KidStyleFile

Urban Child, Urban Child, Urban Child’s the way

Lots of gifts and beautiful clothes to wear on Christmas Day, hey!

Wanna know why I’m so chirpy today?  Well, Melissa at Urban Child - www.urbanchild.com.au - did it to me!

Why?

Get a load of Melissa’s ‘Christmas Cheer’:a FREE $15.00 Urban Child gift voucher for you, and me and EVERYONE who chooses to receive the very fine Urban Child newsletter!

Oh my GOODNESS! Are you sure, Melissa? Well, ok then! That’s awfully generous of you! - Cheers!

To receive your $15.00 voucher, you must subscribe to the Urban Child mailing list - Complete the subscription box at the bottom left of the UC homepage to do this.

*Please read the full terms and conditions of this offer at the bottom of this page.

My hot picks for pressies (besides all the gorgeous clothing - don’t miss it!) from Urban Child for  little girls this Christmas include story book “The Tiger Who Came for Tea”, by Judith Kerr (this book is an eternal favourite in our house), paired with with a Retro Tin Tea set, and Oobi Rosette Hair Clips for Xmas Day sparkle (I just bought 2 sets from Urban Child). For darling little boys, the Brio Classic Car, and Soldier Skittles set are sure to be winners.

In every child’s stocking - or should I say, Santa Sack from Cocoon Couture (gorgeous retro fabric and applique) - also include a DwellStudio finger puppet (pick up the set of 5 finger puppets and split them up for 5 special little stocking treats), a wooden spinning top (I included them in my girls’ party bags recently, and they were a tremendous sucess, not to mention how cool they look and how downright cheap they are!!), and a copy of the “Christmas Tree’ book.

For Christmas themed goodies, make a beeline for Urban Child’s Christmas section, for a great selection of gifts,  stocking fillers and Xmas accoutrement, including Santa sacks and decorations for the tree.

On Christmas Eve, have some friends around, put the finishing touches on your tree with some Mamas and Papas and decorations, and then have a quick game of Classic Bingo from EeBoo, before hitting the sack for some quality sleep so you can enjoy the big day.

Rudolph and his reindeer crew will be tapping along your rooftop before you know it so be well prepared and shop at Urban Child.

(PS Don’t forget to check the Sale section for huge discounts on quality brands including Aravore Babies, Oobi, Pure Baby, and Baobab!)

From top left in rows:

“The Tiger Who Came to Tea”, by Judith Kerr $14.95
50s Style Vintage Tin Tea Set - Pink $39.95
Wooden Soliders Skittle Set$27.95
Urban Child Wooden Spinning Tops $1.20 each
Brio Classic Car $16.95
Mamas & Papas Christmas decorations - set of 3 $19.95
“Christmas Tree” book $9.95
eeBoo Classic Bingo $34.95
Cocoon Couture Reindeer Christmas Sack $54.95
DwellStudio Finger Puppets - Set of 5 $54.95

Urban Child stocks a superb range of toy, accessory and baby and kids clothes, with brands including Albetta, Alex Toys, Aravore Babies, Baobab, Baby Bonkies, Belli Skincare, Berchet, Brainy Baby, Cheeky Monkey, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Ellaroo Slings, Felt Creations, Granimals, Infantino, Kaloo, Living and Learning, Made by Angie, Majors forMinors, Mamas & Papas, Melissa and Doug, Oobi, Orchard Toys, Pebbles PouchMISS, Plan Toys, Pure Baby, Ravensburger, Red Wagon, Robbie Adrian, Schylling, Step 2, Tiny Tribe, Walnut and WOW Toys.

*Urban Child ‘Christmas Cheer’ Terms and Conditions:

To receive your $15.00 voucher, you must subscribe to the Urban Child mailing list - Complete the subscription box at the bottom left of the UC homepage to do this.

New subscribers, you will be emailed a code to redeem the $15.00 UC voucher once you have signed up and confiirmed your mailing list subscription by clicking the link in the confirmation email you will receive after signing up.

Existing mailing list subscribers are also eligible to redeem the discount. Email Melissa at Urban Child direct and she will email a special code to you.

Offer open until end of  30 November, 2008. Minimum spend of $50.00 applies. Only valid email addresses, only one per customer/email address/delivery address. Christmas Cheer voucher must be redeemed by midnight on Christmas Eve (24 December 2008). Full terms and conditions will be sent with the $15.00 voucher. This offer is subject to change without notice. Please allow up to 24 hours to receive your code once newsletter subscription validated. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Urban Child ship Australia-wide from $6.95 for most parcels.  Orders over $150.00 are shipped free of charge. Please see the Orders & Delivery page for more details.

I am seriously wondering if Daniela and the team over at Baby’s Got Style - www.babysgotstyle.com.au ever sleeps at all! Every time I look - and yes, I look a lot (I do *love* my job!) - there is just more new and fabulous stock in store on the BGS site.

If you want to make your Monday extra specially happy, then cruise over and lap up the goodness on offer. Here’s a quick rundown of my current faves:

1. Eco cool tees courtesy of Tiny Revolutionary from the US. My fave is ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’: a profound reminder of the positive power we all possess, and a sentiment that is even more powerful when worn by a child. Inspiring.

2. Cheeky Little Soles‘ silver & pink Nesting Sandals for little girls, and Cheeky Little Soles Boy’s Club sandals for a bonny baby boy. These petite shoes are as soft as butter, and cute to boot. Trust me: you will LOVE them!

3. Little Horn’s Pavalova Skirt is once again available in pink. These are the best ‘ballet-fairy’ skirts I’ve come across. My girls wear them everywhere: parties, the supermarket, the park, up trees. Perfecto!

4. Bonds Baby Basics, particularly the plain white long and short sleeved tee: perfect for wearing under anything.

5. A whole bunch of new book titles, including ‘Gallop!’, the most remarkable book. I bought two copies, one for my children, and one for me! Truly mesmerising, Gallop!’ uses ’scanimation’, a process  that effectively compresses a whole frame by frame flip-book into one page to animate each animal featured.

1. ‘Gallop!’, by Richard Butler Seder $19.95
2. ‘Bonds Basic White Tee (sizes 000-2 years)$14.95
3. Cheeky Little Soles ‘Boys Club’ sandals (sizes 0-18mths) $35.95
4. ‘Bonds Stripey Leggings (sizes 000-2 years) $15.95
5. Tiny Revolutionary ‘Be the change..’ tee (sizes 6mths-4yrs)$39.95
6. Little Horn Pavalova Skirt in pink (sizes 2-6yrs) $59.95
7. Cheeky Little Soles ‘ Nesting’ sandals (sizes 0-18mths) $35.95

Baby’s Got Style also have the perfect solution for what I call the ‘Christmas Card Nightmare’, where I frantically look for cards that are unique and special, and don’t cost a kidney. Baby’s Got Style’s Personalised Christmas photo cards are now in store, turning my nightmare into a dream. Available in a range of designs, you send in your photo and family details - *nothing* is more unique and special than your family - and Voila! all done in style, no stress, and they’re affordable too!

Baby’s Got Style Personalised Christmas Cards Prices start at $59.95 for 20 cards in one design

Every order placed at Baby’s Got Style from now until Christmas will receive a very thoughtful gift of complimentary sheet of stylish red and white stripe wrapping paper.

As always, don’t forget to browse the Sale items in each category. There is masses of cool stuff on sale up to 50% off. Go to it!

Check my previous posts on Baby’s Got Style for more picks, and for info on the full range of brands stocked.

Baby’s Got Style charge from $6.50 -$9.50 for overnight delivery (regional centres may take longer) dependent on weight. International orders are warmly welcomed.

Today’s post brought to you by Miki.

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In case you needed a reminder, there are only two days left (today and tomorrow) to get FREE SHIPPING and FREE Christmas gift-wrapping at the luscious and divine Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au.

With KGL’s outstanding range of clothes, books, and toys, this is a prime way to stock up on Christmas presents and stocking fillers with the least stress imaginable - just make yourself a cuppa and relax at the computer, no battling the crowds at the shopping centre.

Kids Gift List have a truly wonderful range of books.  I’ve just been browsing through the category and I’ve seen so many of my favourites!  There are plenty that I want to get as well, especially more the of ‘That’s Not My…’ series as my little boy just adores them.

For stocking stuffers, Kids Gift List have it covered with their ‘Gifts Under $10′ category.  It has pages and pages of colourful, well made toys and the odd book here and there too, with choices for every age group.

The real stand out items for me are the Rosie Flo’s colouring books.  Hugely popular in the UK, the Rosie Flo books are printed on heavy duty paper to avoid colours showing through to the next page.  The main idea behind the books is that the dresses (and the action figures for boys) have been drawn, and the kids need to add arms, legs and heads - oh, and colours of course!

The lines of the pictures have deliberately been kept thin to avoid the ‘pre-school colouring book’ appearance - this means that older children adore them too. There are designs for boys and for girls, and the ideal age range is between 4 and 12 years.  At only $14.95 these are a total bargain and such a great gift idea!

To claim your FREE SHIPPING and FREE Christmas gift-wrapping, just enter ‘KSFXMAS’ at checkout. Remember that this offer finishes on the 2nd of November, so you’re going to have to be quick!

From top left in rows:

Alphabet by Alison Jay, $19.95
Oobi ‘Eek’ The Chocolate Mouse, $29.95
KGL Animal Clap Lion, $5.95
KGL Marble Game, $8.95
That’s Not My Monster by Rachel Wells, $14.95
KGL Bookmark Boat, $1.95
KGL Ambulance Blue, $9.95
Johnny Joe’s Colouring Book, $14.95
Rosie Flo’s Games Colouring Book, $14.95
KGL Colour Plate Bug, $8.95
Circus by Roxie Munro, $29.95
Lark Retro Hairband - Owl Print, $14.95

Kids Gift List stock a big range from Alex Designs, Baufix, Cinti does Vintage, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum Toys, Edenstar, Heavenly Creatures, KGL Gifts, Knox and Floyd, Knuffle Kid, Lark Designs, Isa Toys, Like A Bike, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, The Little Experience, Little Kitchen, Little Red Pear, Maiike, Merrigold, Miriam Bereson, Oobi, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Rockabye Baby, Rosie Flo, Rubys & Robots, Sooki Baby, Sparrowkids, Sudo, Taltrade, Tee P, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Tonic Baby, Trunki, and Zacharia Bier - enjoy browsing through them all, I do!

Kids Gift List post within Australia for a flat rate of $6.00 (or FREE until Nov 2 with the code mentioned above).

Today, Miki brings us a fabulous selection of books celebrating Dads. A very big ‘Happy Father’s Day!’ to all the Dads out there in the audience. Hope you enjoy your day, and that it brings lots of kisses, cuddles, and maybe even a story, with your little ones.

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Dads are such important people in the lives of both children and grown-up children. To celebrate Fathers Day, today’s book reviews focus on books about Dads.

I’ve provided links to make it easy to buy the books from Fishpond - www.fishpond.com.au. It’s a fantastic resource for discounted kids books, and to make it even better, all orders of $50.00 or more ship for free!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and we send our support to families out there going through the challenge of cancer, and other serious illnesses. KidStyleFile has today made a donation to the Children’s Cancer Institute of Australia (CCIA), whose vision is to save the lives of all children with cancer, and to eliminate suffering.

KidStyleFile will also donate 10% of your book purchases made through Fishpond this month to the CCIA. Be sure to click any link to Fishpond in this page to ensure that your purchases are tracked.

Just Me And My Dad, Mercer Mayer - $8.99

One of Mayer’s acclaimed ‘Little Critter’ books, this one focuses on Little Critter and his Dad on a camping trip. The text is minimal but the illustrations are rich and detailed, and kids love spotting the little spider and grasshopper on each page. This book is a great way to introduce the kids to a night away camping with just Dad - a great idea for giving Mum a break for a night! Ages 2 - 5 will probably get the most out of this one.

My Dad, Anthony Browne -$15.99 $14.60

This former New York Times Bestseller book has recently been republished in a ‘minibook’ format, bringing the price way down without losing the content. It’s a boy describing (and exaggerating) his Dad’s many feats and accomplishments, which are all done in his trusty tartan dressing gown. It’s sweet and sentimental without being nauseating, and has a few good giggles in there as well. I read this one to my 13 month old and he giggles, so I’d say it’s good for 1 - 4 year olds.

The Trouble With Dad, Babette Cole - $4.99 (miniature format)

In the most respectful and complimentary way possible, may I just say that Babette Cole is a bit of a nutbag. Her books - among them, Princess Smartypants which is one of my all-time favourites - are always hilarious and always somewhat out of left field. This fine example of her work features a Dad who creates robots for lots of different purposes… but they never quite turn out as expected, with extremely funny results. This book is as much fun for adults to read as for children to listen to! Ages 3 - 100 for this one.

My Dad Is Awesome, Nick Butterworth - $15.99 $15.70

This is an ode to a very special Dad. In his child’s eyes he’s a hero: he can cook, he can rollerskate, he can juggle anything, he can play any instrument, he is strong as a gorilla and so on. What keeps it from being almost sickly sweet are the illustrations which show Dad really working hard to keep up with his kids’ lofty opinion of him! The repetitive phrases will make it easy for the kids to join in reading with you. I’d say it’s aimed at 2 - 4 year olds.

My Dad’s Toolbox, Amanda Archer - $41.99 $25.75

Wonderfully interactive, this pop-up book opens up to be a toolbox ‘just like Dad’s’. The toolbox holds fairly sturdy cardboard tools which attach with velcro and show through die-cut openings to remain a constant all the way through the book. The storyline of the book is a series of handyman tasks to do at Grandma’s house before 4 o’clock when she gets home. Kids will love helping ‘Dad’ achieve them all! This one is good for about 18 months - 3 years.

Come On Dad!, Ed Avis - $19.99 $18.53

I’m taking a bit of a departure here from the kids’ books I normally review, as this one is for adults. It’s intended as a book of activities for fathers and their sons, although my feminist soul rebels at the idea that girls (and Mums, for that matter) can’t do the activities too! (They can, of course). Regardless, this book really does have some fantastic ideas for things that Dads can do with their kids, and it’s great for those Dads who might just want a few extra fun ideas for when it comes to having one-on-one time with their child or children. The paper air force is my favourite! For Dads of kids aged 2 - 7ish.

Read more KidStyleFile Book Reviews here.

Dedication: I want to dedicate today’s post to my Dad because he is, and has always been, my hero and is absolutely wonderful (his jokes can be pretty bad though), and to my husband, who constantly amazes and delights me with what a brilliant and loving parent he is to our son. I don’t know what I’d do without either of the Dads in my life. xxx Miki.

Today Miki brings you some more wonderful books to read with your kids, with this week’s books all about animals - surely every something close to every child’s heart!

We’ve provided links to all the books at Fishpond - www.fishpond.com.au, so introducing them to your library is easy peasy - especially at these discounts. Orders of over $50 have free shipping too!

Read more KidStyleFile Book Reviews here.

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Time For Bed by Mem Fox, illustrated by Jane Dyer - $38.99 $21.91

This little book is just perfect for bedtime. Each of the animals in the book is being shushed off to sleep by its mother with a sweet little comment on each page: ‘Time for bed little calf, little calf / what happened today that made you laugh?’ and so on. The illustrations are adorable (the baby mouse! so cute!!) and really appealing for little ones.

It’s a favourite in our house and our little one is only 12 months, but I think older toddlers and preschoolers would love it too.

My Cat Likes To Hide In Boxes by Eve Sutton and Lynley Dodd - $14.99 $13.90

This is fantastic rhyming fun for kids. ‘The cat from Spain flew an aeroplane, the cat from France liked to sing and dance… but my cat likes to hide in boxes.’ For families with cats it’s an excellent kick-off point for discussing their cat’s habits (great for the kids’ observational skills), and for the families without cats it’s just a darn good read! The illustrations are by Lynley Dodd (of Hairy Maclairy fame) so you know you’re onto a winner there. Ages three and up will probably get the most out of this one.

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury - $15.99 $14.82

This was my absolute favourite book as a preschooler, so much so that twenty-odd years later my long-suffering parents can still quote most of it off by heart! Kids love the actions and the pace, but be ready with earplugs for the shrieks when they finally find the bear! Not recommended for bedtime; brilliant for an active time of day. This book is great for almost all ages (including adults).

Sheep In A Jeep by Nancy E Shaw and Margot Apple - $15.99 $12.51

One of the ‘Sheep by Shaw‘ series (others include Sheep On A Ship and Sheep In A Shop). Hilarious, catchy and just generally fun to read, these are aimed at the 4+ age group but I think you could probably get away with reading them to younger kids too. The illustrations are quirky and cute, but honestly it’s the dialogue that makes this book. Who wouldn’t want to read something with lines like this: “Jeep goes splash! Jeep goes thud! Jeep goes deep in gooey mud!” Kids love it, and they’re not the only ones!

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister and J. Alison James (translator) - $45.99 $23.96

A sweet, gentle little book, perfect for bedtimes. The central theme is around sharing possessions (so especially brilliant if you’re trying to explain that concept to your toddler) but it’s also just a lovely little story. The illustrations are delightful too, with coloured foil stamping which catches the light beautifully. You’ll find that even newborn babies love this book because of the light reflections! I’d guess that it’s aimed at 2+ but really this is a good book from about 1 month and up.

Fishpond ships orders over $50 FREE.

Today Miki brings you some more wonderful books to read with your kids.

I must say that ‘Goodnight Gorilla’ is one of my kids all-time faves: they are almost four now and still love it! A wordless masterpiece, exercise your imagination and have fun making up your own stories to accompany the illustrations

This month KidStyleFile’s chosen charity is Jeans for Genes, the major fundraiser of the Children’s Medical Research Institute. The CMRI work towards prevention and better treatments for the one in twenty Australian children that are born with some form of genetic fault or disorder.

Purchase from Fishpond - www.fishpond.com.au by clicking through the links on KidStyleFile, and 10% of your purchases until July 31 will be donated to Jeans for Genes. Remember also that Fishpond also rewards all orders over $50.00 with FREE postage.

Alternately (or additionally!) follow our lead and make a direct donation to Jeans for Jeans here.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for fundraising merchandise and join the Jeans for Genes Day ‘Mass Denimstration’ on August 1.

Read more KidStyleFile Book Reviews here.

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This week I’ve decided to do a book for each year of your child’s life from birth to five. Keep in mind that these age divides are just a very rough guide and kids on either side of my recommended age are just as likely to enjoy them!

Books are such a great way for kids to grow and learn, and they provide really special ‘awwwww’ parent and child moments. Who can resist snuggling up with their clean, pyjama’d, sleepy little one for a bedtime story?

I’ve provided links to all the books at Fishpond - www.fishpond.com.au, so introducing them to your library is easy peasy - especially at these discounts! And don’t forget that 10% of your total order, providing you include at least one of the books below, is donated to Jeans for Genes.

The first year:

Good Night, Gorilla (or Good Night, Gorilla Oversized Board Book, great for little fingers)

The real beauty of this book is that the text is very minimal, which lets those entertaining, detailed and vibrant pictures tell the story. It also means that parents aren’t limited to the words on the page when reading the book, they can talk it through in their own words to the baby. Follow the mischievous little gorilla who nicks off with the zookeeper’s keys at bedtime and the high jinx that ensue.

Two year olds:

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, from $20.99 $14.32

An alphabet book, and such a cool one! Kids will adore the vibrant illustrations and the rhythm and rhyme. There’s a real Caribbean feel which adds to the swing. This one really is perfect for two year olds, they’ll be chanting along with you by the second reading. You can’t do better for encouraging them to recognise letters either. It’s a favourite in every house I’ve seen it in, so you cannot go wrong here.

Three year olds:

The Family Book by Todd Parr, from $14.99 $13.46

Three year olds are very curious little critters, and chances are they’re starting to take some sort of notice of their friends’ family make-ups. Why does Milly live with her mummy but not her daddy? Why does Thomas have two mummies? ‘The Family Book’ is a great one to read, not only for the bright, simple illustrations but also for the central message: that families come in all shapes and sizes but all rely on each other for love and support. It’s a great one for the ‘warm and fuzzies’ and can be the kick-off point for some lovely parent/pre-schooler discussions.

Four year olds:

The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett, $41.99 $22.37

A fascinating ‘re-make’ of the classic Goldilocks tale, and will be best appreciated by kids who already know that story, this is the three bears set in Alaska. Goldilocks in this case is a little Inuit girl named Aloo-ki and the bears are polar bears. Four year olds will love combing through the book and discussing the differences between this and the classic Goldilocks tale. You might even like to have a copy of both on hand, so here’s a link to just one of the many available at Fishpond.

Five year olds:

10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle, from $48.99 $24.50

Eric Carle - yes, the same Eric Carle who brough us ‘The Hungry Little Caterpillar’ - based this gorgeous little story on a real life event: an incident in 1992 when a shipping container with tens of thousands of rubber bath toys (not just duckies but also beavers, frogs and turtles) was lost overboard at sea. This book is Carle’s imaginings of where ten of those little rubber ducks might have ended up and who they might have met.

Fishpond ships order over AUD$50.00 FREE.

Look at me, look at me, look at me now! It is fun to have fun, but you have to know how!

Melissa at Urban Child - www.urbanchild.com.au certainly knows how to have fun: she has just turned the volume up to 11 on her fab sale.

In addition to the stock already reduced by up to 40%, Urban Child is now offering 20% off store-wide (with the exclusions of Aravore Babies, Robbie Adrian and Red Plum Linen).

And that is not all, shoppers, that is not all!

Because Melissa has so much love in her heart, KidStyleFile readers can take another 5% off those prices. This means that you will score a minimum of *25%* discount, up to a maximum *45%* discount. Enter ‘KSF5′ at checkout for joy!

Ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-yay!! Now, that’s what I’m talking about!!

25% off: what a great opportunity for you OobiWatchers out there!! Urban Child stock a huge amount of this season’s Oobi collection, and there’s plenty of winter left to make good use of some Oobi bargains this year. These prices are so good, why not stock up for next year too?

Select from a superb range of toy, accessory and baby and kids clothing brands at Urban Child including Albetta, Alex Toys, Aravore Babies, Baobab, Belli Skincare, Berchet, Brainy Baby, Cheeky Monkey, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Ellaroo Slings, Felt Creations, Granimals, Infantino, Kaloo, Living and Learning, Made by Angie, Majors forMinors, Mamas & Papas, Melissa and Doug, Oobi, Orchard Toys, Pebbles PouchMISS, Plan Toys, Pure Baby, Ravensburger, Red Wagon, Robbie Adrian, Schylling, Step 2, Tiny Tribe, Viking Toys, Voila Toys and WOW Toys, and fill your Monday with great bargains, and pure delight!

Offer ends 30 June, so leap over to Urban Child pronto!

From top left in rows (discounted prices include additional KSF 5% off):

Oobi Betsy Sweater Dress - also available in 2 other colour ways $49.95 -25% discount = $37.46
Oobi Tabitha Cardigan (Yellow with Pink Hearts) - $49.95 -25% discount = $37.46
Oobi Mittens (Yellow and Pink stripe) - also available in 3 other colour ways $22.50 -25% discount = $16.87
Oobi Baby Bear Beanie - also available in 3 other colour ways $29.95 -25% discount = $22.46
Oobi Legwarmers (Navy and Green stripe) - also available in 2 other colour ways $22.00 -25% discount = $16.50
Oobi Knit Zippy Jacket (Blue with White Dots) - also available in 1 other colour way $54.95 -25% discount = $41.21
Oobi Knee-high Booties (Blue with White dots) - also available in 3 other colour ways $39.00 -25% discount = $29.25
Oobi Bubba Overalls (Blue with White dots) - also available in 2 other colour ways $43.95 -25% discount = $32.96

Clockwise from top left (discounted prices include additional KSF 5% off):

Alex Toys One, Two, Tie My Shoe- $16.95 -35% discount = $11.01
Mamas and Papas Knitted Bunny $39.95 -25% discount = $29.96
Crocodile Creek Lunch Bag $28.95 -45% discount = $15.92
Alex Toys Water Flutes $22.95 -45% discount = $12.62 Buy these! We received ours and they are a major hit at bath-time, and make shampooing a breeze!!
Infantino Turtle Rattle $11.95 -45% discount = $6.57
Wow Toys Motorbike Max $24.95 -25% discount = $18.71
Crocodile Creek Barnyard Floor Puzzle $34.95 -40% discount = $20.97
Brio Classic Car $16.95 -25% discount = $12.71 Also available in black, green and pink. One of my all-time faves!
Urban Child Wooden Theatre Jungle $19.95 -25% discount = $14.96
Little Chipipi Fridge Magnets- $24.95 -25% discount = $18.71  The best magnets I have ever found. Fantastic quality!
Urban Child Laughing Lions Mini Bowling Set $13.95 -25% discount = $10.46 Oh my goodness!! Watch out, credit card!!

And those fabulous library bags from Cocoon Couture that I mentioned in my last post: now 25% off! Why pay for wrapping paper when you can pop pressies in one of these, and tie with a ribbon? Voila! Eco-friendly, and time saving - always makes me happy!

Cocoon Couture Early Birds Library Bag - $13.50 -25% discount = $10.12
Cocoon Couture Sleepy Owls Library Bag - $13.50 -25% discount = $10.12

View Urban Child’s postage charges here.

This really is your lucky day, shoppers

Melissa at Urban Child - www.urbanchild.com.au has come up with something really special to banish any superstitious thoughts today: she has laid out 200 fine products and reduced their prices by up to 40%.

Select from a superb range of toy, accessory and clothing brands at Urban Child including Albetta, Alex Toys, Aravore Babies, Baobab, Belli Skincare, Berchet, Brainy Baby, Cheeky Monkey, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Ellaroo Slings, Felt Creations, Granimals, Infantino, Kaloo, Living and Learning, Made by Angie, Majors forMinors, Mamas & Papas, Melissa and Doug, Oobi, Orchard Toys, Pebbles PouchMISS, Plan Toys, Pure Baby, Ravensburger, Red Wagon, Robbie Adrian, Schylling, Step 2, Tiny Tribe, Viking Toys, Voila Toys and WOW Toys.Jump straight to Urban Child’s Sale section to start filling up your shopping cart, or indulge me by browsing my hot picks (of which there are quite a few today!!)

From top left in rows:

Alex Toys One, Two, Tie My Shoe- $16.95 -30% discount = $11.86
Crocodile Creek Lunch Bag $28.95 -40% discount = $17.37
Oobi Space Hopper $28.95 -30% discount = $20.26
‘Where is the Green Sheep’ by Mem Fox- $14.95 -15% discount = $12.70 This is one of our all time fave books!
Urban Child Cheeky Monkey Mini Bowling Set $13.95 (not on sale) This are such a great price, I couldn’t resist putting them in!!
Urban Child Wooden Spinning Tops $1.20 each (not on sale) 8cm wooden tops at an unbelievable price!! They are sold out at the moment (because of me! I scooped them up last week to put in party bags Melissa will be getting more in stock, so keep your eyes peeled!)
Crocodile Creek Barnyard Floor Puzzle $34.95 -35% discount = $22.71
Alex Toys Water Flutes $22.95 -40% discount = $13.77 These look so much fun. I’m intrigued, so I bought some!
Urban Child 50’s-style Tea Set in Case $39.95 -25% discount = $29.96 I am seriously wondering if I can justify buying these for myself…
Infantino Turtle Rattle $11.95 -40% discount = $7.17
Brainy Baby Animals DVD $24.95 -40% discount = $14.97

Clockwise from top left:

Albette Cupcakes Babygrow- $42.00 -40% discount = $25.20
Albetta Wild West Babygrow - 42.00 -40% discount = $25.20
Albetta Wild West Bib - $14.95 -40% discount = $8.97
Albetta Wild West Wrap - $39.95 -35% discount = $25.96
Pebbles PouchMISS - $36.95 -15% discount = $31.40
Pure Baby Woven Smock Dress; Classic Print - $39.95 -40% discount = $23.97
Baobab Crown Tee - $30.95 -30% discount = $21.66
Oobi Deer & Forest Textile Applique Tee - $24.95 -40% discount = $14.97
Ellaroo Mei Hip Organic Baby Carrier - Helsinki Print - $119.95 -20% discount = $95.96
Oobi French Velvet Boy/Girl shorts - $39.95 -40% discount = $23.97

Ok, that’s it for sale picks, but I couldn’t go past these fabulous library bags from Cocoon Couture, and at $13.50 each, they are practically at sale prices!

Cocoon Couture Early Birds Library Bag - $13.50
Cocoon Couture Sleepy Owls Library Bag - $13.50

Also, just wanted to alert you to a hot new brand at Urban Child: Aravore Babies, from the UK.

What you see below is a divine mix of classic taste, and eco-awareness. Aravore’s clothing is comprised of 70% organic cotton, and 30% merino wool to keep your ultra-classy bebe snuggy and warm this winter. Oooooh. And aaahhhh!

AraVore Babies Organic Jumper Dress - $95.00
AraVore Babies Organic Cream Shawl-neck Jumper - $85.00
AraVore Babies Organic Pom Pom Beanie - $49.95

View Urban Child’s postage charges here.

Today Miki brings you some classic reads to enjoy with your kids, young and older.

In gratitude of the great contribution that animals make to the lives of children, and grown-ups alike — through books and in real life — KidStyleFile has today made a donation to the RSPCA - www.rspca.com.au - who ceaselessly work to ensure the rights of animals are ensured and protected.

Purchase from Fishpond - www.fishpond.com.au by clicking through the links on KidStyleFile, and 10% of your purchases until June 30 will be donated to the RSPCA.
Remember also that Fishpond also rewards all orders over$50.00 with FREE postage.

Direct donations to RSPCA can be made easily online here. RSPCA have a great initiative coming up in August, in which you can make, or simply eat, cupcakes to raise funds. Find out more here.

Read more KidStyleFile Book Reviews here.

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This week I decided to take a little trip down memory lane and review three favourite books from my childhood. One of the best things about being a parent in my opinion is being able to introduce my son to the things I loved best as a child. I can’t wait for him to be old enough to love the books below as I did!

First, for the toddlers and preschoolers - The Story about Ping, by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Wiese, $10.99 $9.41.

This one has been beloved by many since its publication in 1933. It’s a story set on the Yangtze River in China about an adventurous little duck called Ping, which kids just seem to adore. They love it for its beautiful illustrations (ducklings are just too cute!), for the repetition in the text and for the simple, clear ideas presented.

I was delighted to find that Ping is now available in paperback too - it’s so cheap that it would be silly not to snap it up and add it to our home library, so I think I will!

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Kids aged four and up will love Wilfrid Gordon Mcdonald Partridge by the ever-fabulous Mem Fox, $17.99. I’m a big Mem fan, and I have to say that I think this book is my favourite of hers.

Wilfred Gordon Mcdonald Partridge lives next door to an old folks home, and when his elderly friend Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper begins to lose her memory he tries to bring it back for her. It’s alternately funny, heartbreaking and very, very sweet.

It’s impossible to read without getting that warm fuzzy feeling, and it’s also a great starting point for discussions with kids about their grandparents getting older.

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Finally, for six-year-olds upwards, a book which many of us have loved at some point: The Jolly Postman: Or Other People’s Letters by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, $43.99 $27.40.

Do you remember this one? With all the little letters and postcards tucked inside the book that you can take out and read? From one fairy tale character to another, all of them hilarious? I’m genuinely delighted that it’s still so popular, although not at all surprised!

If you haven’t discovered this one before, then you are in for a genuine treat!

It has recently been republished in a bigger format so it’s even more appealing than ever, and the price at Fishpond is fantastic so I’m going to snaffle this one for myself - oh, I meant for my son of course

Seeyou next week, and, until then, happy reading

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Read more KidStyleFile Book Reviews here.

Today Miki brings you some great reads that will make littlies and bigger kids (and parents!) rejoice at story time.

Not all kids are so lucky to get a bed time story at night. The recent natural disasters in Myanmar and China have displaced and destroyed many families, and funds are needed to dispense urgent humanitarian aid to these areas.

KidStyleFile has today made donations to the Red Cross Myanmar Cyclone Appeal and China Earthquake Appeal.

10% of your total orders through Fishpond - www.fishpond.com.au including at least one of the titles below, will be donated equally to the Red Cross Appeals above. Purchase the products by clicking through any of the Fishpond links to ensure your purchases will be recorded.

Direct donations to Red Cross Appeals can be made easily online here.

Thank you for your support of the ANZAC Day post. Your purchases have enabled a further donation by KidStyleFile to War Child, an international relief and development agency dedicated to providing immediate, effective and sustainable aid to children affected by war.

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‘Hooray for Fish’ by Lucy Cousins (babies to toddlers) boardbook style from $18.99, in paperback for $16.99 $15.44, and hardcover from $36.99 $23.99Big, bright, buoyant and bold, this is such a great book. Lucy Cousins was the creator of ‘Maisy’ so you know that this is also going to be a winner. I read this to my son at bedtime tonight and as usual he was mesmerised by the big, bright illustrations.

Everyone will have a personal favourite from the array of fish in this book - mine are the ‘twin fin-fin fish’!

‘Monkey and Me’ by Emily Gravett (toddlers to pre-schoolers) in paperback from $14.99 $13.36, and hardcover from $24.99 $22.27

This is a LOUD book! It’s less of a talk-along book as a SHOUT-along book, not to mention getting up to act out all the animals along the way, and it’s oh so catchy! You will be chanting this for weeks.

It’s also one of those can-never-be-read-too-often-in-the-opinion-of-your-toddler-or-pre-schooler books, so consider yourself warned. I don’t think you’ll mind reading this one a lot though, as it’s so much fun!

‘Library Lion’ by Michelle Knudsen (pre-schoolers to school-age) in paperback from $15.99 $14.25, and hardcover from $41.99 $24.70

My little one is too young for this book, but I was so taken with it that I bought it anyway, for when he gets older. Definitely not just so I could read it to myself. No, most certainly not. I’m far too mature for that.

But seriously, I challenge any heart not to melt at the expressions on the lion’s face in Kevin Hawkes’ beautiful illustrations. The story is quirky and sweet and I’m assured by my local librarian that it’s adored by children aged about 4+. And their mums. Ahem.

Spend $50.00 or more on your Fishpond order and postage is FREE!