I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. A fantastic way for babies, toddlers and young children to develop their fine motor skills, this interactive story is perfect for little ones to enjoy alone or to read together with a grown-up.

What the Ladybug Heard by Julia Donaldson | Goodreads What the Ladybug Heard by Julia Donaldson | Goodreads

Roll up your sleeves and get into the kitchen with your little ones to whip up a batch of ladybird pizzas, fine prize cowpat cookies or even a showstopping ladybird cake. This full-colour activity book is packed with puzzles and scenes to recreate, with over 400 stickers inspired by the book’s cast of creatures. The story allows the reader to emphasis the noises of the animals and to learn about the different animals and their habitat (a farm). This is my daughter's favourite book, we read this many times during a day, she is 2 and a half now and can read it from cover to cover from memory, she even corrects me if I read the main rhyme "and the cow said moo" wrong, fantastic read worth every penny. It would also be a good book to have in the book corner, as the illustrations and rhymes make it easily accessible.

I will long relish the memory of my two year old grandson shaking his fist and shouting out 'GOLLY GOSH' with great indignation at the two naughty robbers - Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len - as they are taken away in the police car (Nee naw! This book even carries an underlying message that a small voice can be very powerful, and it's all wrapped up in a entertaining package. This book could lead onto further activities, such as retelling their own version of the story and creating maps.

What the Ladybird Heard - Julia Donaldson

This is a lovely concept, that would appeal to all children, but especially to the quieter children! Julia Donaldson turns her literary expertise to a farm setting, and comes up with a rollicking barnyard mystery. There's also plenty of scope for discussion in a classroom setting with older pupils (6-8) about how listening closely means you learn important things and about how teamwork can lead to a happy ending for everyone!Packed with fun activities that will keep kids entertained on a rainy day, this sticker and activity book is based on the bestselling story by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. A plot ensues, hatched by the ladybird herself, to confuse and fool the thieves and scupper their dastardly plans! Starring the little ladybird, her cast of curious critters and dastardly crooks Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len, this play has been designed for children to learn and perform.