Being Mrs C

Ladybird Tuesday: Hannibal on the nature trail

One of the best things about charity shop shopping is that you never know what you're going to come home with. I always keep an eye out for old Ladybird books, but one recent trip to my most local shop proved to be extremely fruitful when I found several titles, including three from the Hannibal series, which is part of wider series 497 (Animal Stories).

Now, I hadn't heard of Hannibal before this trip, but he is the hamster star of six books, all published between 1976 and 1978.

Inquisitive, friendly and brave, he seizes every opportunity to escape and see as much of the outside world as he can. Sometimes however his curiosity leads him into trouble, for how can he know which creatures he can trust? But he is always rescued in time, when he is glad to return to the comfort and security of his own cage.

Hannibal on the nature trail is the story of what happens when Hannibal manages to escape from his cage when this family stop off at a nature reserve on the way home from a family holiday. I have to admit that I had never thought of taking a pet hamster on a family holiday with you, but I guess that's what people used to do.

Once Hannibal has escaped he meets other creatures who live on the nature trail and they tell him the story of how man first came to spoil the area through his mining for iron-ore and then reversed what he had done by creating the reserve in which they all now live. There's no doubt that this is a clear lesson for all children reading as to the damage that man can do to the environment, but as it is presented through the different animals who live there it's all done quite softly and so children can easily follow it.

Through what can only be described a some sort of a miracle, the reserve warden (who is aware of the missing hamster) amazingly manages to find Hannibal before nightfall, and before he is eaten by a weasle, and he is looked after until his family can collect him the next day. 

When I found Hannibal on the nature trail I was also lucky enough to pick up Hannibal on the farm and  Hannibal and the pet show, so look out for him appearing again here on Ladybird Tuesday.

If you have a collection of old Ladybird books then please feel free to join in with Ladybird Tuesday. There are no formal rules to follow, just leave a link to any post you write in the comments below and if you're feeling kind link back to my Ladybird Tuesday category here on Being Mrs C. Thank you!

Ladybird Tuesday: 'How it works' The Aeroplane

Another opportunity for me to indulge my inner geek on this week's Ladybird Tuesday with 'How it works' The Aeroplane. Another book from series 654 which promises to explain exactly how things work in a way simple enough for a child to understand, but without being at all patronising.

All the basics of flight are covered, from how air pressure changes with altidude, lift and drag, airflow over wings, stability of the plane in flight and how it is controlled. How the plane takes off, reaches cruising altitude and then descends to land safely is all described in detail along with how the plane's jet engines or propellers allow them to do so.

In addition to all the descripions are some lovely pictures. Clear and easy to understand without the supporting text, these also have a nostalgic edge which makes them works of art in their own right.

If you have a collection of old Ladybird books then please feel free to join in with Ladybird Tuesday. There are no formal rules to follow, just leave a link to any post you write in the comments below and if you're feeling kind link back to my Ladybird Tuesday category here on Being Mrs C. Thanks!

Ladybird Tuesday: Horses

When you look at some of the old Ladybird series they just don't quite make sense. Series 682 was originally released to show children about domesticated animals, but as the series title suggests it ended up with only two titles, Dogs and Horses. Why it was not extended I have no idea.

This book starts off by pointing out the vital role that horses played in life before other forms of transported were invented - one that many children may not think of. Starting with the basic anatomy of the horse, how they have evolved over time, along with their role, is described.

Mr C has always feared that Little Miss C will become one of those little girls who dreams of horses and wants one of her own. I'm not too sure we can fit one in the garden for starters. Then there's the idea of vets bills and having to get up early every morning to do things like muck them out.

As agriculture developed, and the plough and other heavy farming tools invented, the horse's role also developed as perfect for helping farmers increase the amount of land they could work using machinery. Initially though the British horse was still too small for this new role and oxen were used instead. British horses breeding with other European breeds that were brought over produced the heavy horses that we traditionally know today.

Here in Britain horses are still a familiar site in many of the Royal events that we have seen in recent years. Even the recent funeral procession for Baroness Thatcher included horses at the centre of it. The police also still use horses when policing large crowds at events like protests or football matches and it's a role that I can't see disappearing any time soon.

Whilst this is an informative book I have to say that it doesn't exactly thrill me. Although I did ride as a child I was never horse obsessed in the way that many girls are. Also, a horse isn't exactly an achievable "pet" for many children, so whilst they may have an interest in horses or riding I would have actually though that a range of books on domestic animals that they can easily have as pets (cats, rabbits, hamsters etc.) would have been of more practical use. Yes, their changing role over time is useful and important but is it worthy of being half a whole Ladybird series? Not in my mind.

If you have a collection of old Ladybird books then please feel free to join in with Ladybird Tuesday. There are no formal rules to follow, just leave a link to any post you write in the comments below and if you're feeling kind link back to my Ladybird Tuesday category here on Being Mrs C. Thanks!

I've also compiled an index of all the vintage Ladybird books I own and everyone's Ladybird Tuesday posts to date - organised by series. It satisfies my inner geek and hopefully will also be of interest to others too.

Ladybird Tuesday: Learnabout... Knitting

There are some Ladybird books that I keep looking out for. Titles that I really wish I'd had as a child and dream of owning now. It's rare that I find them when searching the shelves in charity shops, but sometimes you do get lucky and today was one of those lucky days.

Series 634's Learnabout... Knitting is probably up there with Learnabout... Sewing as two of the books i most want to own in the whole Ladybird back catalogue and I was so pleased to find a copy of it on the shelves of my local charity shop for just 33p!

If you're new to knitting this really is the perfect book to use. Not only is everything compressed down into just 52 pages, but as it was originally written for children the language and instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

The illustrations, whilst a bit old fashioned in their style, are also easy to understand and copy.

They have also managed to cram a handful of projects into the 52 pages. You have to remember that this book was published back in 1972, before knitting became trendy again, so the projects have a certain old fashioned edge to them. Whilst a knitted purse is a nice idea for a child to make for themselves I pity the father who receives this knitted tie one birthday.

If you have a collection of old Ladybird books then please feel free to join in with Ladybird Tuesday. There are no formal rules to follow, just leave a link to any post you write in the comments below and if you're feeling kind link back to my Ladybird Tuesday category here on Being Mrs C. Thanks!

I've also compiled an index of all the vintage Ladybird books I own and everyone's Ladybird Tuesday posts to date - organised by series. It satisfies my inner geek and hopefully will also be of interest to others too.

Ladybird Tuesday: Some Great Men and Women

When choosing a book to cover each week here on Ladybird Tuesday I often find myself realising just how little I really know and this week is yet another example of that.

Some Great Men and Women is actually part of the Ladybird Key Words East Readers series (641) and contains a series of double page spreads on various men and women from history. Some of them were inventors, others adventurers and some military personnel. They certainly all have a place in history and I do recall learning about many of them at junior school.

However, there are some people featured in this book that I have to admit to having never heard of before. I probably should have done, they've certainly done very worthy things, but I don't. Quite embarrassing really.

Some of the people in this book also appeared in the Adventures from History series (561) where they had whole books written about them. Quite how they decided who to include in this particular book I'm not sure. There are plenty of other names that maybe should be included, and possibly many more that I simply haven't heard of before. 

From King Alfred the Great to Elizabeth Fry and Madame Curie to Winston Churchill there's no doubt that this book covers a huge amount of history through the people in includes. I just still need to swot up on history before I have to help the kids with their school homework!

If you have a collection of old Ladybird books then please feel free to join in with Ladybird Tuesday. There are no formal rules to follow, just leave a link to any post you write in the comments below and if you're feeling kind link back to my Ladybird Tuesday category here on Being Mrs C. Thanks!

I've also compiled an index of all the vintage Ladybird books I own and everyone's Ladybird Tuesday posts to date - organised by series. It satisfies my inner geek and hopefully will also be of interest to others too.

Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn

The speed at which I get through books has decreased so much since I had Master C. Being exhausted, combined with no longer having pregnancy insomnia means that my "to be read pile" is growing faster than I can read and writing up what I've read on here is also no where near as fast as it used to be.

It's therefore quite telling that I've only just finished Mummy Barrow's Book Club book for February - Gone Girl. Well, at least I managed it before we got into May!

I've always loved a good bit of crime fiction and that's exactly what this is. What was slightly concerning was when I read what was on the back cover:

Who are you?

What have you done to each other?

These are the questions that Nick Dunne finds himself asking on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, when his wife Amy suddenly disappears.

What's so strange you might think. Well, reading a book in which a wife disappears on the morning of her fifth wedding anniversary and her husband is suspected of her murder is a bit of a strange thing to read as you approach your own fifth wedding anniversary!

I really liked the fact that this book is written from two perspectives - Nick and Amy's - over time and it makes you realise how much every story has two sides. It was fascinating to see how my own feelings towards the two main characters changed through the book and also how my understanding of the "crime" changed too.

There is no doubt that this is a gripping read - no exaggeration. Although in a way I seemed to be reading it for ever I still looked forward to picking up up every night and getting back into the swing of what was happening. I do actually feel a bit sad now it's over and wish I could keep track of the characters to see what happens to them next. 

It's been a while since I've been a part of a book club of any sort, but it's always interesting to see what other people think of a book you've just read. Sort of makes reading a more social thing, rather than a solitary hobby. Just a shame I was so slow joining in with this one...

Ladybird Tuesday: Indoor Gardening

Yes, I know it's Thursday, but sometimes you just have one of those weeks. Better late than never and all that...

So let's talk about Indoor Gardening. Doesn't the title alone just age this book? Does anyone even talk about indoor gardening any more? I see plenty of references in modern day to houseplants and possibly herbs in the kitchen, but not much more than that. 

Indoor Gardening appeared as part of Ladybird series 633 which was entitled Early Learning, but actually featured a number of crafts and hobbies. As a series it's one I'd really like to find more of, especially some of the craft books.

In the words of the book itself:

Indoor gardening fascinates children as well as adults, and this book shows how easily both can obtain endless interest and pleasure - as well as gratifying results.

I have to admit though that alongside all the practical information that this book has there are some great retro design ideas. Charity shops always have an assortment of glass bottles, jars and bowls and it would be relatively easy and cheap to buy a couple and try out some of the growing ideas in this book.

I'm not sure I've ever been somewhere where they grow snowdrops in a wineglass before, but there's a first time for everything!

Whereas now many of us go to garden centres, or even just supermarkets, and buy plants already grown, in 1969 it was much more the case that people grew things from seed, bulb or cuttings - partly because the choice of plants to buy just wasn't anywhere near what it is today and partly for financial reasons. Some of the ideas in this book of growing things from pip or cuttings would work well with children today though - especially if you're trying to find some cheap activities to do with them. 

The thing this book did more than anything else was make me yearn for a simpler life where children weren't so distracted by television, computers or toys that make lots of noise and instead spent time being thrilled about things growing. I feel a certain pride that Little Miss C today got really excited by showing the two friends that were here for a playdate that she had some sunflower seeds growing in a pot in the kitchen. I'm just hoping the weather allows us to start some outdoor gardening soon too.

If you have a collection of old Ladybird books then please feel free to join in with Ladybird Tuesday. There are no formal rules to follow, just leave a link to any post you write in the comments below and if you're feeling kind link back to my Ladybird Tuesday category here on Being Mrs C. Thanks!

I've also compiled an index of all the vintage Ladybird books I own and everyone's Ladybird Tuesday posts to date - organised by series. It satisfies my inner geek and hopefully will also be of interest to others too.

Review and Competition - Red Ted Art: The Book

I know I'm not the only person who let out a small squeal of delight when I heard that there was going to be a book version of Red Ted Art. Maggy Woodley's popular children's craft blog, Red Ted Art, has won awards and for many parents it is the first place they go when they are looking for craft projects to do with their children. Maggy's projects have also appeared elsewhere, both online and in print, and for her readers it seemed natural that the next step would be a book and finally the waiting is over.

The subtitle of Red Ted Art the book is Cute and Easy Crafts for Kids and this really does sum up the book perfectly. Not only are all the projects easy to do with your children - thanks to the clear concise instructions - but when you look through the book the photography is so stunning and the end results so adorable that you'll struggle to decide what to make first.

In Maggy's true style she tries to use as many recycled and natural materials as possible in her projects. There's a whole section of projects using toilet roll tubes and another on stones. If I had to find one "complaint" it would be that we can't do all the nut projects, in particular the peanut finger puppets, due to a peanut allergy in the family. A big shame as they're super cute, but I can't exactly blame Maggy for that one!

We decided to start Little Miss C off with one of the simpler projects in the book - apple and potato prints. I'm quite ashamed to say that we've not done printing like this before. I've no idea why not as it's incredibly simple and she really enjoyed doing it, but then sometime you just need someone to suggest something obvious and simple for you to actually do it.

We started off just making patterns with half an apple and some paint and LMC thought that it was great fun to use an apple like this. She's not a huge fruit and veg fan at all when it comes to eating them, so I'm particulary keen to make sure that she doesn't shun all fruit all the time.

After printing with the apple we moved on to the potato and this is where one of Maggy's genius ideas comes into play. A quick bit of work with a kitchen knife (not something LMC's read for yet) and rather than the usual square or star we had what LMC described as a "potato waffle" shape. The versatility of this shape is that you can use it either horizontally to make a red London bus, or vertically to make a city skyline. Combine the two and you can make a lovely London picture.

My art work is no where near the quility of Maggy's but you can see how easy it is to do.

I am just completely in love with this book and have already been recommending it to so many people. I've heard of one other mum who has bought a copy for her children's school and I'm actually considering doing the same for Little Miss C's nursery. It would also make a lovely present for a child, or their parents.

Win a copy of Red Ted Art: Cute and Easy Crafts for Kids

If you want to get your hands on a copy of the book then look no further. I have one copy to give away to a lucky reader. All you need to do to enter is to leave a comment on this blog post telling me what your favourite recycled craft material is. Fill in the Rafflecopter widget below and cross your fingers. Extra entries are available if you follow BeingMrsC on twitter, or like my Facebook page. Full T&Cs are linked below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Edited to say that this giveaway is now closed. I'm delighted to say that the winner is Karen Howe.

Disclaimer: I bought my own copy of Red Ted Art and have also purchased the second copy which I am offering as a competition prize.

 

Princess Evie's Ponies: Confetti the Magic Wedding Pony

Simon and Schuster have sent me several Princess Evie books to review in the past and I have to admit that as I've not really liked the look of them much before (too much pink for my liking) I've not sat down and read them properly with Little Miss C and not reviewed them on here. This week Confetti the Magic Wedding Pony arrived and Little Miss C pounced on it as soon as she saw it. It seems she's got a bit of a pony obsession that I hadn't even realised - sorry! 

In each of the books (eight in total now) Princess Evie goes off on an adventure with one of her magical ponies. In this book she is taken to a castle ready to be bridesmaid at a wedding and Confetti is given the job of pulling the bridal carriage. When a pet dragon(!) goes missing with the wedding rings Princess Evie and her backpack of useful things comes to the rescue.

Despite my views, LMC absolutely loved this book. The pop-up version of Confetti at the back of the book is a lovely touch and allowed her to act out her own stories with it once we'd finished reading the book. The fact that I was instantly able to pull out a couple more books in the series gave me mummy bonus points, but I do feel rather bad about my own prejudices against girly books like this.

Disclaimer: Simon and Schuster sent me a copy of Princess Evie's Ponies: Confetti the Magic Wedding Pony for the purposes of this review.

Ping and Pong Are Best Friends (mostly) - Tim Hopgood

Who can resist a couple of penguins called Ping and Pong? Not me that's for sure!

Basically, Ping and Pong are friends, best friends, but whenever Ping tries his hand at something he finds that Pong can already do it, but a million times better. Haven't we all had a friend like that? The question though is whether or not it is worth losing friends over.

I'm not going to spoil the ending, but I have to say that it's wonderful to see a children's book addressing both the good and bad things about friendships as it's something that is so important to children. Little Miss C really enjoyed reading this and the illustrations are brightly coloured to hold her attention and very cute.

Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of Ping and Pong are Best Friends (mostly) by publishers Simon and Schuster for the purposes of this review.