The Larry Lizard book review #DaddyReads

Well it's the final Daddy Reads post of the year and to go off with a bang with the first in a new series of Little Mouse Bedtime Stories. With the first book named Larry Lizard by author, Alison Murtough and illustrations by Chris Jaffe. 

Now Larry is a Lizard who becomes a wizard one stormy night by counting his way through the thunder and lightning, while counting shapes he grows fond all shapes, especially Hexagons. While it may sound a bit different it's not a bad read, but it's well worded and pulls the kids in 

The book is very brightly illustrated and Chris Jaffe has done a spectacular job here and both girls loved the artwork throughout the book and I agree with them, it's lovely. And to show the book off we've uploaded this for your pleasure. I make no apologies for these somewhat hyper but tired children in this clip!

On speaking to both girls after they'd had a sleep Lissy told me she loved the book and all the pictures, asking me to read it over and over whereas Vee loved the story but she felt there was a lack of describing words in the story but she's been on a mission to pick out words left right and centre, I prefer this to a tablet/video game staring zombie.

To wrap up, being the first in a new series of books it's off to a great start in what looks to be an exciting series of bedtime stories that I'll be more than happy to purchase more once the next books in the series are published.

If you'd like to pick up a copy of Larry Lizard It's available here in digital and print and for more info on the Little Mouse Bedside Stories series click here.

Paul

The I Can Chatterbox Challenge

Monday was an amazing day for me and Lissy. We we're lucky to be invited to the chatterbox challenge tea party, organised by I Can, the children's communication charity.

We arrived about 30 mins late (thanks arrivabus!) But just in time to hear a talk from I Can's Communication advisor, Jon Gilmartin, who came to explain the hard work I Can do with children I won't like but the facts  shocked me a bit. 1 in 10 children have difficulties in communicating clearly, meaning there is usually two or three children with difficulties in each class. amounting to at least 1 million children in the UK with difficulties. Including our own Lissy. She is the reason this is important to me!
Jon also explained how I Can's chatterbox challenge is in it's 12th year now and the charity itself is now 125 years young. An excellent achievement for an amazing charity.
We received literature to give to schools and nurseries inviting them to join in with the Chatterbox challenge. And while I've passed mine to our nursery/foundation class. I would love it if you could invite your nursery or group to join in by registering on the chatterbox challenge website

After Jon had spoke to us both parents and children got on the floor and played with Harriet from Boogie Mites. All the children loved it. and some of the parents had fun too.

Here is one of many videos from the chatterbox challenge picnic, There are many more on the
I Can Youtube channel 



Once the children had been worn out by Harriet (nice work there by the way) Humf came to say hello. Offering hugs high fives, and made all the children smile.

I CAN’s Chatterbox Challenge, sponsored by Openreach and supported by Humf, is for children aged 0-5 years to develop their communication skills whilst raising money for those who struggle. For more information and to register for your nursery, group school, go to www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk


I have the pleasure of announcing I Can is one of Balls Of Steel's chosen charities for this year. We are to choose one charity as usual but more information will be released soon.

Silent sunday

Silent sunday

Monday, Grumpy Monday.

This is a test post using the iPad I won thanks to glam media. (Using blogger+)

It's the monday after cybermummy11 and boy it's still a huge buzz to be part of it. And I loved every moment of it. Bar none.

But things come crashing back to reality when we realise school is closed for Vee. Causing huge upset to a little lump setting the mood for the rest of the day, with the weather really not helping made both a grumpy pair of girls.

Now the easiest way for me to help was fruit lolly's, drinks and hugs. They didn't want anything, surely not!

But windows open, pasta cooked and we have three happy kiddo's.

The strange thing i've noticed. While there grumping they seem to keep alternating between both me and my partner. Usually they avoid us unless they want wifies iPod or twinkle twinkle little star from super simple learning. (trust me. They are awesome.)

I'm no complaining, I love spending time with my children, it's the best feeling in the world to have them come for a snuggle, leaving me with a useful feeling, as if i'm doing right. When on some occasions it's the opposite they avoid me like I'm evil. Crying at any attempts to comfort them, but. Mummy saves the day here.

Does anyone else have days where it's more a love/hate relationship from there little cherubs?

Paul.