspire you and the kids to reach for the paint pot as soon as you get home.

The Royal Academy, Burlington House,
London, W1J 0BD (020 7300 8000/www.royalacademy.org.uk). Piccadilly tube.

TOP FIVE: London summer exhibitions

Five CAN't-miss exhibitions that will inspire you and your kids this summer, says Maggie Davis

Pablo Picasso The Mirror (Le Miroir) 1932 Private Collection © Succession Picasso/DACS, London 2018

Picasso at Tate Modern

Picasso 1932 - Love, Fame, Tragedy The Spanish master's first solo exhibition at Tate Modern showcases over 100 pieces of work created during one pivotal year. Three paintings of Picasso's lover, Marie-Thérèse Walter, are brought together for the first time since he painted them in March, 1932. Captivating.

What's in it for kids? Bold colour, childlike curvy shapes and fun activities. And when you are done, an obligatory run around Tate Modern's Turbine Hall is necessity for kids of all ages. We recommend eating at nearby child-friendly Leon Bankside.

Until 9 Sept 2018; Tate.org.uk

Frida Kahlo at the V&A

Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up will be an intensely personal insight into this world of the acclaimed Mexican artist. Exhibits include items of makeup, clothing and even her amazingly decorative prosthetic leg, complete with wooden shoe. 

What's in it for the kids? Colour, creativity and activities aplenty at the museum's Imagination Station and drop-in design sessions.

Opens 16 June - 4 Nov 2018

; www.vam.ac.uk

Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition

The Royal Academy celebrates its 250th anniversary this year and the Summer Exhibition showcases the work of new and emerging artists with all of its 1,200 pieces selected by Royal Academicians. A vast variety of work awaits.

What's in it for the kids? A riot of colour and styles to stimulate their senses. The Royal Academy provide art trays especially for kids during the summer exhibition so they can create their own masterpieces.  

12 June - 19 August 2018; www.royalacademy.org.uk

Tomma Abts at The Serpentine Sackler Gallery

The German-born, London-based artist (b. 1967) and 2006 Turner Prize winner (the first female winner) brings her well-considered graphic paintings to the Serpentine Sackler gallery this summer. Each piece is perfectly formed and elegantly constructed on a canvas measuring 48cm x 38cm.

What's in it for the kids? The Serpentine is an airy, light-filled gallery set in Hyde Park and not at all far from the Diana Memorial Fountain (and a fifteen minute walk from the Diana Memorial Playground). In other words, the perfect summer backdrop for children.

7 June - 9 Sept 2018; www.serpentinegalleries.org

Edward Bawden at Dulwich Picture Gallery

Edward Bawden (1903-89) was a prolific illustrator and designer whose work was commissioned by Twinings and Fortnum & Mason. Many of the 160 pieces will be on display to the public for the first time. Don't miss his beautifully stylised linocuts.

What's in it for the kids? On 7, 8, 9 August, kids will be able to create their own fantastic beast in a range of media at the gallery during special three-day workshop.

23 May - 9 Sept 2018; www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

READER'S CORNER: five holiday reads for 8-10 year olds

Ruth Horsman, a voluntary primary school librarian, selects five books that have been capturing the imagination of her year 4-6 readers this year. "I read a lot of children’s fiction as you can imagine and these have stood out for me recently," she says. Follow RUTH On INSTAgram @MRS_HORSE FOR MORE KIDS' BOOK REVIEWS 

The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Beautiful book by one of my favourite new authors (you MUST also read her first book The Girl Of Ink And Stars if you haven’t already) – this is book covers leprosy, predjudice, grief, lepidoptery (!) and friendship. It’s heart-wrenching with a feisty, adventurous protagonist.

Wed Wabbit by Lissa Evans

Dark, original, and very funny. Ever imagined what it would be like to be stuck in an imaginary world with your sister’s cuddly toys brought to life?  An adventure in a strange world with even stranger characters and impossible tasks.  The villain in the tale, Wed Wabbit, is absolute genius.

The Explorer by Katherine Russell

A classic adventure story, by one of the most exciting young children’s authors around.  A plane crash lands in the Amazon and you are taken on a fast-paced, wild journey with a not-so predictable ending.  Who is the explorer?  I couldn't stop thinking about this book and the characters after I finished it - always a sign of a great book.

The Last Wild by Piers Torday

I love a good trilogy and this doesn’t disappoint – this is a wonderful, sprawling, post-apocalyptic tale, slightly depressing to start with but with a healthy dose of optimism.  Perfect for children who are eco-conscious as highlights the damage (and good) that humans and science can do to our natural world.

Wonder by RJ Palacio

Wonder – RJ Palacio

Feels like every child I meet aged 8-10 has read this book and if you haven’t why not?! A story about triumph over adversity, namely the main characters extreme facial disfigurement.  Encourages children to see through differences and be kind, always.  Bit of a weepy too (be warned – I wept buckets)

HOW TO: survive London museums with kids

The city’s museums can be hugely inspiring and a lot of fun for children but they can also be overwhelming, so I always take a less is more approach and try not to cram too much in. Here a my top tips for getting the best out of your visit:

1. Spend twenty minutes the day before working out your route. Look at what exhibit you most want to aim for and then chat about the options with the kids.

2. Take note of where the kids’ room/activities centre is and make a note of it. It will save you time and stress.

3. Get the packed lunch, snacks, water bottles and rucksacks ready the night before.

4. Get an early night! Trust me, you’ll need the energy.

5. Get up early and if you are feeling super energetic go when the museum opens or shortly afterwards. That way you beat the crowds.

6. Locate the loos and food areas before you do anything. Be prepared to gravitate back to these areas several times.

7. Rather than rush around the museum in a flap, choose one big thing to do properly, whether it’s the aeroplanes on the third floor of the Science Museum, the Egyptians at the British Museum or the Roman section of the Museum of London. Make that your focal point.

8. Most museums have plenty of interactive elements to keep the children entertained so make sure you let them explore. 

9. If a meltdown is imminent, there’s almost always somewhere to buy ice-cream or cake. 

10. Quit while you are ahead. In other words, leave just before you want to. Kids get tired by museums and you’ll have to get them home without falling asleep on the tube.