All Aboard - Balamory

Age range: 1 - 5 years

A big board book, with lovely bold, bright illustrations and plenty of detail. Katie (9 months) loves turning the pages herself on this one and chewing the corners.

Mandy Ackland and Katie - August 2005

www.amazon.co.uk

All Change

Age range: 1 - 5 years

A really clever little board book with a cut out figure, (boy on one side, girl on the other) which you can slot in to each 'Job'. Katie loves the cardboard cut out and turning the pages.

Mandy Ackland and Katie - August 2005

www.amazon.co.uk

Beep Beep Let's Go

Age range: 1 - 5 years

First impressions: Mmm, this looks a 'nice' book. Great illustrations, quality publisher, interesting concept - "an interactive, noise-filled ... book ..." Simple story of a family of dogs taking a trip to the seaside and what happens along the way.

In Depth: When flicking through and noticing the large writing and lack of story, I was however disappointed. I kept trying to turn the last page, thinking "is that it?" as the storyline really was very minimal (for a reason I find out later) and I was left wanting something more ... a bit like the new Harry Potter!!! Yet, when left to discuss the pictures and what is happening in them with my pre-schooler, I could tell WHY the story was so scant. It left piles for the imagination and Aimee and I have had many an interesting discussion about why the characters say "hurry up" - because they are waiting for the red traffic light to turn to green and who makes the "big splash" - the hippo because she is the biggest animal at the seaside. In fact this book really serves TWO purposes. For my 18 month-er, it has just the right amount of words per page to keep her interested (i.e. very little) and for my 3 1/2 yr old, we can talk about what is happening on the pages. My advice would be not have it as a bed-time book - too much mental stimulation before bedtime maybe not such a good idea. Also, you need plenty of imagination ... I'm a teacher so questioning children is what I do!!! I can see that if that isn't 'your thing' you would find the book a bit limiting.

Overall: On face value, I'd only give this book a 2/5 - for what it actually is, it's quite expensive. However, for the potential it has ... 4 1/2 out of 5 ... just get talking to your kids!!!

Abigail Farndon - August 2005

www.amazon.co.uk

Boo Boo

Age range: 1 - 5 years

BooBoo is a charming character in a beautifully illustrated book. The story, however, is a bit of a disappointment. BooBoo is a gosling. I think its a bit of an obscure animal to choose for children, especially as the book doesn't explain what a gosling is and I think even a few parents may struggle when asked! The gosling likes to eat and its catchphrase is 'Good food' whenever it eats anything. This doesn't quite work. If it said 'Yum yum', or something more child-like, it would seem more appropriate.

I reread the book a couple of times to see if it would grow on me but it still left me feeling that something wasn't quite right with it. I have considered whether this book was originally written in French (the author being called Olivier) and the problem is that it hasn't worked in translation. The story is rather dry and lacking in humour, which is a shame as the character does have potential to be lots of fun.

Linda Addy - August 2005

www.amazon.co.uk

The boy on the Beach

Age range: 1 - 5 years

The boy on the beach tells the story of an excited little boy and his adventures on a day out to the beach. He has a fantastic time jumping in the sea, running around on the sand and finding a deserted boat in the dunes…… but his excitement turns to worry as he gets himself lost and has to call for help.

We really liked this book. My five year old daughter has asked to read it more then a few times and loves the beautiful illustrations that really make you feel that it’s summer. She also likes the fact that there were so many different and interesting people in the illustrations and new things to spot every time we read it. It is a very uplifting and positive book that would remind many of us of happy times at the sea side.

A lovely book that I would recommend to anyone.

Annabel Ashwell - August 2005

www.amazon.co.uk

Millie Moo

Age range: 6mths - 3 years

Millie Moo is a lively, colourful book which fasinated my 7 month old daughter! She loved touching the different textures and looking at the pictures. The story is a funny rhyme and that makes you smile as you read it!There is plenty to look at and talk about on each page. We enjoyed this book!

Sarah Edwards - August 2005

www.amazon.co.uk

Make Believe

Age range: 18th months - 4 years

My daughter's reaction should have been filmed! These books are beautiful and every little girls dream. She did not want to put them down. The books are superb quality, the pictures extremely pretty and the interactive lift flaps with little messages in are lovely.

The pop-up fairy on the first page is wonderful. You can't wait to turn the next page to see what will be there. I loved both books, and I know that my daughter did to.

These books are interactive, tactile, beautiful and superb quality. They also are set at a fantastic price and brilliant for birthday presents for little girls.

Every little girl should have at least one of these books, my preference would be both of them!

Deborah - May 2005

These books are available to be won in the June Competition, so don't forget to enter

www.amazon.co.uk

Chloe

Age range: 18th months - 3 years

My first impression of these books was how beautiful. They are most certainly the loveliest books I have seen for a long time.

The hard back format is ideal for younger children, and their size is good for travelling with. They are stimulating and tactile and as every little girl likes to dress up they meet their criteria of being "sparkly" and full of all of the prettiness that girls just love

I was so thrilled to review these books and and I know that my daughter will get days of enjoyment from them.

The books give the reader enough text to stimulate the child and guide them through the lovely sparkly pages. Highly recommended for every parent with a little girl

Sara Edwards and Abigail - May 2005

These books are available to be won in the June Competition, so don't forget to enter

www.amazon.co.uk

'Tiger' - from the Proud Parents Range

Age range: 2 - 6 yrs

This book is of a new clever design which incorporates a smaller child-size book within the body of the larger book. The smaller book sits inside a cut-out shape and attaches by velcro to the back cover.

The text tells of Tasmin Tiger and her Mum's encounters in the jungle. Not so much of a story, but short sentences.

The smaller book runs parallel but is told by another Tiger sibling, Tom, who is Tasmins twin brother. It answers in response to what has been said in the larger book, page by page.

This book is bright with simple illustrations and simple wording. The lack of a story didn't engage Thomas' interest, however I feel that it would become a firm favourite with much younger children.
Shared with Thomas age 4. Francine

www.amazon.co.uk

Wake Up Sleepy Head

Age range: 6 months - 5yrs

This book is full of rhymes describing animals waking up in their natural habitats. The animals range from Cows and Koalas to Skunks and Frogs.

On face value the book is beautifully illustrated with soft colourful pictures, however I feel the text itself lets the book down. Thomas found a few of the rhymes funny and entertaining, but mostly he was not amused with the poor rhyming and nonsense verse.

I had great expectations for this book on seeing the cover, but I was very disappointed when reading it aloud. You had a sense of how it was trying to introduce the young to poetry, but in my opinion it fell far short.

Shared with Thomas age 4 & Georgia 6 months. Francine

www.amazon.co.uk

Mole And The Baby Bird

Age range: 2-6 yrs

Mole rescues a bird, nurses it to health and keeps it in a cage. Understandably he wants to keep the bird, but comes to realise that you have to let the things you love go free.

The story is quite complex with many themes and issues, including love and loss. The appearance of the book gives the impression that this is for young children, around two years of age, as the pages are thick cardboard. Unfortunately this age group may not appreciate the depth of story contained.

The artwork is lovely, very warming and illustrates the story superbly. My four year old daughter liked the story and was very engaged by the layout and appearance of the book.
Karen.

www.amazon.co.uk

My Mum

Age range: 0-5 yrs

Personally this came across as the sort of book a grandparent would buy - it wasn't terribly exciting visually - the illustrations, although charming seemed a little flat and the overall feeling was of an era that is no longer here. The mother wasn't a convincing character and my 4 year old was insistent she couldn't be a Mum at all but a 'granny' - with her kitted out in some huge floral monstrosity that really is how the book comes across, which is a shame because the message (which was pretty much, "My Mum can do anything" was really quite sweet.
Suzanne

www.amazon.co.uk

' I Like Black and White' and ' I Like Colours'

Age range: 0 - 5 yrs

Jack thoroughly enjoyed both of these books although some of the pictures were a bit ambiguous.

He was able to recognise most of the animals and all of the colours. I think this book never really pushed Jack's learning ability but perfect to get a child to learn her colours and animals.

We made it fun and educational by thinking of other animals that shared the same colours and learning all the animal noises too! Most books are what you make of them with kids.

Jack will continue to pick this book so long as we make it interesting for him!"

Jodie Baker

What's the Time, Mr Wolf?

Age range: 3 - 6yrs

"This book follows Mr Wolf and Junior Wolf through their day, from waking up until dinnertime. A finger puppet of Mr Wolf runs through the book and this really brings the book to life. The time is shown on each page in analogue and digital format.

Not only is this book educational, it is great fun and exciting. My 5 and 8 year old thought it was excellent! Highly recommended!"

Clare

www.amazon.co.uk

Ten Little Speckled Frogs

Age range: 3 - 6yrs

"The book starts with 10 colourful frogs sitting on a log, and as you read each page, the dial is turned as each frog jumps off into the pond until there are none. The book is very colourful and educational, with repetitive text.

In my opinion, it is suitable for 3 - 5 year olds - my son took it into school (he’s in Reception) and his classmates (and teacher) loved it and asked him to bring it in again…a definite stamp of approval!"

Clare

www.amazon.co.uk

For more details of the Child's Play programme of books, games and toys or to request a catalogue please visit www.childs-play.com

Poppy Cat's Jigsaw Book

Age range: 1 - 4yrs

"I sat and read this book with my 2 year old daughter and it was a lovely little book to read with her.

She is perhaps a bit advanced for it as she can already count up to 13, but she still enjoyed it though especially the idea of the jigsaws.

My son is too old for it at 5 but for younger ones I think it is a lovely book, would be a great gift to give as it combines the jigsaw with the book.

My only fault with it is, as soon as my daughter had finished with it, she picked it up and all the pieces fell out of the jigsaw. So in all, a very good learning book brilliant jigsaw idea but not very practical for little people to pick up."

Cath

www.amazon.co.uk

Zoo Poo

Age range: 2 - 4yrs

"My son has been potty trained for about 8 months now, but he still enjoyed reading about how different animals at the zoo go to the toilet.

The book is very colourful, and the character of a little boy appears on each page as he tours around the zoo, giving continuity and added interest.

At the end of the book, the boy sits on the toilet himself to demonstrate how boys and girls poo. There are some useful guidelines for parents about to attempt potty training.

We enjoyed reading this book together, and it is highly recommended for families about to start potty training their child."

Charlotte

www.amazon.co.uk

Mr Happy and the Wizard

Age range: 3 - 6yrs

"My sons both enjoyed this new Mr Men tale. It contained the same bright simple pictures you come to expect of the Mr Men series, plus it has a lovely enticing bold sparkly cover to give a magical feel.

The story tells of Mr Happy, who going about his normal Saturday routine finds a spell book and wizards hat left in his local library.

The magical spell books talks to him and requests he returns him to his rightful owner, a Wizard. Mr Happy kindly agrees and sets out on his adventure, spell book under his arm and Wizard hat upon his head.

Along his way he meets some of his friends whom Mr Happy takes it upon himself to help. With the help of the spell book, he sets about correcting each Mr Men's given dilemma with disastrous results. Returning everyone to their normal selves he finally reaches the Wizards cottage where he is warmly greeted and treated to special Wizards supper."

Francine

www.amazon.co.uk

A Little Bit of Trouble

Age range: 3 - 6yrs

"My 5 year old daughter especially loved this book as she is a big teddy bear fan, so a bear story was bound to be a big hit.

The pictures of Grandfather bear with his two youngsters as they go on a disastrous picnic are delightful.

Each double page has just one small paragraph of text so this book would be ideal for a quick read, but by looking at the pictures and discussing them further it is easy to spend much longer telling the story. There is so much more to each page than what is said in the text by trying to predict what will happen next or by talking about the dangers of any particular activity. The book also brings in aspects of the countryside code and nature so could also be a useful learning tool.

This book would probably appeal to both boys and girls alike from age 2 to 7ish with the older child being able to read the simple text for themselves. It would be the ideal story to accompany a teddy bear's picnic."

Pam

www.amazon.co.uk

Harry and the Dinosaurs Play Hide and Seek

Age range: 2 - 6yrs

"I read this book with my three year old son. The book consists of pages with "peep through" cut outs. You then lift the page to find the hidden dinosaur beneath.

My son liked the book but it didn't hold his attention for long.

Some of the dinosaur names e.g. Scelidosaurus I'd not heard of before and I think that the unfamiliar and strange sounding names made the book less appealing to my three year old.

Each page has a colour theme and he did find it fun naming and matching the colours. We've read other Harry books and have both loved them; and although in this book the illustrations were colourful and entertaining it wasn't up to the standard I expected before opening it.

I'd say it's a good book to borrow from the library but for us it's not going to become a well read well loved favourite. I think he would have preferred a more traditional format "lift the flap" book rather than the "fold out" style used in this book."

Kerry

www.amazon.co.uk

Get Busy This Summer

Age range: 0 - 5yrs

"My son Jordon and I really enjoyed reading this book. As well as the story there's lots of lovely bright pictures.

It's about a family of Penguins going on a holiday to have lots of fun in the sun, like they do every year. They go sailing, fruit picking, fishing and more. They get time to relax on the beach and get some sun, they go for a swim and have lots of fun.

Jordon loved the pictures Lovely bright colours, good size writing for children to read. He took the book to bed and was really happy looking at the pictures till he feel asleep."

Jayne

www.amazon.co.uk

A Chick Called Saturday

Age range: 0 - 5yrs

"Initial impressions are that this is just another run of the mill children’s book. Don’t let the cover fool you. When I opened the book and started to read it to my children, not only were we treated to a good, and at times amusing story culminating in a great lesson, but the bold and colourful watercolours really helped to fire the imagination.

From start to finish it kept both my two and four year olds quiet, (worth the money just for that!), but after the story had ended, there were pleas to read it again form the younger one, whilst the older started with a barrage of questions. Definitely worth spending some hard earned pennies on."

Andrew

www.amazon.co.uk

Yuk!

Age range: 0 - 5yrs

"A colourful hard back book about Daisy, who is about to be a bridesmaid. The problem is Daisy 'doesn't do dresses' and she 'doesn't do lovely'. The book takes you through the hunt for a dress and everything is 'Yuk!' until the eventual compromise between Daisy and the grown-ups, when she is allowed to design her own dress.

Enjoyable to read with great illustrations, Daisy's antics are fun for children to follow, although if you have a budding tomboy bridesmaid yourself it may give her ideas!"

Jacky

www.amazon.co.uk

Yellow Bird, Black Spider

Age range: 2 - 4yrs

This book is aimed at toddlers and as such is very colourful and engaging for that age group.

It is a bit different from the other books I have read my 20 month old in that it has a wicked twist in the tail which I hope won't give him nightmares! My husband thought the twist was hilarious though!

The book is all about a yellow bird that refuses to conform and is as contrary as any toddler I know. Maybe that is why it works. The artwork is very interesting - not cute and cuddly but sharp and witty. My son now loves the book and I have had to read it at least 20 times to him. It is great for learning colours and the names of everyday items but does it in a funny quirky way.

I liked this book but I'm not sure I would shell out £9.99 for it, as it is very short."

Karen

www.amazon.co.uk

Thomas & Friends - New for 2004!

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