Books: children & YA

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. 

Looking for somewhere to take the kids without breaking the bank? City farms are often free – or they ask for a donation – and offer families opportunities for wonderful interactions with a range of animals and birds. 

Health Optimisation Summit explores the latest innovations, trends, and strategies in health and performance. Founder Tim Gray reveals his top health tips for making the most of your vacations.

Active Leah is a cuddly doll which says Mama, makes sucking noises when fed, burps, cries and sleeps after being gently rocked – a dream doll for toddlers and young children, writes Anne Coates.