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As we've been thinking about reading this week, we're sharing our 50 books to read before you're five again.

There are so many children's books out there and they can be inspiring, joyful, meaningful or simply silly. Our team wanted to share the ones we truly love so you, and your child, can enjoy them too. You can check off each book as you read it, or give it a rating to remind you what you liked (or disliked) most. 

We are huge fans of books at My First Five Years. There is nothing we love more than curling up with a good story to get lost in, whether reading for our own pleasure or enjoying sharing a book with children. Scroll down to see our 'books for free' suggestions, where we've rounded up the best ways to get reading without having to buy every book!

So why is it that the words “World Book Day” can send us into a tailspin of panic and dread? 

Our latest podcast episode is out now, and this week focuses on the importance of creativity in your child’s development. 

You’ll hear about the three main elements to creativity, why parent-led activities don’t support your child’s development in the same way as child-led ones, and ways to encourage your child’s creativity, with creators of the My First Five Years app Jennie Johnson and Alistair Bryce-Clegg. 

We love making pancakes. In fact, we love any type of cooking with young children. The opportunities for play are endless and there are so many skills they will be mastering along the way...  

Language 

There’s lots of love around this week with Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day. In keeping with the theme of showing love and kindness, we’ve been thinking about children and kindness.  

When you think about it, small acts of kindness from children are a big deal. When they give you a daisy or draw you a picture, they are giving you something they really treasure, and that is a huge gift. 

Fancy some easy, wholesome fun this Advent? We do too, so have created a My First Five Years Advent calendar. Twenty-four ideas of cheap (or free) activities that you can do together throughout December. 

Fear not, this doesn’t have to be another thing to add to your to-do list (or feel guilty about if you don’t). For each day, not only will you find an activity relevant to your child’s age BUT we’ve also broken the ideas down by the time required. From grabbing five minutes to play a Christmas tune using some pots and pans through to heading out to a charity shop to choose a present, we’ve tried to cover all bases.  

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the My First Five Years podcast, which helps you find the joy in parenting, and ditch the guilt and worry. 

The My First Five Years podcast dives into the issues facing parents of young children today, helping them to navigate the most rewarding and challenging role they will ever have. Hosted by early childhood experts Jennie Johnson MBE and Alistair Bryce-Clegg, who have decades of experience with young children between them, you’ll hear the latest scientific research on child development and get expert tips that actually work.  

Have you remembered that the clocks will go back in the UK this weekend? For many parents this brings uncertainty, and indeed dread. If your child is already an early riser, the idea of getting up at 4am is unlikely to sound appealing.  

“The clocks are going back in a couple of weeks, bring on the extra hour’s sleep!” said no parent, anywhere, ever.  

We know that lie-in is more likely to become an early wake-up, because children don’t care about clocks, and their usual 7am wake-up will be 6am when the clocks change. 

Halloween conjures up thoughts of witches, pumpkins, ghouls, spiders, dressing up and sweets – lots of sweets. 

Sounds like heaven for a child, right? Maybe not. 

Some children love Halloween, but for babies and younger children (and some older ones too), it can be frightening.