Books in this section are often read and commented on by someone in the age group they are intended for. Obviously books for young children are written about by their parents! The reviews represent their personal opinions only.
An exclusive teen party transforms into horror in this fast-paced thriller that takes place over the course of only one night. Suitable for older teenage readers and reviewed by Elaine Hewlett.
The trials and tribulations of pre-teen life and the start of secondary school are the subject of this first volume in a new comedy series. Review by Elaine Hewlett.
What to do when your city is full of out-of-control magic? Send in the cleaners! Elaine Hewlett reviews this delightful tale, perfect for middle grade readers.
Mark Bradley's full-colour graphic novel, the fifth in his Bumble & Snug series was greeted with great enthusiasm by Natasha Da Souza's older daughter.
Teddy Keen, editor and compiler of The Lost Book of Adventure, discovered the works and illustrations of The Unknown Adventurer in a sealed metal container in a remote hut on the banks of Jari River. Review by Christine Mayle.
This set of 12 mini colouring books from Vibe Better range in subjects varying from food and holidays to aliens and cats in hats – all of them engaging and fun as well as aiding concentration, writes Anne Coates.
Three great books for older readers – adventure and romance: Alice with a Why by Anna James illustrated by Matthew Land; Amelia, if Only by Becky Albertalli and Rewind to us by Molly Morris. Perfect summer reading and gifts.
Frontier Publishing introduces, Ava Spark: Hello I’m Here!is the first in a brand new young fiction series, following life through the eyes of ten-year-old Ava Spark as she navigates the trials and tribulations of home, school, friendships and family.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anne Coates reviews The Thrashers, a compelling YA thriller from bestselling author, playwright and actor, Julie Soto. After you read this, you might not want to be in with the elite crowd at school.
Anne Coates has chosen three fabulous new chapter books for confident readers or children who love to be read to: Small Fry by David Baddiel, The First Kid in Space by Tom Mitchell and The Kid Who Fell Through Time by Greg James & Chris Smith.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, HarperCollins Children's Books have reissued the paperback editions of C.S. Lewis’ classic adventure series,The Chronicles of Narnia, with cover art from illustrator Owen Richardson. Parenting Without Tears has a complete set to be won in our latest competition.
At Eastertide our thoughts turn to chocolate eggs – but picture books make great presents especially when they deal with eating – or being eaten! – by monsters. I'm Gonna Eat A Monster by Karl Tudor and Scott Wilson and A Good Night's Sleep by Emma Chichester Clark both offer a hilarious take on childhood fears, writes Anne Coates.
Following on from Look out! Hungry Lion and Look out! Hungry Snake comes the next two books in the Look Out! Hungry Animals series by Paul Delaney: Look Out! Hungry Spider and Look out! Hungry Shark. Review by Anne Coates.
Hokan Bowls are a time-saving, space-optimising essential. Whether storing batch-cooked baby food or gently reheating meals, these bowls rise to meet the demands of modern parenthood with effortless grace.
An exclusive teen party transforms into horror in this fast-paced thriller that takes place over the course of only one night. Suitable for older teenage readers and reviewed by Elaine Hewlett.
It's a day that's eagerly anticipated by some, dreaded by others – and that's just the parents of A level students! Here Anne Coates gives her top ten tips for parents to support their offspring.
Christine Mayle reviews Kaleidoscope Entertainment's action-packed family animation adventure film based on Swedish best-selling author, Camilla Läckberg’s, children’s hit book series, Super Charlie.
Summer's here and it's barbecue season and with this great play set the kids can enjoy cooking indoors or outside with probably more utensils than the adults own, writes Anne Coates.
Front Room Productions and Lawrence Batley Theatre expose the sensational trial for Humpty Dumpty’s murder this summer in a new fairy-tale inspired musical. Review by Joe O'Neill.
This charming adaptation of the Three Musketeers tale, with the well known “all for one and one for all” motto at its core, is a couple of hours very well spent, writes Sarah Taylor who attended with her son.
Sun protection becoming a daily battle? Dr Sonia Khorana shares her hacks for helping to keep children safe in the sun, including tips for applying suncream to reluctant little ones.
An energetic and entertaining start to the first full week of the Edinburgh Fringe as The Crawl, performed at a nearly-full Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh. Review by Joe O'Neill.
This whimsical retelling of a beloved fairy tale is a delightful adventure, bursting with laughter, infectious original songs, and playful mischief. Simon Collins' two young daughters loved the experience.
The trials and tribulations of pre-teen life and the start of secondary school are the subject of this first volume in a new comedy series. Review by Elaine Hewlett.
One in four women in the UK experiences bladder weakness – stress incontinence – but for most of them this could be solved by exercising the pelvic floor muscles.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Richard Scarry's Best Counting Book Ever, we have teamed up with HarperCollins Children's Books to offer you the chance to win a copy.
What to do when your city is full of out-of-control magic? Send in the cleaners! Elaine Hewlett reviews this delightful tale, perfect for middle grade readers.
There are a staggering 48 signs of menopause. M-Club has been set up to create a supportive community to help navigate this important stage of a woman's life.
Mark Bradley's full-colour graphic novel, the fifth in his Bumble & Snug series was greeted with great enthusiasm by Natasha Da Souza's older daughter.
Endearing fable about family, fun, friendship, and fear. Heidi proves love triumphs in the face of evil and corruption – animated film in Odeon cinemas from 1 August, 2025.
According to a recent report – Skin Matters by Hada Labo Tokyo – some 80 per cent of women have gone our on a warm and sunny day wearing no sunscreen. Anne Coates recommends their Water-Resistant Moisturising Sunscreen: Face Cream and Sun Lotion for your body.
With social media, there’s always something to compare: the child who seems to excel at everything, the family who’s always having more “picture-perfect” moments. If you or your child are caught in this comparison trap, there’s good news: you’re not powerless.
Fantastic magnetic shapes which actually increase in value as children get older and it's certainly fun for adults to join in with as Anne Coates discovered, playing with her granddaughter Lizzie.
Creating stability for children during divorce requires planning, communication, and practical solutions. These ensure both households operate clearly, allowing children to maintain their routines and relationships.
Whether your taste is for Mexican, Italian or French food, here are four restaurant chains offering a free child's meal when an adult orders a main course – valid throughout the school summer holidays.
Helen Little reviews this lagoon shaped pool which is large enough for all the family to enjoy if you have adequate room in your garden. The Bestway Pool is available from BM Stores.