Click here to visit the Ten Little Indians website
Click here to visit the Chic Kids website
Click here to visit the Cocoon Couture website
Click here to visit the Baobab website

Hooked On Classics: Kids Books Now On Sale at Fishpond Bookstore

Posted: March 13th, 2010

Today’s post written by Angela

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Fishpond Books – www.fishpond.com.au – Australiasia’s largest online bookseller,  is currently offering selected children’s classic fiction on sale at bargain prices even lower than their already extra low everyday prices, with free postage Australia-wide for orders over $49.

I’ve included just a few of the goodies on offer at super prices below. Use the menu options to browse to the Children’s Fiction section for more.

If you’d like some ideas on  top children’s reads, then go no further than the KidStyleFile Reader’s Choice 2009: Top 40 Children’s Books.

Hooked On Classics: Kids Books Now On Sale at Fishpond Bookstore

Prices are correct at time of publishing, and may be subject to change.

a. The Lorax By Dr. Seuss, (hardback) $34.99 less 36% = $22.32
b. Harold and the Purple Crayon By Crockett Johnson, (hardback) $35.99  less 33% = $23.97
c. The Little Prince By Antoine De Saint-Exupery, (paperback) $14.99 less 47% = $7.99
d. Frederick ByLeo Lionni (hardback), $35.99 less 33% = $23.95
e. Harry the Dirty Dog By Gene Zion, Illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham (paperback) $19.99 less 25% = $14.99
f. Corduroy Board Book and Bear ByDon Freeman, $33.99 less 32% = $22.97
g. Goodnight Moon: Board Book and BunnyBy Margaret Wise Brown, $33.99 less % = $22.97
h. Angus and the Ducks By Marjorie Flack, (paperback) $19.99 less 25% = $14.95

Fishpond Books charge $5 flat-rate postage for orders under $49, and post free for orders over $50, Australia-wide.

KidStyleFile’s Home Library Picks: The Best New Books for Babies & Kids Reviewed, February 2010

Posted: February 25th, 2010

Today’s post written by Peta

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Hi everyone! I’m Peta, KidStyleFile’s new resident book reviewer. I have a long history with books, and I’m so pleased to be able to acquaint with you some of the best new releases each month with you. Look out for me on the last Thursday of each month. Enjoy!

Looking to connect with some tried and true afavourites? Check out the KidStyleFile Reader’s Choice Top 40 Children’s Books.

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10 Little Hermit Crabs by Lee Fox, illustrated by Shane McG, $19.99 at Fishpond Books

Here’s a book that will bring a beaming smile to faces of all ages, but will really hit the spot with kids aged six and under. This is a bright, colorful and Joyous rhyming tale written by Victorian author Lee Fox. I really loved the bold and slightly off-beat illustrations by Shane McG, which really set this book apart from the picture book pack. The story begins with the very endearing Hermit crabs, who gradually disappear as they face the challenges and the allures of the seaside.

10 Little Hermit Crabs is bound to inspire excitement and interaction amongst your little ones at story time – it’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something to read to younger children aloud, who will delight in helping you count the number of Hermit crabs on each page. The author’s background is just as rich and vivid and the book: prior to becoming a writer, Lee was a production assistant for a commercial radio station, a Mormon, and cook in a childcare center and the store manager on a remote Aboriginal community. Not to mention that five (count ‘em!) children call her Mum! The happy ending to this one had me grinning from ear to ear, and no doubt your family will love it too.

How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham – $ 15.99 at Fishpond Books

‘How To Heal A Broken Wing’ is the latest literary offering from Sydney born author and illustrator Bob Graham, arguably Australia’s finest creator of children’s picture books. A touching and heartfelt book about the importance of looking out for other beings, the story centres around a young boy called Will, who is the only person in the bustling city to see a bird collide with a building and tumble from the sky.

The fact that Will is drawn in the book vibrant in colour, while the hoards of city dwelling workers are painted in muted tones of brown and gray speaks volumes. Will has a strong life force and love of living creatures, while the adults in the city are too caught up with their own concerns and the routine of their daily lives to notice the bird’s predicament.

Will takes the bird (your everyday, garden variety pigeon) home, and with the help of his parents, nurses it back to health. It takes considerable time, patience, kindness and care for the bird’s broken wing to heal, and this is beautifully portrayed in a series of illustrations. We witness Will lining a box for the bird with newspaper, gently cradling it in his hands, crossing each day off the calendar and finally, returning to the city to release it back into the world. This book has only a small amount of text, allowing Bob Graham’s distinctive illustrations that do the talking, and letting the reader draw their own conclusions.

‘How To Heal A Broken Wing’, was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards for Children’s Literature in 2010, and it’s not hard to see why. Kids from the age of three to seven years of age will enjoy this book of tenderness and hope, but older readers and adults will appreciate even more the important messages and wonderful light effect to be found in its pages. (If you were big and soft, you could even get a little tear over this one!)

Ginger McFlea Will Not Clean Her Teeth by Lee Fox, illustrated by Mitch Vane – $16.95 $15.25 at Booktopia

This is another giggle-inducing book from the aforementioned Lee Fox. You may have already heard of Ginger’s brother, Jasper, of Jasper McFlea Will Not Eat His Tea fame, and now it’s time to meet his twin sister in this fun rhyming tale, with its reminder that dental hygiene really does pay off!

No matter how much her poor mother begs, or how cavernous her cavities become, Ginger McFlea will just not brush her teeth, offering every lame excuse under the sun. (She gives her toothbrush to her pet turtle, Keith, and says to her mum,” It got pinched by a thief!”). But a visit to the dentist changes Ginger’s dental hygiene habits for good, when she is horrified when the dentist phones the tooth fairy, who confirms that she only builds fairy houses out of teeth of pure white.

If you have a child in the house who is a reluctant tooth brusher, this is one book you must own! ‘Ginger McFlea Will Not Clean Her Teeth’ is a light hearted and funny read that will win a devoted following.

Fishpond Bookstore charges $ 5.99 flat rate postage Australia-wide. Orders $50+ are shipped free. Booktopia charges a flat rate of $6.50 flat rate postage for all orders Australia-wide.

KSF Recommended Reading: Travel the World Without Leaving Home with Miroslav Sasek

Posted: January 12th, 2010

Today’s post written by Leah

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Besides my kids, one of my greatest pleasures in life is travelling. I’m hoping to blend the two as my little ones grow, and in the meantime get my children inspired with some quality travel stories.

As a child, my own mother introduced me to a wonderful series of books by Czech author and illustrator Miroslav Sasek that she had saved from her own childhood collection. This Prague born writer published his very first Picture book This is Paris way back in 1958.

The richness of the illustrations magically transports the reader – you feel yourself visiting the museums, parks, buildings and sites famous to each city. Just reading through This is Rome takes me back to my honeymoon as I explored its streets with my husband.

With gorgeous illustrations and a wealth of information about some of the world’s most fascinating cities, each book is a must have not only for the jet set, but those who are interested in broadening their world knowledge as they read about the wonderful cities and countries that make up our world.

Sasek’s ‘This is‘ series has recently been reissued with around 18 in the collection, including  This is…. Paris, London, Australia, New York, Rome, Venice, The Way to the Moon, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Edinburgh, San Francisco, Texas, Israel and Britain. They retail for $34.99 each in hardcover with around 60+ pages per book.

You can currently purchase the collection from the Fishpond Online Bookstore who every title cheap as cheaps – between 7%-43% off! Visit Fishpond, and do a search for ‘Miroslav Sasek’ to pull up all the titles.

Fishpond Bookstore charges $5.99 flat rate postage Australia-wide. Orders over $50.00 are shipped free.

Under Our Tree: Edwina’s Christmas List

Posted: December 4th, 2009

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Christmas time at our place is all about the boys. We have 3 gorgeous sons aged 8, 6 and nearly 3, so I am always on the look out for stimulating and fun toys that they will love and I will enjoy looking at.

In an effort to get organised I have been cruising the net looking for cool things to cross off the list.

My ‘nearly 3′ seems to be getting more and more active every day so first thing on my list for him is the truly unique Bilibo. Requiring no batteries and no instructions this is an open-ended toy designed to stimulate the imagination and improve motor skills (read Angela’s review of the Bilibo here).

Also on the list is the Oobi Hopper, perfect for bouncing out all the excess energy after lunch, some Pirates for the bath tub, and because he is currently in love with Spot the Dog, a few new Spot books for bedtime.

Mister 6 seems to be easiest to buy for this time, he loves indoor games and is a natural at making his own imaginary games with toys and Lego. This year I have a theme going on and it is all about Knights, Castles, Legends and Chivalry. Hopefully he will enjoy playing in these worlds and maybe one day he will grow up to be a knight in shining armour himself! My favourite finds are this castle these dragon stencils and knights stickers, and these Schleich knight figurines.

My 8 year old is definitely an outdoor kid – he loves sports – and is very into science: he is currently planning to be an ‘insect scientist’ and have his own ‘insect room’ in his future imaginary mansion.

I was recently chatting to a friend who is a Steiner teacher and she was telling me that at around age 8 they start to teach children construction and building things, which helps them gain confidence in their ability to become more independent. With this in mind I am heading off to the hardware store to pick up a tool box with some real tools and everything he needs to build a billy-cart or a box.

Also for my eldest son is this cute Dumpling Dynasty Explorer Kit, and “Blast Lab” Why Don’t Insects Get Fat?‘ – sure to be a winner based on the title alone -  a fact-book-with-insects written by Richard ‘Hamster’ Hammond from Top Gear Fame.

For my gratification our tree will this year be adorned with some new handmade and fair trade Christmas decorations from Lark, and under it will sit some cool vintage inspired Santa Sack from Cocoon Couture to hold all the loot. And because I’m a kid at heart, I’ve selected Eloise: the Ultimate Edition book just for me. Can’t wait to tear it open on the big day…

1. Oobi Hopper, Paperartzi Boutique – $29.95 $28.95
2. Alex Toys’ Pirates in the Tub, Ten Little Indians – $28.95
3. Spot Bakes a Cake, Fishpond Books – $14.99 $13.95
4. Active People Bilibo, Metro Mum – $39.00
5. Djeco Knights Stickers, Where Did You Get That? – $4.95
6. Le Toy Van, My First Castle, Growing Brains Educational Toys – POA
7. Djeco Dragon Stencils, Where Did You Get That? – $12.95 $10.95
8. “Blast Lab” Why Don’t Insects Get Fat?, Fishpond Books – $17.95 $14.95
9. Dumpling Dynasty Explorer Kit, ShopHouse – $29.95
10. Tools and tool box – your local hardware store
11. Cocoon Couture Santa Sack, Little Pinwheel – $54.95
12. Eloise: the Ultimate Edition, Fishpond Books – $49.99 $39.97
13. Lark Gingerbread Decoration, Little Styles – $9.95
14. Lark Rudolph Decoration, Little Styles – $9.95

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information, and don’t forget to swing by the KSF All Current Deals page to scope out deals that may get you discounts on these products.

KidStyleFile Reader’s Choice 2009: Top 40 Children’s Books

Posted: December 1st, 2009

Today’s post written by Angela

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If you are looking for a gift to give your, or others’, children this Christmas you cannot go past a book. Inspiring wonder and joy while educating and entertaining, the same book has the capacity to be enjoyed by the smallest baby through to the tween years: nothing endures and becomes as loved as a favourite book.

Storytelling is an age old past-time, and the best stories enter folklore and become universally known and loved; word of mouth recommendation is a sure way to find out what the best stories are. In June this year almost 2,000 of you, our readers, told us what your favourite books for kids are, and we are pleased today to present the KidStyleFile Reader’s Choice Top 40 Children’s Books.

We’ve provided links to purchase all the books in your top 40 at a discount at Fishpond Books. Fishpond have a flat rate postage of $5 for orders under $50, and free for orders over $50, Australia-wide. Fishpond provide a fast and reliable service, and you still have time to order from them for Christmas. Rejoice!

Please note that prices are correct at time of publishing, but may be subject to change by the seller.

Click here to view the KidStyleFile Reader’s Choice Top 40 Toys for 2009.

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1     The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, $16.99 $14.99

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (The Very Hungry Caterpillar)

2     Where Is The Green Sheep? by Mem Fox $14.99 $11.95

Where is the Green Sheep? [Board book]

3     Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak $19.99 $14.95

Where the Wild Things are

4     Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd $13.99

Hairy Maclary From Donaldson's Dairy (Hairy Maclary and Friends)

5     Possum Magic by Mem Fox $19.99 $14.95

Possum Magic

6     Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney $12.99

Guess How Much I Love You

7     The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson $19.99 $14.97

The Gruffalo

8     Time For Bed by Mem Fox $14.99

Time for Bed [Board book]

9     The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton $14.99

The Magic Faraway Tree (Faraway Tree S.)

10    Green Eggs And Ham by  Dr Seuss $9.99

Green Eggs and Ham

11    The Charlie & Lola series by Lauren Child $21.99

My Extremely Smallish Little Library (Charlie and Lola) [Board book]

12    That’s Not My… by  Fiona Watt & Rachel Wells $14.99 $11.97

That's Not My Teddy (Usborne Touchy Feely Books) [Board book]

13    Ten Little Fingers And Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox $24.99 $19.97

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

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Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill $12.99

Where's Spot? [Board book]

15    The Cat In The Hat by Dr Seuss $9.99

The Cat in the Hat

16    We’re Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen $16.99 $14.97

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

17    Harry Potter series by JK Rowling $133.99 $111.99

Harry Potter Paperback Boxset #1-7

18    The Tale Of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter $12.99 $10.97

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

19
Who Sank The Boat? by Pamela Allen $17.99 $13.44

Who Sank the Boat?

20
Goodnight Moon by  Margaret Wise $14.99

Goodnight Moon [Board book]

21    Dear Zoo by  Rod Campbell $12.99 $9.95

Dear Zoo [Board book]

22    Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet & Allan Ahlberg $16.99 $14.97

Each Peach Pear Plum

23    The Maisy series Lucy Cousins $16.99

Out and About with Maisy

24    In The Night Garden series by  Andrew Davenport $13.99

Where is Igglepiggle's Blanket? (In the Night Garden)

25    Peepo by Janet & Allan Ahlberg $16.99 $14.95

Peepo!

26    Thomas The Tank Engine by  Rev. W V Awdry $124.99 $99.97

Thomas the Tank Engine: Ten Classic Tales

27    Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by  Eric Carle $14.99

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

28
Diary Of A Wombat by Jackie French $14.99 $11.95

Diary of a Wombat [Board book]

29
Kisses For Daddy by Frances Watts $14.99 $11.95

Kisses for Daddy [Board book]

30    Madeline by  Ludwig Bernelman $22.99 $16.31

Madeline (Picture Puffin S.)

31    Mr Men Books by Roger Hargreaves $13.99

Mr. Jelly (Mr. Men Classic Library)

32    Olivia by Ian Falconer $12.99

Olivia

33    Winnie The Pooh by A A Milne $39.99 $29.97

The World of Pooh: The Complete Winnie-The-Pooh and the House at Pooh Corner

34    Mister McGee And The Biting Flee by  Pamela Allen $14.99

Mr. McGee and the Biting Flea (Picture Puffin S.)

35    Alice In Wonderland by   Lewis Carroll $18.99

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: AND Through the Looking Glass

36    Charlie And The Chocolate Factory by   Roald Dahl $19.99 $16.97

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

37    Giraffes Can’t Dance by    Giles Andreae $16.99 $14.95

Giraffes Can't Dance

38
Pippi Longstocking by  Astrid Lindgen $17.99 $13.99

Pippi Longstocking

39    Rumble In The Jungle by   Giles Andreae $16.99 $14.97

Rumble in the Jungle

40    Animalia by    Graeme Base $22.99 $17.97

Animalia

Fishpond Books charge $5 flat-rate postage for orders under $50, and post free for orders over $50, Australia-wide.

KidStyleFile Trend Watch – December 2009: The 12 Days of Christmas

Posted: December 1st, 2009

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Welcome to December. It’s officially summer, and Christmas is really getting into gear now. With only 24 days left to go the mood is unmistakably festive. Decorations and Christmas music abound, and thoughts turn to gifts, Christmas wrap and the summer holidays to come. Embrace the spirit of the season and prepare for the joyous excitement that only a Christmas with kids in tow can deliver. Go with it and don’t hold back. Whether your style be modern minimalist, or full-on tinsel, jingle all the way.

12 Days Buyer’s Guide:

12 Drummers Drumming: Plan Toys Solid Drum, $34.00, and Plan Toys Wooden Musicla Band Drum Set, $104.00 from Metro Mum
11 Pipers Piping: Toy Soldier Buttons, from Etsy seller 81giftstation – USD$2.00
10 Lords a-leaping: Fred Bare Collection, see website for stockists and prices
9 Ladies Dancing: Fred Bare Collection, see website for stockists and prices
8 Maids a-milking:  Sozo Moo Wrap and Cap Set, from Baby’s Got Style – $39.95
7 Swans a-swimming:  Swimming Swan Pendant, from Etsy Seller sushipot – POA
6 Geese a-laying: Kate Greenaway’s Mother Goose Stories, from Fishpond Books- $34.99 $21.95
5 Gold Rings: Stackable Gold Rings, from Etsy seller SecretCharm – $USD49.99
4 Calling Birds: Mae Boys Twitter Birds Fabric Wall Decals, from The Hip Infant – $44.95
3 French Hens: Try before you buy with Rent-A-Chook (Sydney-based, but can ship coops to other states)
2 Turtle Doves: Papoose Christmas Dove, from Generation Wonder – $8.00 each
And a Partridge in a Pear (Cocoon Couture Shelf-Stand) Tree, from ShopHouse – $89.00

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information, and don’t forget to swing by the KSF All Current Deals page to scope out deals that may get you discounts on these products.

Home Library Recommendations: Celebrating Book Week 2009

Posted: August 22nd, 2009

Today’s post written by Edwina

Annual Book Week starts today, 22 August, and runs all this week until Friday 28 August.

Now in its 64th year, Book Week is the longest running children’s festival in Australia.

During Book Week schools and libraries all over Australia focus in on books and the importance of reading, with many holding special events to celebrate the occassion.

The Children’s Book Council of Australia is the organiser of the event, and they have a great range of information on Book Week, together with ideas to help you make Book Week extra special.

We hope you enjoy our book picks to celebrate Book Week. You can find more KidStyleFile Book Recommendations here.

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Goodnight, Moon [Board book] by Margaret Wise Brown – $14.99 $12.96 at Fishpond Books

This is a bit of a classic and a perfect bed-time story to share. First published in 1947 and written by Margaret Wise Brown who also wrote a lot of the classic Golden Books. It is a lovely sing-song lullaby story about a little bunny trying to go to sleep. It is set in a great green room with a telephone and a red balloon and a little white mouse and a toy house and a comb and a brush and a bowl full of mush! As the story sing-songs along the room gets darker, so by the end of it there is a lot of shushing to each other as the little bunny goes nigh-nigh. Perfect for lulling your little bunny off to sleep.

Pants by Niles Andreae and Nick Sharratt – $17.99 $15.63 at Fishpond Books

This book as been a BIG time favourite in our house, in fact the pages are actually dog-eared! It is aimed at the Day-Care set and is a very funny, colourful and picturesque book about underwear. It is vibrant and silly and will have you wondering why there aren’t more books about Pants! Highly recommended for all ages.

Frida (Hardcover) by Johah Winter – $35.99 $25.99 at Fishpond Books

This book tells the story of Mexican surrealist artist Frida Kahlo. Frida’s life story is awash with pain and loss that is often reflected in her unique body of work, which is mostly avoided in this children’s book. Instead the story focuses on Frida’s childhood, her father’s influence and the reasons she started to paint and create art. It is illustrated beautifully and conveys the mental imagings of an artist using traditional characters in Mexican folk art, such as funny skeletons, little devils and jaguars. This book is a lovely addition to the book shelf in most homes, but might be a special treat for little artists!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett – $19.99 $14.99 at Fishpond Books

Set in a wonderful land where wondering what’s for dinner is taken out of your hands. In fact for every meal all you have to do is go outside with your plates and cups and wait for your meal to fall from the sky! Weather reports do try and forecast the incoming ‘weather’ hence the title, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and dinner one night consisted of “lamb chops, becoming heavy at times, with occasional ketchup”. This is a lovely story for sparking the imagination, and its crazy beautiful illustrations are a delight. This book has been made into a feature film, due for release in the US in late September. Unfortunately they have not used the lovely illustrations by Ron Barrett as a reference so I am not sure it will have the same feel, but I am sure it will be still funny.

The Red Balloon by A. Lamorisse – $35.99 $25.99 at Fishpond Books

This book was one of my favourites when I was a child. Set in Paris, it follows a day in the life of Pascal who finds a beautiful red balloon on the way to school. The balloon has a mind of its own and becomes Pascal’s friend. The pages of the book are mostly black and white photographs of the streets of Paris which are great for stimulating the imagination. The book was based on a short film of the same name, which by the magic of the Internet you can see in its entirety here. The book has been re-released and so is available again in a reprinted edition. I still love this book, maybe you remember it too?

Fishpond Bookstore charges $5.99 flat rate postage Australia-wide. Orders over $50.00 are shipped free.

KidStyleFile Book Review: Spot It!: Find the Hidden Creatures, and One Red Dot: A Pop-up Book for Children of All Ages

Posted: June 8th, 2009

Today’s post written by Angela

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I love books. I have loved books since I was a child, and that love has never faded: their ability to teach, inspire, and transport never fails to delight me. Having children gives me a great excuse to make new discoveries, and today I want to share with you two wonderful finds that we picked up recently. Both are visually magnificent, and suitable for all ages. You will love them as much as your kids :)

First up, a collection of creatures hidden in a trompe l’œil (pronounced tromp-LOY, meaning “trick of the eye”) of patterns and shapes in Spot It!: Find the Hidden Creatures (originally published in France as ‘Cherche la petite bête!’) $33.99 $24.97 at Fishpond Books, by French illustrator Delphine Chedru.

(Trivia tidbit: I mentioned Delphine’s collaboration with Djeco recently: you can buy her ‘Flight of Fancy’ and ‘Marine World’ mobiles at Where Did You Get That?)

Spot It! constitutes a delightful game of hide and seek, with creatures – the owl who has lost her glasses, soccer-playing worms, and a family of birds, to name just a few – to be found hidden within the rich repeating graphics.

This book is a very satisfying experience that is enjoyable to read over and over, even when the search for the hidden creatures has become a formality – the graphics continue to delight and stimulate. Another nice touch with this hardback book is that the corners, and pages within, are rounded, adding to the aesthetic, and the safety aspect for smaller children.

Next on today’s menu, the superlative work of David A. Carter, a paper artists who has a plethora of fine works under his belt, including One Red Dot: A Pop-Up Book for Children of All Ages, $44.99 $30.98 at Fishpond Books.

A unique counting book, One Red Dot counts from one to ten using fantastical 3D paper structures and quirky descriptions, rich with alliteration, as well as the hunt for the ‘one red dot’ on each page, to engage and educate readers.

My faves are ‘Two twisting twirly gigs’, which twirl and spin as you open and close the book, and ‘Eight obedient orbs’ which are a sperical spectacle.

My kids (and every child who comes to our house!) *adore* the ‘fluttering flicker clickers’, which make a loud sawing noise as you open and close the book.

You can purchase One Red Dot: A Pop-Up Book for Children of All Ages and Spot It!: Find the Hidden Creatures from Fishpond Online Bookstore below RRP prices.

Fishpond Bookstore charges $5.99 flat rate postage Australia-wide. Orders over $50.00 are shipped free.

KidStyleFile’s Top 10: Best Mother’s Day Gifts 2009

Posted: May 1st, 2009

Today’s post written by Angela

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Money cannot buy love, that’s for sure: the best gifts for Mother’s Day have to be lots of cuddles and kisses, kind words, kid-made treasures, freedom from daily chores, and some quiet time alone.

Nevertheless, a little bit of appreciation from your Baby Daddy never goes astray. Here are some hints for those in need of tips.

Be sure to check All Current Deals to see if there are any discounts or offers you can benefit from.

1. Elk Felt Tree Brooch from Pastel Pink – $27.50
2. A homage to Mum on a Tee from Mooo – $25.00
3. Deshabille (pronounced dez-ha-bee-ay) PJs from La Toriana – $19.95-$49.95
4. An annual subscription to My Child Magazine from iSubscribe – $30.00
5. Glasshouse Candle, Diffuser, Skincare and Soap – $14.95-$55.00 from Mummy’s Favourite (Goes down especially well with a drawn bath, soft lighting, a book, gentle music, come nice choccies, and some new PJs, robe and Uggs to hope into after…Oops! I think I said that out loud ;)
6. An il Tutto bag from Bubba Funk – $129-$449.00
7. Handmade goodies from local designer-makers at madeit.com.au – Prices start at around $5.00
8. Bling from Giggle’n'Groove – from $5.00-$150.00
9. Candela Glow, set of 2 from Where Did You Get That? – $99.00
10. A book, CD or movie from Fishpond.com.au

View more Mother’s Day ideas on KidStyleFile here.

Please check individual stores for shipping costs and delivery information.

Play Hard, Eat Well – Kids Play Food On The Table

Posted: January 14th, 2009

Today I’d like to introduce you to Edwina, the newest member of the KidStyleFile team. Edwina is mum to 3 gorgeous boys, and she’s also one crafty and clever chicken (see her blog Little Snoring to get to know here better). Edwina’ is currently our foreign correspondent – she’s hanging out in Los Angeles gathering all kinds of wonderful info to bring back home to us. Watch this space!

Take it away Edwina…

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The other night, looking for inspiration, I dipped back into the 90’s cooking classic How to Eat: Pleasures and Principles of Good Food by the queen of the Mix Master, Nigella Lawson. In it she has a great chapter about feeding children. I love her writing and am enamoured by her no nonsense approach to providing nourishment for her little ones.

I was both amazed and strangely liberated by a recipe she feed to her 9 month old son, Bruno. It was a recipe for chicken liver with apricots and milk soaked breadcrumbs. It would never occur to me to feed my babies chicken liver (I dare say it would hardly occur to me to eat it myself!) but it is very high in iron and the way she prepared it seemed entirely convincing.

Ok, so perhaps chopped liver isn’t your thing. And, frankly who can blame you? Personally I am a cup cake and pudding kinda gal, but I do feel it is important to share the joy of eating and the pleasure of preparing food with my kids.

That said, we all have days when the strength to clean up after the little sous-chef has disappeared, and for those days I offer the following fabulous low-mess, low-calorie solutions. Play food that looks good enough to eat!

Selection of fabulous play food for Kid Style File

1. Haba Petit Fours, $29.95 at Send-a-Toy
2. Le Toy Van Honeybake Baking Set, $94.95 at Little Possums Toys
3. Haba German Bratwurst Toy Sausages, $12.90 at Send-a-Toy
4. Voila Toys Roast Chicken, $28.95 at Send-a-Toy
5. Plan Toys Shopping Trolley. cool enough to help with the grown up shopping. $99.00 at Send-a-Toy
6. How to Eat: Pleasures and Principles of Good Food, by Nigella Lawson – highly recommended. $53.42 at Fishpond Bookstore. Ships free.
7. Lark Designs Doughnut Rattle $14.95 at Baby’s Got Style
8. Lark Designs Ice-cream Cone, $14.95 at Baby’s Got Style
9. Ravioli – Feeling Crafty? This is a very easy project to make yourself and a great way to add some pasta to the menu!

Please check individual sites for postage costs and delivery information.

Premiere

Click here to visit the ShopHouse website
Click here to visit the The Bees Knees Kids website
Click here to visit the Raspberry Rascals website
Click here to visit the Forwalls website
Click here to visit the Metro Mum website
Click here to visit the Monkeytail & Wellington website
Click here to visit the Little Chipipi website
Click here to visit The Little Kidz Closet website
Click here to visit the Cornflower Blue website
Click here to visit the 5 Little Monkeys website
Click here to visit the Baby Kingdom website
Click here to visit the Mooo website
Click here to visit the Babes in Arms BabyLegs website
Click here to visit the Paperartzi Boutique website
Click here to visit the Where Did You Get That? website
Click here to visit the Little Styles website
Click here to visit the Eeni Meeni Miini Moh website
Click here to visit the Bubba Funk website
Click here to visit the Vintage Kid website
Click here to visit the Buckets and Spades website
Click here to visit the Eternal Creation website
Click here to visit the My Keiko website
Click here to visit the Infancy website
Click here to visit the Baby Bjorn website
Click here to visit The Hip Infant website
Click here to visit the Little Pinwheel website
Click here to visit the Mathilda's Market website
Click here to visit the My Baby Rocks website
Click here to visit the Yooneek website
Click here to visit the My Brood website
Click here to visit the Three Little Owls website
Click here to visit the Cheeky Little Monsters website