Tue. Dec 24th, 2024

Annie’s Grannies in Decorating Disaster’

Annie is a normal 10 year old girl. Her parents often go away to do boring work things, which means she gets to spend lots of time with her hopeless grannies. They’re always up to something and it never quite goes the way it’s supposed to. The most simple of things become complicated in their hands and the consequences are hilarious. Today they’re painting and decorating… …what could possibly go wrong! A reader adds, “Wonderful children’s book. I bought it for my autistic nephew and he loved the illustrations while his Mum enjoyed reading the story. Top purchase!”

‘Annie’s Grannies in Decorating Disaster’ is available now: http://amzn.to/2ihRz4Z.

 

Daddy Do My Hair? Hope’s Braids By Tola Okogwu

“There is something wrong with my big, frizzy mop. The children call me ginger and names like carrot top!”

When Hope comes home upset about what the children at school have been saying about her hair, it’s up to her Daddy to help her feel safe. Armed with his trusty hairbrush and the power of a braid, will it be enough to make her feel good again? This is the second book in the highly successful ‘Daddy Do My Hair’ series. It is an insightful and poignant tale of bullying and identity written in rhyming prose by Tola Okogwu, coupled with beautiful illustrations from Rahima Begum. Hope’s Braids is an essential read for young children – and parents, teachers and carers. www.booktrust.org.uk/books/view/35457

 

Engaging Adolescents

Parenting Tough Issues with Teenagers Michael Hawton Published 4th May, Exisle Publishing

Michael Hawton is a psychologist who has taught over 110,000 parents and professionals to manage teens better. In his new book, Engaging Adolescents, he reveals the biggest mistake time-pressured parents make, and what they can do to get their kids back on track.

Parenting teenagers can be tricky at the best of times. But when the tough issues arise — behavioural problems, unacceptable risk-taking, bullying, alcohol abuse — things can get extremely difficult and parents can struggle with what to do. Drawing on psychologist Michael Hawton’s 30 years of experience, Engaging Adolescents is a practical guide to help you steer your teenager through the challenging times with confidence.  Hawton says the rushed “drive-by” conversations stressed parents have with their teens can be counter-productive. People dealing with adolescents need tools to defuse their own reactive responses, learn how to slow down and come to important conversations with their kids better prepared.

Engaging Adolescents covers the following areas:

  • what helps teenagers to develop personal control
  • how to sort out behaviour so you don’t over react
  • proven, practical methods for managing tempestuous teenagers.

This is a highly practical, skills-based book that gives you the tools to resolve conflict and build better family relationships. www.exislepublishing.co.uk/product/engaging-adolescents/

 

The Girl with the Lost Smile  Hachette Children’s Group

Miranda Hart’s first book for children, coming this autumn. Aimed at the 8-12 year-old market, it is the story of Chloe, a girl with a big imagination and an even bigger heart, but who wakes one day to discover she’s lost her smile. With the help of some very unusual friends and mystical creatures, Chloe embarks on an extraordinary, otherworldly adventure to find her smile – and much more besides along the way. Packed with thrilling and gripping adventures as well as humour and happiness, The Girl with the Lost Smile  celebrates the power of the imagination and the magic of true friendship and gives Chloe and the reader some inspirational lessons along the way.

Miranda Hart said: ‘It has been a long-held ambition of mine to write a book for children – I still remember the vivid images from the magical worlds of my favourite authors when I was younger – and I am excited that I might be able to do the same here.  I hope it feels as fantastical and exciting to read for young people as it did for me to write.  I got rather involved in all the adventures even though I was writing them!’ www.hachettechildrens.co.uk

  

Hape George Luck Amazing Animals Alphabet.

Take a walk on the wild side! This adorable picture puzzle is the perfect addition to any kid’s playroom. Its colourful and robust – great fun and educational. Not only is its stunning design and finish beautiful to behold, but their many features serve children throughout the developmental stages of early childhood.  Little ones can start learning about the magnificent animal kingdom whilst having fun with their favourite toy in play.

By the time you put together this colourful crew of friendly critters you can learn the names of 26 animals, all starting with a different letter of the alphabet! Recommended for 5 + Hape George Luck Amazing Animals Alphabet is available from Debenhams for £30.

 

Beauty and the Beast Lost In A Book by Parragon Books

From New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Donnelly comes an enchanting original story, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Lost in a Book. Hidden in the Beast’s library is a very mysterious book. Belle is about to discover it and visit a glittering new world. RRP £7.99

Beauty and the Beast Journal

This lockable notebook resembles Belle’s journal from the enchanting live-action film, Beauty and the Beast. Its lined pages come alive with gold foil edges, the cover is exquisitely detailed and there is a tassel place saver. RRP £14.99 Disney Store and Disneystore.co.uk 

 

 

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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