A New Baby' Discussing those "Tricky Topics" with BookTrust #TimeToRead

As most of our regular readers are aware, this year has been a particularly challenging one in the Along Came Poppy household. The Mini Reviewers, now 4, 5 and 8, have had to deal with some huge changes and as a result there have been lots of big emotions flying around. The children have all experienced disturbed sleep, outbursts of anger as well as increased crying. These three things, according to the parents of 4-11 year olds recently surveyed by BookTrust, the UK's largest children's reading charity, are the most common signs of young children being worried or anxious. 

I am a firm believer in being honest and open about my feelings and always encourage my children to be the same, as they say "a problem shared is a problem halved". However, BookTrust's latest research highlighting the importance of reading for children's mental health, indicates that only just over half of children aged between 8-11 talk to their parents when they are feeling stressed, sad or worried. 39% of children in this age range even admit to finding it difficult to talk about their feelings or emotions.*

Christmas Traditions for Book Lovers

I recently read about an Icelandic Christmas Tradition which is part of Jólabókaflóð roughly translated as "the book flood of Christmas” when most publishing houses release a “flood” of new books just in time for Christmas. The tradition involves the exchanging of books on Christmas Eve and then settling down for a cosy evening of reading and eating chocolate. As a book lover and self-confessed chocoholic, this sounds like the perfect way to to celebrate Christmas and a lovely tradition to adopt as a family. Over the last few years there seems to have been a dramatic increase in popularity of celebrating Christmas with books and, in particular, children's books. Here are a few of our favourite Christmas Traditions for Book Lovers together with a brilliant selection of Christmas Books.

BookTrust's Great Books Guide 2018 #GreatBooksGuide

If you are looking for some reading inspiration for your little ones this Autumn, we recommend that you take a look at BookTrust's Great Books Guide 2018. The guide contains over 100 book recommendations for children aged 0-12. 

10 Budget Ways To Grow Your Child's Library

These days our bookshelves are overflowing with beautiful children's books but this has not always been the case. When I was pregnant with Mini Reviewer, Izzie, I started to look for ways I could build up a little collection of books for her but without spending a fortune. Here are my tried and tested ways to grow your child's library on a budget...

Books to Beat the Bedtime Blues #BathBookBed

Sleep deprivation has to be one of the hardest things to deal with as a parent and, with three children of my own, it is safe to say I have endured plenty of sleepless nights over the past 5 years. When we have had a bad night, parenting the next day seems so much harder. In fact everything seems so much harder! My patience levels hit rock bottom and I end up on autopilot fuelled by tea and biscuits.

In my sleep deprived state I have been known to drive to the wrong place, to find my car keys and phone in the fridge and I have even discovered (half way through the day) that my clothes are on back to front AND inside out! A sleepless night also means grumpy, tantrum prone children and the morning school run becomes a battle of wills. So a good night's sleep not only benefits the whole family but also anyone else that is unfortunate enough to encounter us the next day!

Why do I read to my baby?

OK, so at nearly 8 months old Poppy may not be able to follow the plot of a story, but reading to her is about much more than just the words.