KidStyleFile

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.

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

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

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

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

5     Possum Magic by Mem Fox $19.99 $14.95

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

7     The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson $19.99 $14.97

8     Time For Bed by Mem Fox $14.99

9     The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton $14.99

10    Green Eggs And Ham by  Dr Seuss $9.99

11    The Charlie & Lola series by Lauren Child $21.99

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

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

14
Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill $12.99

15    The Cat In The Hat by Dr Seuss $9.99

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

17    Harry Potter series by JK Rowling $133.99 $111.99

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

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

20
Goodnight Moon by  Margaret Wise $14.99

21    Dear Zoo by  Rod Campbell $12.99 $9.95

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

23    The Maisy series Lucy Cousins $16.99

24    In The Night Garden series by  Andrew Davenport $13.99

25    Peepo by Janet & Allan Ahlberg $16.99 $14.95

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

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

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

29
Kisses For Daddy by Frances Watts $14.99 $11.95

30    Madeline by  Ludwig Bernelman $22.99 $16.31

31    Mr Men Books by Roger Hargreaves $13.99

32    Olivia by Ian Falconer $12.99

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

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

35    Alice In Wonderland by   Lewis Carroll $18.99

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

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

38
Pippi Longstocking by  Astrid Lindgen $17.99 $13.99

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

40    Animalia by    Graeme Base $22.99 $17.97

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

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.

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.

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.

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.