Little Poppets book review

Have you heard of Little Poppets? They are a new series of board books from Macmillian. We were sent a copy of  Happy Birthday Mole  by Susan Mitchell and Paula Metcalf to review.

The Frog is very into lift the flap book (which is very handy for keeping him quiet at The Fairy's ballet class) so immediately took to the book. He wants me to read it to him again, again and again! Because of the flaps he is also happy to 'read it' to himself

The pictures are sweet - the books have a 70's/80's 'Bagpuss-eque' feel to them. Infact, The Fairy was inspired to create a mini world for her Sylvanian bunnies after reading it (another post to follow!)

The Frog (aged 19 months) thinks  **** (out of 5)

The Grown up (aged 31+ years) thinks **** (out of 5)

Dinosaur Sensory Play (and book review)

'Dinosaur Roar' by Paul and Henrietta Stickland is a firm favourite in our house. Not only is it fun to read and has engaging pictures, but the book is also great for teaching language. It's simple patterned language is great for children who are learning to put words together. The 'opposite' vocabulary is great for older children. We like to have fun imagining what the dinosaurs sound like and practising roaring loudly, meekly, squeakily etc.
I'd definitely recommend reading a copy if you haven't already.

As readers of our blog may know we like to take themes from a book and develop them in play. When we found an out of date packet of chocolate pudding, I instantly thought of a messy play opportunity- a mud puddle for our toy dinosaurs. I added a jelly (jello) swamp and the scene was set.

The Frog was initially reluctant to touch anything apart from his familiar dinosaurs, but he quickly copied his sister who got stuck in.

We made sure we practised our roar and talking in different dinosaur voices as we played.

'Look mummy they are swimming in a chocolate lake'

This post is part of Poppins Book Nook - a group of book inspired bloggers who write about children's books.

Enchanted Homeschooling Mom - Royal Baloo - 3 Dinosaurs - Monsters Ed - Chestnut Grove Academy - Growing in God's Grace - Royal Little Lambs - Life with Moore Babies - Teach Beside Me - The Usual Mayhem - Mum Central - Fantastic Fun and Learning - Kathys Cluttered Mind - Play Create Explore - Toddler Approved - Growing Book by Book - Adventures in Mommydom - B-Inspired Mama - The Fairy and The Frog - Edventures with Kids - Learning & Growing the Piwi way - A Gluten Free Journey - Mom to Crazy Monkeys - No Doubt Learning - Preschool Powol Packets - To The Moon and Back - Our Craft ~N~ Things - Farm Fresh Adventures - Proverbial Homemaker

Please link up any dinosaur children's book reviews/ activities below - we'd love to see them.  

Mondays Parenting Pin it Party Part Two

How quickly time flies. Its Monday again already. That means its time for Mondays pin it parent party.
This week its Mamasaurus' turn to choose her two favourite posts. Why not hop over and see which she's chosen. (she's also got all the rules for taking part if you need a recap). All family friendly posts are welcome.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.thefairyandthefrog.com/" title="The Fairy and the Frog" target="_blank"><img src="http://jbmumofone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Parenting-Pin-It-Party-Badge.jpg" alt="The Fairy and the Frog" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

The parenting pin it party is also hosted by Yellow Days, Romanian Mum, Mummy's Little Stars, Mum of One and Mamasaurus.

Don't forget to link up!  

New Parenting pinning party

Welcome to Mondays Parenting Pin-it Party!

Do you want to find the lots of ideas all focused on parenting, play and family things? Do you have a blog and are looking for places to share your posts ? Love Pinterest? Look no further the Monday Parenting Pin -it Party is here!

How does it work?

You can link up any posts that have a focus on parenting and families - ranging from play ideas, parenting tips, children's book reviews, kids craft and more.

We will pin the ideas to our fabulous Monday Parenting Pin-it Party Pinterest Board.

You can pop back next week to see which are the top two idea that we have featured.

Don't forget to follow the Pinterest board, visit some of the other people who have linked up and grab a badge.

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.thefairyandthefrog.com/" title="The Fairy and the Frog" target="_blank"><img src="http://jbmumofone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Parenting-Pin-It-Party-Badge.jpg" alt="The Fairy and the Frog" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
So... who's hosting, as well as The Fairy and The Frog we have

Mum of One

Mammasaurus

Romanian Mum

Kiddycharts.com/mummys-little-stars

Happy linking- you can add as many as you wish. Why not add an old favourite as well as a newer post. I'm looking forward to lots of new posts to read. Don't forget to visit Mammasaurus next Monday to see which she enjoyed.

9 ways to reuse bottles and containers in the garden

Recycling makes great sense - not only is it all about making something for nothing, it prevents waste. The Fairy is regularly reminding me to 'reduce, reuse, recycle' (a lesson she has learnt from watching Bob the builder!). Too be honest, I'm not as good at recycling/ reusing as I could be (hence the reminders). So we've been trying extra hard to recycle and reuse things this month.

We made some mini green houses to keep our seedling sunflowers warm. I cut the bottom off - volia a tiny green house for free. Perfect for places too small for a real glass house.

We found some great ideas from other kids bloggers too,

What we do all day has some fab vegetable pots made from old containers. I love that they have a window so you can see the plants growing.

Teach beside me show how to make an elephant watering can - watering will never be boring again!

Playing in the garden is such fun. How about some pretend play with these juice cartoon houses from Red Ted Art- they are super cute.

Or scoops for the sand pit from Picklebums

Why not get active with a game of skittles from Domestic Goddesque.

Or milk bottle tennis rackets from Laughing Kids Learn.

I love this water wall from Sun Hats and Wellie Boots - it looks great fun.

Or how about a sprinkler from Housing a Forest.