Four Great Children’s Books For Christmas

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Catherine Balavage

Four wonderful books for children this Christmas. Frost loves them all.

Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz By Michael Morpurgo.

From master storyteller MICHAEL MORPURGO, and illustrated in stunning colour by the award-winning EMMA CHICHESTER CLARK, comes a surprising, charming and uplifting twist on The Wizard of Oz, told by a very special and unforgettable character: Dorothy’s pet dog, Toto. A perfect, collectible gift for all children (and children at heart).

“I was there,” Papa Toto said, and those magic words sent shivers down my spine. It was going to be the Wizard story. “Dorothy and me were both there.”
We were all silent, snuggled up together, waiting, waiting.
Then Papa Toto began…

When a twister descends on their Kansas farm, Toto and his owner Dorothy hide in the house – only to be plucked into the air and whisked away!

Coming down with a crash in the mysterious land of Oz, the pair meet a series of extraordinary characters: a scarecrow who believes he has no brains, a tin man without a heart, and a cowardly lion who may not be as cowardly as he thinks he is.

But Toto and Dorothy are desperate to return home – after all, home is home, and home is best! So they set off with their new friends on a journey down the yellow brick road to find the only person who might be able to help them: the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

But what they find might surprise them. And on the way, all of them will learn that what they think they are missing might have been there, all along…

Beautifully illustrated throughout, this is an unforgettable telling of a classic story, and a must for every bookshelf.

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth By Oliver Jeffers.

The exquisite and thought-provoking new book from the multi award-winning, internationally best-selling picture book creator of Lost and Found, Oliver Jeffers.

Well, hello.
And welcome to this Planet.
We call it Earth.

Our world can be a bewildering place, especially if you’ve only just got here. Your head will be filled with questions, so let’s explore what makes our planet and how we live on it. From land and sky, to people and time, these notes can be your guide and start you on your journey. And you’ll figure lots of things out for yourself. Just remember to leave notes for everyone else… Some things about our planet are pretty complicated, but things can be simple, too: you’ve just got to be kind.

Here We Are is the utterly heartfelt new book from Oliver Jeffers. We’re glad you found it.

Father Christmas Heard a Parp By Olaf Falafel.

The side-splitting festive follow-up to Old MacDonald Heard a Parp, from hilarious picture book superstar, Olaf Falafel.

“Father Christmas heard a parp … E-I-E-I-O!”

Father Christmas is getting ready to deliver the presents – but he keeps getting distracted by some VERY rude noises! Who keeps PARPING?!

Could such a big noise actually be coming from someone rather small…?

More windy fun is in store in this brilliant picture book by the sensational Olaf Falafel. Featuring helpful do-it-yourself instructions so you can parp along to your heart’s content and drive your family nuts during the holidays, it’s set to be the ultimate stocking filler for Christmas 2017! Fans of The Dinosaur That Pooped series will love this tongue-in-cheek Christmas tale. Perfect for ages 4 and up.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas 60th Anniversary Slipcase Edition By Dr Seuss.

The one and only Grinch from the iconic Dr. Seuss gets a brand new look for his 60th birthday, in this collectible slipcase edition with a special introduction all about your favourite Christmas character.

It’s the Grinch’s 60th birthday – and you’re invited to the party.

“The Grinch hated Christmas!
The whole Christmas season!
Now, please don’t ask why.
No one quite knows the reason…”

With a heart two sizes too small, the Grinch is the meanest creature you’ll ever meet. He hates Christmas and the whole festive season. But when he hatches a dastardly plot to
steal Christmas, he’s in for a big surprise!

With hilarious rhymes and beautiful illustrations, this classic seasonal story has become a favourite for good reason and teaches readers the true meaning of Christmas.

Now in a very special foiled slipcase edition with extra material, this classic story is the perfect gift for boys and girls of all ages.

Two For Children

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Frostie

Children can be hard to buy for at Christmas but we think we have it sorted with two great gifts below.

Reindeer Cashmere Mix Jumper

£24.00

You need a Christmas jumper. It just would not be Christmas without it. This beautiful Reindeer jumper is made with cashmere for a very soft feel but is also machine washable. What more could you want? So adorable. .

Picnic Basket with Wooden Food

£32.00

The Frost toddler loves this picnic basket which comes with gingham fabric, a gingham blanket and wooden food. The sweet wicker basket is lined in gingham fabric and contains a selection of wooden food including cakes, fruit and bread, as well as plates and cups to dish up the picnic. It also has a little wooden knife so children can cut up the food. Perfect for hours of imaginative play.

Both available from http://www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Why Your Child Should Have a Double Bed

Posted on August 31, 2017 by Catherine Balavage

So the time has come. We have to buy our little one a bed. An exciting but emotional time for any parent. But what bed to buy? There are a lot of beautiful childrens double beds and buying one for your child may seem like an extravagance, or a waste of space. Children are small so do they really need one? Well I sleep on a king size bed and I think if you have the space it is a great idea. Here is why…

Space

I mean this in two ways. One: your child with have plenty of it and will probably sleep better. They can turn without falling over. My son has spent a lot of time in our king size bed, I don’t think a single would cut it. The other thing is: sleepovers! Yes the double bed may take up more space initially, but it means your child can share the bed with one of his friends or a cousin. No more having to buy futons or sleeping bags. Never mind storing these things. It is much better than getting them to snuggle down in the wardrobe.

Long-Lasting

Sometimes I feel like nothing grows faster than children. You blink and then they are half your size. Blink again and then they are taller than you. Yes, children grow at an alarming rate. It is better to head off growth spurts, and save all of that time researching and buying, when the piece of furniture will probably just be too small quickly and need replaced. Buying a double bed for your child means it will last, and it will save you money too. Win win. They can sleep in it until they are teenagers, and, hopefully, until it is time to move out. Cry.

All Grown-Up

Another good reason to get a child a double bed is because it will make them feel like a grown up. Yes, it is a luxury, but one that will pay off in spades. It is always a good idea to make a child feel like a mini adult. Another good idea is to get them involved with choosing the bed. Children love to feel involved and it is a grown-up purchase. Another possible benefit is that it might make them excited about going to bed in their brand new bed that they picked themselves. Possibly a long shot, but we can live in hope.

Review: Grimm Tales, Chichester

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Vicky Edwards

Grimm Tales – For Young and Old
Adapted by Philip Wilson
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre at the Cass Sculpture Foundation, Goodwood
Until 19 August

Photo credit: Johan Persson

If you go down to the woods today… Just when it seems impossible for Chichester Festival Youth Theatre (CFYT) to achieve any greater heights they come along and smash it of the park. The sculpture park, in this instance.

The Cass Sculpture Foundation is the perfect setting for Grimm Tales. Woodland paths, tree-lined hollows and sheltered clearings provide a series of glorious natural stages. Greeted by a raggle-taggle band of minstrels beckoning us into the woods, the music throughout is evocative, catchy and haunting. All members of the Youth Theatre, these young troubadours are exceptional and add greatly to both the charm and continuity of the production.

Starting with Little Red Riding Hood and followed at different locations by Hansel and Gretel, Hans My Hedgehog, The Goose Girl at the Spring, The Three Snake Leaves, Rapunzel and The Juniper Tree, these yarns are grim indeed. Adultery, murder, child abduction, cannibalism – Mr Disney may have prettied some of them up for the big screen, but in their original form these fairy tales offer no trace of saccharine sparkle or Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. Marvellously dark, but not without humour, Philip Wilson’s adaptations are magical, mysterious and utterly spellbinding.

Under the skilful direction of Dale Rooks the acting is uniformly superb. Remaining totally in character even when leading the audience from location to location, even those in minor roles demonstrate the discipline and focus of seasoned professionals. It would be grossly unfair (and almost impossible) to single out any one performance.

Testament to the excitement and enrichment of the experience, the smiles of the cast at the curtain call are wider than that of Grandma’s wolf. With satellite groups across the county, West Sussex children are so lucky to have CFYT available to them. Especially at a time when funding cuts threaten to hack drama and the arts down to almost nothing in some schools.

Ably supported by members of the Technical Youth Theatre, as darkness fell there wasn’t a star in the sky to outshine this supremely talented company.

Tickets: 01243 781312 www.cft.org.uk
There is no parking at the sculpture park, but a highly efficient system of park-and ride coach transport is in operation from Chichester College.

Hape Discovery Spaceship Review

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Catherine Balavage

My son has far too many toys so I try to resist doing reviews. Unfortunately I am a soft touch and when I see something amazing that I know he will love I cannot help myself. Which is how we came to review the Hape Discovery Spaceship. First of all, it has everything you expect from Hape: it is beautifully crafted from birch wood, is environmentally friendly, and it is high quality. It is not only hours of fun, but develops hand-eye coordination at the same time.

The spaceship has great detail, and lots of it. It has four different stages of creative play, as well as a lift-off rocket for endless, imaginative fun.

The spaceship also comes with lots of great figures and objects. There is 2 astronauts, an alien, a working treadmill, a bed, and a flag among other details. Everything is crafted with excellence.

This is a brilliant and educational toy that will fire up any imagination. It gives hours of fun play. Both my son and I are huge fans. We love it.

Minimal assembly is needed to build this masterpiece, it contain only 3 upright panels, 4 shelves and 1 rocket module to build. It is not hard at all, but lots of fun. Designed just like a real space shuttle children can prepare, launch and arrive at any destination.

This otherworldly set even includes characters to play along and share the experience with. Your child can engage with a robot, make friends with an alien or explore alongside the 2 astronaut figures. With a range of friendly characters, your child’s fun will never end. To make the Discovery Spaceship even more realistic, Hape have paid attention to detail, adding elements such as a: treadmill, bed, working elevator, flag and multiple pieces of laboratory equipment. There’s even a fold out solar panel to play on, alongside a moon crater and vehicle carrying oxygen tanks, elevating your child’s imagination.

This 37-piece set is a must have for any aspiring astronaut or adventurer. Children 3 years upwards can enjoy the Discovery Spaceship while parents can be assured it complies with international safety and quality standards, making sure your children have only the best.

Prepare your child for blast off and introduce them to the Discovery Spaceship, for endless out of this world play.

The Hape Discovery Spaceship measures 74 x 47.8 x 47.8cm and is £86.99 from Argos.

Humanitas Announces A New Season Of Diddy Rascals Fun

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Catherine Balavage

The Family Friendly Raves Return To Raise the Roof AND Raise Money for Family, Healthcare and Education

Big beats for tiny feet are back, as a new season of Diddy Rascals events are launched for 2017, with the exciting addition of Diddy Rascals Movies, and a festival.

Launched in 2016 by former Ministry of Sound alumni and now part of the charity Humanitas all Diddy Rascals events are not for profit, helping Humanitas provide long-term, professional support to individuals in areas of devastating poverty around the world. Three basic human rights are family, healthcare and education and this small but mighty charity has been on the ground providing real relief since its inception in 2001.

Diddy Rascals Raves: live DJs play a soundtrack of classic house pitched perfectly to both parents and kids, while inflatables, face painting, horns and glow sticks give it an authentically ‘old-skool’, playful vibe. A chill-out room gives younger kids the chance to hang out in the ball pool, enjoy the lights and soak up the ambience. Ideal for 2 to 8 year old mini-ravers, younger or older siblings are welcome.

EVENT LISTINGS

Saturday 20^th May, 1-3pm, Half Moon, Putney, London

Sunday 28^th May, 2-4pm, Harpenden Halls, Harpenden, Herts

Sunday 11^th June, 1-3pm Hitchin Town Hall, Hitchin, Herts

Saturday 1^st July, 1-3pm Half Moon, Putney, London

Sunday 30^th July: 2-4pm Harpenden Halls – Harpenden, Herts

Diddy Rascals Movies

A rolling programme of enjoyable movies for mums and dads, screened in an entertaining, safe environment that allows mini wanderers the chance to roam and play without fear of being ‘shushed’. Kicking off with a screening of la La Land on 16^th May.

MOVIE LISTINGS

Tuesday 16^th May Harpenden Halls – La La land (12A, 2016)

Tuesday 20^th June: Harpenden Halls – Clueless (12, 1995)

Tuesday 18^th July: Harpenden Halls – Pitch Perfect (12A, 2012)

Tuesday 6^th May: Hitchin Town Hall – La La land (12A, 2016)

Diddy Festival

Lets pump it up and get raving in our special inflatable fun factory out in a field. Expect all the wild antics from our raves but in our inflatable room, plus face painting, messy play and much more family fun.

FESTIVAL LISITNGS

Sunday 16^th July, 12-6pm, The Priory, Hitchin, Herts

Prices

£5 Entrance fee / under 18 months go free.

Diddy Rascals Dates & Venues – check website for latest updates

Tickets available at www.diddy-rascals.com

www.facebook.com/diddyrascal

https://twitter.com/familyraves

https://www.instagram.com/diddyrascalsevents/

Easter Gift Idea For Little Ones: Gifts Hub’s Personalised Books

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Catherine Balavage

We were bowled over by Gifts Hub’s Personalised Books for little ones. They come in a gorgeous presentation box, and the books are stunning. The book is personalised on the front and throughout. You can also include a personal message in the opening page.

Journey into the World with “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Book

Personalised gifting group, Gifts Hub, make these books. We really loved the children’s classic, Journey with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Book. The children’s book is available to purchase on the group’s UK websites, I Just Love It and Historic Newspapers

This new edition stars international-bestselling and award-winning author Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, bringing the iconic caterpillar into the 21st Century for a new generation to enjoy.

Once the book has been personalised, The Very Hungry Caterpillar takes on the chosen name, resulting in the recipient becoming the star of the book. This creates a unique and personalised story for any child, as they embark on a special journey into the world.

Each page has been illustrated and written in homage to author Eric Carle, and his unique drawing and writing style can be seen on every page. Colourful, bold illustrations are teamed with large text to engage and entertain any reader.

The new book can be personalised with a child’s name, which features on the front cover and throughout the copy, and a message, which features on the title page of the book.

A bespoke, embossed pastel gift box has also been produced as a luxury presentation option which is included in the price with any purchase of the new book. The presentation box really takes the gift to another level.

The Personalised Journey with the Very Hungry Caterpillar (I Just Love It) and Personalised Journey with the Hungry Little Caterpillar (Historic Newspapers) books are available to purchase now for £24.99.

Gifthub also have:

Thomas The Tank Engine. A personalised edition of a classic railway series story.

Another beautiful book. Personalised on the front and throughout. This is a great story with wonderful illustrations by C. Reginald Dalby.

We can highly recommend these gorgeous books which are published by Signature Books. They are classic books with beautiful illustrations, all personalised to your child. Frost loves.

The Average Mum Falls Ill 324 Times Over Their Youngster’s Childhood

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Frostie

The average mum will fall ill 324 times over their youngster’s childhood – with colds and bugs passed on to them by their offspring, a study has found.

An endless cycle of sore throats, runny noses, migraines and sickness bugs means the average mum will be left feeling under the weather 18 times a year.

The study of 2,000 parents, found that over the 18 years of their youngster’s childhood, mums will suffer from 54 colds, as well as a total of 108 sore throats or runny noses.

There will also be 36 sickness bugs – two every year – and an annual bout of flu.

On top of that, they can also expect to endure one bout of headlice a year after the critters come home from school on their children’s hair.

And eight in ten of those polled by supplements firm Healthspan say the germs and bugs can usually be traced back to the kids, leaving them suffering days after nursing their children back to health.

Dr Sarah Brewer, GP and Medical Director at Healthspan said: “Mums are often on the front line when it comes to the family’s illnesses and, due to time pressures and putting others first, are often poor at looking after themselves.

“Prevention is key and it’s important for mums to look after themselves by boosting their immunity to help prevent common illnesses as much as possible, and to shrug off respiratory infections quickly with go-to products they can trust to banish colds, such as Healthspan Pelargonium – a traditional herbal medicine that will tackle a cold in 24 hours.”

Sixty-eight per cent of mums said they had been more prone to falling ill since having children, with 39 per cent saying they now constantly feel under the weather in some way.

In fact, the average mum has just 13 days a month where they feel completely fit and healthy.

But 84 per cent of mums feel they are unable to sit back and relax when they are ill, instead having to battle on through, compared to just seven in ten dads.

And 72 per cent of women reckon they cope better than their partner when they are ill.

Mums’ illnesses – per year

Sore throats – 3

Runny stuffed nose – 3

Cold – 3

Flu – 1

Sickness bug – 2

Rash/skin complaint – 2

Migraine – 3

Conjunctivitis – 1

Total – 18

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