Today Date Triggered Content

Lots of what we see about learning to read focuses on phonics – and this is important. But enjoying books is the key to a lifetime of reading, and unlocking a vast array of ideas and knowledge.

Parents who look at books with their children are described as transforming attitudes to reading.^[1] Much of that transformation is connected to the warm, positive emotions of cuddling up together to enjoy a story.  

This is a story inspired by the author’s experience as a teacher, seeing children’s lack of confidence in their artistic ability. The author was motivated to help children and adults to explore and discover their creativity – and to put an end to us saying, “I can’t draw!”  

In this story, Vashti doesn’t draw a picture in art class because she says, “I can’t draw.”  

Books can be enjoyed simply anywhere and there is something rather magical about taking a good book outside to enjoy in the forest, by the stream or in the local park. Because reading is fun wherever you do it! We've compiled a list of great books that are perfect for enjoying outdoors. 

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We've gathered some of our favourite books which celebrate the beauty of Earth and give our children (and us) an understanding of how to care for it. This zero waste week, why not see if you can borrow one of these, or another book about our world, from your local library. If that’s not practical for you, you can still enjoy new books without buying new by shopping second-hand, or arranging a book-swap with some friends. 

Parenting for Humans is not, like many parenting books, about your child. Instead, it’s described as ‘a book for you as a parent’. It helps you to see that whatever you know or have read, you bring your emotions and experiences to your parenting.  

Dr Emma Svanberg (aka the Mumologist), is an award-winning clinical psychologist, who works with parents, parents-to-be and professionals focusing on how to understand yourself so you can live a more fulfilling life.  

“Becoming a parent provides us with this unique opportunity to really get to know ourselves.” 

In this week’s podcast, Alistair and Jennie are joined by Dr Emma Svanberg (the Mumologist), clinical psychologist and author of Parenting for Humans. Listen in on their conversations to find out how to parent the child you have as the person you are. 

For a long time, we have loved Molly Potter’s books because they dive right into talking about big subjects – like worries, feelings and friendships – in a way that is both thoughtful and fun. They give lots of information, with colourful illustrations, to help both you and your child approach new or tricky emotions with confidence. 

These brilliant books are being relaunched this summer as part of Bloomsbury Publishing’s Let’s Talk series – and you can get 30% off all the books in the series (as well as others on their site) from the 6th – 16th July 2023.