Books: children & YA

Lizzie loves penguins – and taking photos – so what better digital camera for her to try out than the Penguin from The Zoofamily which has recently launch its toys in the UK. Perfect for small hands.

To celebrate the launch of The Zoo Family range of child friendly adventure toys including video cameras, walkie-talkies and binoculars, we have a competition to win a Unicorn Kids Digital Camera.  

From Tuesday 16 to Saturday 21 September, 2025 parents dining with their children can enjoy a complimentary main course from Bella Italia’s mouth-watering menu in one of their UK restaurants.

Giving children's early art attempts a new edge, Doodle Copy from Canal Toys provides reusable templates for young artists to create pictures – and then print them off to be coloured in. 

In a welcome addition to the increasingly popular young adult romantasy market , Kiera Azara strikes just the right balance for younger teenagers in her new series, writes Elaine Hewlett.

Foldable Baby Standing Shower Support from Orzbow fits into walk-in showers perfectly, offering safer washing – especially useful if you don't have a conventional bath, writes Anne Coates.

Hay fever sufferers know the common, at times unbearable symptoms, that affect the eyes, and contact lens wearers have extra problems. Here's what to do, by Francesca Marchetti.  

Muddy Puddles has been one of our go-to places for outdoor toddler clothes and we were delighted to review this waterproof jumpsuit plus matching wellies, writes Anne Coates.

The latest impact report from Working Families Legal Advice Service shows that the charity’s helpline and 200-plus advice and guidance pages reached one in ten UK parents. 

For bites and stings, Puressentiel has a number of products that can not only repel insects in the first place, but also soothe bitten, sore and itchy skin, writes Dr Tim Bond.

We had ten copies of the 50th anniversary edition of Richard Scarry's Best Counting Book Ever to be won. Here are the names of the winners who will receive their prize from HarperCollins Children's Books.

An engaging picture book from the award-winning author of Colin's Castle. In this second book, Colin the vegetarian vampire prepares for a visit from his Grandma. What could possibly go wrong? asks Anne Coates.

Natasha Da Souza and her daughter Theia loved this product! The premise is very simple – paint your picture, apply fluffy paint and decorate with accessories. The results were great!

Two of Anne Coates' recently published favourite books for children are now available in paperback: a book of poems by Michael Rosen and the first in a series by Philippa Leathley.

Mud play offers freedom, creativity, and a connection to the natural world. Activities such as mud kitchens can encourage skill development, problem-solving, and cooperation. 

Fantasy is all the rage at the moment but Anna Fiteni takes a truly unique approach to the genre, rooting her young adult book firmly in Welsh myths and culture. Review by Elaine Hewlett.

Packed with nourishing ingredients like calendula, hemp oil, and lavender, Nature’s Repair Balm, from Honey Heaven, helps hydrate, protect, and heal dry, irritated, and inflamed skin without feeling sticky or oily. 

Hush Puppies offers comfortable, reasonably-priced school shoes for both boys and girls. Many of the designs have both a junior and senior style, alongside patent and non-patent options. 

Tracy Darnton, the author of these two delightful picture books on new babies and sibling relationships, shares her tips on smoothing the transition when a new baby arrives. 

Lightweight, child-friendly rechargeable walkie talkies to encourage social interaction and cooperative, imaginative play for young children. Perfect entertainment for holidays and days out.

Pioneer in health and wellness technology, Homedics, has launched The WakeBand™ Silent Alarm, a wearable device to gently rouse you from sleep without a sound for a serene start to the day.