Children's Books

Advantages: Lots of information and contact details
Disadvantages: All the activities may cost you lots of money

I first came across the Edinburgh for Under 5's book When I was about 10. The first edition had been printed and only being 10 had no interest. Then when I started my college course, one of the ladies on the course who had been a childminder for years suggested that this should be added to our book list to help us plan outings and know where is child friendly. The book is a book for Parents and Carers and is researched and written by Parents and ...
...- Lists many restaurants in Edinburgh by area. Tells you how expensive the restaurant is, if they have highchairs, if they allow breast feeding and if there are any play areas. This is handy if you are going somewhere and maybe fancy lunch while you are there. For Free - This gives some great ideas which are all free. Healthcare - gives details of all types of health care offered including names, numbers and addresses of hospitals and maternity ... Read review

Advantages: Craft activity
Disadvantages: Could be ideas for more dolls

Clothes Peg Cuties Another of the makes Little Miss received and which she was keen to try out. I had never seen this type of product before and was impressed with the packaging and the general design of the book and craft kit. The kit comes in the form of a spiral bound book, which is good in itself because it means that once the page is opened, it stays open at that page- a bonus for budding clothes peg doll makers! Attached to the side of the ...
...These contents are: 3 wooden clothes pegs with faces already drawn on them; 3 flowers; 20 sequins in a range of colours, multi coloured wool; some pretend hair; glue in a very small squeezable tube with a screw on/off lid. So, we're ready to make. The book does suggest that children should ask an adult for help with making the first dolly, and then they will be ready to make them on their own. I find that it's best to be on hand when children are ... Read review

Advantages: A useful memory tool
Disadvantages: Main concept is repeated through the book

...in dual coloured bands e.g Mind Maps and school stuff (chapter three) is coloured purple and has two shades of purple a dark and a light shade. This makes it very easy to find the chapter you want and reinforces the books message (more about that later). The book begins with a dedication to ‘kids everywhere: to their amazing minds and their boundless creativity.’ A contents page follows showing the five chapters which are as follows: Chapter One: ...
...to do with mind maps Chapter Three: Mind maps and school stuff Chapter Four: How to ace exams Chapter Five: Fun stuff There is final section of writing called Mind Maps Forever and then a useful Resources page and comprehensive index. Impression of text and layout The front cover has a bold title which is made up of Capital Letters which have a different colour for each letter. This has the immediate effect of standing out and getting your ... Read review

Advantages: Bright illustrations, uses lots of animals, teaches the alphabet.
Disadvantages: Incorrect colour for some animals

...letter recognition, sound association and all of the above. The book is funky and groovy with bright illustrations which appeal to children. The only downside for me is what I mentioned earlier about the incorrect colours being shown for some of the animals as this gives children incorrect information. ... Read review

Advantages: Great ideas for rainy days, role-play and pirate themed parties
Disadvantages: none

...includes a double page of pirate themed gold stickers. Pirate Hats: Shows how to make two different hats a rounded hat and a pointed hat. Easy and quick to make at any age (young ones with a little help) and can be used for dressing up and play immediately for both boys and girls. Pirate Ship Painting: More for the older children. Shows very clearly how to draw the ship including pirates. Money Bags and Silver Coins: For all ages (again young ...
...has dried. Great idea for pirate themed birthday parties to hand out as loot bag. Ancient Treasure Map: For all ages (again young ones with a little help) and only uses a piece of paper, some cold strong tea and colouring pens. Simple and easy to make though the paper needs to soak for an hour and was not dry until the next day, but provided hours of adventure fun. Pirate Paraphernalia: This includes a Telescope, shiny ear ring and an eye patch. ... Read review