COOL MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION FOR KIDS

The thing about kids magazines, and ignore me while I sigh at the stacks of peppa pig decorated with random delights of plastic tat and strategically placed at the height of small grabby hands, is that they are so disposable and quite frankly ugly. 

Yes I know seeing your little ones eyes light up in recognition of their favourite character can do wonders when you’re desperately seeking a five minute break, but really I want something a bit better than matching the Octonauts to their Gups or what Daddy Pig has got going on. I want something which will inspire, be informative, engage conversation, packed with crafts AND be well designed without the hefty price tag. Something that can sit on the shelf and make a good stocking filler – yep I've got Christmas shopping on my mind!

Too much to ask you say? Well we’ve been a long term fan of the Fabulous Messy Monster book which has made it on screen with the brand new series, Messy Goes to Okido on CBeebies, and F is so excited to share his name with one of the main characters that it has him hooked.

Okido Magazine is the arts and science magazine for 3- 8 year old children. It's designed to engage young children in scientific discovery in the most fun and creative way. From seasons to dinosaurs and all the good bits in between, it's chocked full of fun doodles, cut out and make sections, recipe ideas for little ones to get stuck in, crazy cartoons and surreal sequences.

I love the bold colours and quirky design, and F seems to love it too! He spends ages pouring over the pictures, trying to pick out words he recognises and it’s great that the Messy Monster comic strip is at the front allowing kids to connect the TV character to paper. 

Okido magazine subscription would make the perfect stocking filler for kids, imagine having bi-monthly brilliance drop through the letter box to the delight of your kiddo. I know a certain five year old will be getting one off Santa Claus.

*We recieved copies of Okido magazine for review purposes only. All opinions are 100% my own and F's.

A GOOD BOOK // Around the World with Mouk

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore the Andes, wander through the cherry blossoms in Japan, or perhaps eat a cream cheese bagel in New York? Well with the help of a small brown french bear you can discover these worldly delights through this eye popping colourful good book.

With quirky and vibrant illustrations from the talented Marc Boutavant, Around the World with Mouk is a fantastic way to introduce children to the different customs and landscapes around the globe. Following the intrepid traveller as you explore the myriad of colours, your kid can learn local phrases such as 'Yassou' in Greek or see how they celebrate the Feast of Ganesh in South East India. Each page gives you a small storyline introducing you to each location, includes search and find activities and has  46 re-useable stickers, allowing the book to be read and explored in more than one sitting. Mouk will delight even the smallest minds with his enormous head and tiny body in this oversized play book. Perfect for any young adventure-seeker.