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This day I love.......

Reading is such a wonderful gift, and one I love to share with my children.  During the day Little Man and I love reading a book together and he has now got to the age where he will crawl to the book shelf and point at his books.  Whilst he may not understand the story, what he does understand is that the book means a cuddle together and sitting close listening to his Mum.  It means quality time to him and something he loves.

Parragon books have a beautiful range of books, Little learners which is aimed at this precious age group, babies and toddlers.  The range has recently gone through a re vamp and we were delighted to take a look.

Little Learners box

Our Little Learners book box contained 5 titles:

Mummy and Baby - A beautiful book with different surfaces for baby to touch and explore.  

Cow Says Moo  - A book with finger holes for the farm animals

I can Say please - A Really fun beek a boo play book

Mummy and Me - A finger puppet story book

Twinkle Twinkle little star - Light and sound story book

Parragon books Little learners books

Little Man rushed in to take a look in the box.  He began exploring each of the books, picking them up and looking at them.  Opening the books, testing them in his mouth and putting his fingers through the holes.

Little Man exploring books

His favourite though was 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'  The sounds and flashing lights I think drawing his attention.  Although it could have been the fact that each of his sisters would give him a cuddle and sing the song to him too!

Reading with his sister

The Little learners books are really popular with Little Man and his sisters.  My youngest who is at the start of her phonics journey picks the books up to read to her brother and my eldest will sit and sing the songs with him.  It is wonderful watching them all interact together and share the gift of reading.


Thank you to Parragon for sending the Little Learners books mentioned in this post, all words are my own opinion. 
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Earlier this month we received a package from Parragon books as part of their book buddy scheme.  Inside the package was the book 'Factivity Robots and Gadgets'

The girls were very excited to open their new book and wasted no time in getting stuck in. 

Robots and gadgets

Factivity Robots and Gadgets contains 300 stickers and is packed full of activities.  The book is engaging throughout, with bright colourful graphics and activities which help to explain concepts.  One of the aspects I particularly like is how it encourages you to think.  No where is there a 'wrong way', it is use your imagination to, or pretend to be a, which are great ways to encourage learning.

Eldest solving problems

Stickers are used to enhance the learning by completing different tasks.  Often you find that the stickers are just an added extra to the books, in this case though they are part of the book and a useful addition to complete the different activities.  What is even more impressive is the book is up to date and speaking in a tone that the girls can relate to.  A book which can explain what a selfie stick is to a 4 year old, and she understands is to me somewhat impressive.

Youngest learning about robots

Factivity Robots and Gadgets encourages the girls to think, whilst at the same time answering all their robotic based questions.  It gets them involved to allow them to work out the answer themselves, but in such a fun manner that they become engrossed and not realise they are learning.  Not only is Factivity Robots and Gadgets great for teaching the girls about robots but it is a great activity book for the girls at any point, such as when travelling or on a rainy day.

The book was sent as part of our collaboration with Parragon books, all words are my own opinion. 

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This week has been Disney Book week.  You may have seen the mentions across social media #DisneyBookWeek.  There is something rather magical about a Disney film.  They seem to cure all colds, soothe all tired minds and delight the whole family.  They are the perfect way to relax, unwind or simply spend time together.  The magic of Disney has been brought to life in a new collection of books from Parragon Books.  This collections aims to continue the wonder of Disney and share the magic of reading.

There are 20 Disney story books on offer and each one provides a wonderful opportunity to relive a favourite Disney/Pixar classic tale.  With old favourites and new loves, there is something for every Disney fan old and new.  

The girls received Jungle Book and Frozen this month as part of the Parragon Book Buddy program.  The books were a delight to read, following the Disney movie and with stunning artwork inside taken from the parts of the movie.  The outside covers feel and look classical, and when you pick them up you feel as if this is one of those special books that should be treasured forever.

Disney and Parragon books have put together a guide to help share the magic of reading, and to introduce reading as part of a bedtime routine.  Reading has been part of our routine since the girls were babies, and is already part of Little mans bedtime.  The girls have also been celebrating Disney Book week with some Disney themed colouring


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The girls had the week before Easter as school holidays and the week after Easter.  It has to be said that as Easter approached they got more and more giddy.  It would appear that they are in need of a creative outlet to help them unwind and calm down.  Easter therefore seemed the perfect time to give them the new 'Disney Frozen' and 'Disney Princess' Art Therapy colouring books from Parragon Books.


The new 'Disney Frozen' and 'Disney Princess' Art Therapy colouring books have over 100 dynamic, detailed and incredibly satisfying Disney patterns that are inspired by Frozen and the Princess.  As colouring is a great way to relax and unwind, I knew these would be perfect for the girls.  In fact my eldest wasted no time in colouring, even before opening any of her chocolate.


The books are a great way to clam the girls down before bed and help them unwind from a busy day off school.  They are also a great way to engage with the girls, as they are proud to show off the patterns they have created and how neat their colouring is.  I also love to sit and colour with them with baby is asleep and it is a real nice way to spend time with the girls.

The books were sent to us as part of our relationship with Parragon Books.  All words are my own opinion. 
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This months topic at my youngest daughters school is fairy tales. She comes home full of questions about the three little pigs, can the wolf climb down our chimney? Why is our house built of bricks? Followed with questions about little red riding hood. I love to support their learning at home and try where I can to follow the topics that they are doing at school.

Our January Parragon book buddy book fitted in perfectly with my daughter school topic. The giant book of fairy tales contains the stories she knows and is curious about along with a few others she has not yet read. Each story is beautifully illustrated and as the story is told there are quizzes and puzzles to accompany them.

Parragon book fairy tale

There are a great variety of puzzles to suit a range of ages from drawing and colouring to more complex copy the picture and spot the difference. Some of the puzzles we adapt for my youngest and others we simply talk over. The puzzles aid with the understanding of the stories and help to reinforce different ideas within the fairy tales themselves.

working hard

You can choose to read the story as a whole or simply pick up and do an activity as you see fit. The giant book of fairy tales has been great to aid my youngest learning but has also been a great way to keep her occupied and busy after school.

reading parragon book

The book was sent as part of our partnership with Parragon books, all words are my own opinion. 
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I have taken a few days away from the blog to spend time with family over Christmas.  It has been a busy but brilliant few days of family fun and I think what we all needed.  The girls enjoyed seeing their Auntie and listening to tales with Granddad on Christmas eve.  

On Christmas eve we also read a classic story by Clement C. Moore, the Night before Christmas. Our edition of The Night before Christmas has some wonderful illustrations from breakaway new talent Harriet Muncaster, which really helps to bring the story to life.  The Night before Christmas is a wonderful story to read on Christmas eve and it really helps to get the girls ready for Christmas.

The Night before Christmas

The girls both fell asleep really quickly on Christmas eve but then my eldest woke again at 9pm and was awake until nearly 2am! They were both excited and woke up at 7am wanting to see if Father Christmas had been.

Christmas day was spent with family and watching the girls play with their new toys.  My eldest daughter was so pleased we made her wish come true.  Boxing day was spent as Christmas day round 2 and the girls loved singing Christmas carols and wishing everyone Happy Christmas.  They have both loved Christmas this year and have really had the Christmas spirit.

Here is a quick video of Christmas 2015


I always like to capture Christmas through the eyes of my children and so armed with a camera here is what my girls decided to capture this Christmas.

Christmas 2015 by the girls

I hope you and your family have had a wonderful Christmas


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Usually when our Parragon Book arrives I show the girls are we read them that night.  This months Parragon Book is slightly different.  I opened the envelope and was simply taken away by the beauty of the book.  The silver on dark blue, the details and every aspect of the book is simply beautiful.  I have decided to put the book away and give it to the girls for Christmas.


Whilst I am unable therefore to do a review in the traditional sense, as I cannot tell you what the girls think as they have not seen it, I can tell you that I love this book.  I keep taking it from its hiding place to sneak a look and read one of the eight classic stories by Hans Christian Anderson.  I adore everything from the illustrations in the book to its classic look and feel.  I am looking forward to seeing the girls faces on Christmas day when they open the book for the first time and watch their faces become enchanted by the classic stories.  I cannot wait to snuggle up on the sofa with them and read them the stories.

I apologies therefore that I cannot do a review as I normally would but this is a book that was too good and too beautiful for now.  This is a book that had to be given to the girls as a present and one which I hope they will treasure forever. 
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October seems to have come around very quickly.  The leaves are filling up the garden and the girls are having fun playing in them.  We are certainly on the countdown to October half term and with this Halloween.

Last year the girls were all set to go trick or treating for the first time but unfortunately they got a little too naughty and ended up not going.  This year they have promised to behave and are really excited for trick or treating.  I have also promised them we will do a Pumpkin this year.

The September book buddy book from Parragon books was very appropriate for this time of year Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere.  The book is a nice easy read and a nice story to read with the girls.  Following the adventures of the pumpkins on Halloween it shows the girls not to be scared and to have fun on Halloween.


A great picture story book for Halloween and one that is really great for the younger kids.

This book was sent as part of the Parragon Book Buddy.  All words are our own opinion. 
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Early this year we were introduced to the Spot A Lot range from Parragon books.  We reviewed both the Animals and vehicle books.  They are books that are favourites with the girls, each time we read them we find something new.  The great thing about the books is you can adapt them by either looking for more or less, which means it is a new story every time.

Parragon Books have developed the Spot A Lot range further and now available from Smyths Toy Store is the Spot a Lot and Jigsaw kit.


The story is the same story as we have previously reviewed but the addition of the jigsaw makes it perfect as a gift.  The jigsaw is two sided with one side for the girls to colour in and personalise and the other side has an image to compliment the story.  The pieces are of a good size meaning that my youngest could pick them up with ease.


The Spot a Lot Animals Jigsaw is a wonderful gift and the handy sized box means it is also great for travelling and keeping kids entertained on train journeys!

We were sent the Spot a Lot Animals Jigsaw for review as part of our Parragon Book buddy.  All words are my own opinion. 
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On our recent holiday I took our Parragon book buddy book, Spot a lot Vehicle adventure with us.  With a 3 hour flight ahead of us I needed something to keep the girls entertained and to break up the journey.  Spot a Lot Vehicle adventure did just this.

spot a lot vehicle adventure

Our first Spot a lot book from Parragon was a huge hit with the girls and still proves to be very popular.  I knew that this book would be as popular.  Following a similar theme from the first book Spot a lot vehicle adventure has you looking for items and counting too.  The book is ideal for travelling on a plane as you can read the story and then re read and look for different items.  

The great advantage of a spot a lot book is each time you read you can spot something else, or make up a new game to play with the book.  It kept the girls entertained during the flight and got them thinking and interacting.  I am a big fan of the Spot a Lot series of books as it is a book the girls can get involved with together.

This book was sent as part of the Parragon Book Buddy, all words are my own opinion. 
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Growl with the animals is a book packed full of fun. There are 10 buttons each one with a related animal sound. Each page is packed full of colourful photography which helps bring the text to life. Growl with the animals also features sturdy picture tabs so little fingers can go quickly to their favourite animals and bring the noisy animal world to life.

Growl with the animals

My youngest daughter simply loves the book.  I think because it makes noise.  I can often find her pressing the buttons even when the book is in the book case.  This is great as it encourages her to go over to the bookcase and interact with the books that are there.

Of course all these animal noises also mean that when we go out for a walk we also have to growl like animals!

Growling on the bridge

Growl with the animals was sent to us as part of our Parragon book buddy.  All words are my own opinion
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Mummy, can I have a pig? A good little, bad little pig? 

My youngest has taken a real shine to the story 'A good little, bad little pig' by Margaret Wise Brown.  I often find her cuddled up taking a look at the book

youngest reading her book

Perhaps it is the wonderful illustrations within the book.  She points out the good little, bad little pig on the pages even in the pig pen.  She laughs at the naughty things the pig does and says they are like spotty dog.  I love that she can relate to the story and is taking an interest in reading.

My eldest is starting to read and this is also a picture book which she can sound out.  It is lovely to listen to her read the story out loud especially for her sister.

good little, bad little pig

Good little, bad little pig was sent to us as part of our Parragon Book buddies.  All words are my own opinion. 
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Dig, dig, dig


My girls love to dig, dig dig


The love to dig in sand


And dig in dirt


They just love to dig, even our dog loves to dig


Our Parragon book buddies book the diggers could not be better suited to us. Written by Margaret wise brown who is known for writing Goodnight Moon and the Runaway Bunny, this is a rather lovely story following all who dig.  Perfect for your little Diggers.


This book was sent to us as part of our partnership with Parragon Books, all words are my own opinion


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Bullying is a very serious issue and one which need to be addressed with sensitivity and understanding. As my daughter has started school it is something that I am on the look out for, not that I expect it to happen just that I am aware of the possibility that it could. In Order to help address this sensitive issue Parragon books have developed a picture book to help address bullying and is aimed at both parents and school aged children.

The bully and the shrimp has been developed in conjunction with school teachers and child development experts. The book follows the story of Noah shrimpton. Noah is small for his age, but being small is not bad. Following Noah at school the story progresses to how Noah is slowly bullied by a bigger boy. Noah becomes scared and is too afraid to tell anyone about the bully. The story shows how Noah copes and slowly builds his confidence to ultimately stand up to his bully.

Not only is this a great story to show children and to help them gain confidence should this be happening to them, it also gives a discussion point with your children so that you can find out if they are also being bullied. At the back of the book is a helpful page for parents with tips on how to tackle bullying. The bully and the shrimp is a very clever way to address bullying in school children.

the bully and the shrimp

We were provided with this book as part of our partnership with Parragon Books.  All words are my own opinion. 
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Imagine a book similar to where's Wally? but aimed at younger children and with animals.  This is how I would some up Spot A lot.  The girls and I have had a lot of fun with Spot A Lot.  The book is written by Steve Smallman, and illustrated by Nicola Slater.

Spot a Lot sees the animals at a zoo escape and it is up to you to help find them.  Each page the number of animals to find increments.  This means it is a fun way to teach children to count.  On each page their is a hidden tortoise and my girls love to find him.  Our favourite page is with him on the trampoline.  You have to see the book to understand.


Each page also has a colour theme to it.  This means not only can I introduce counting to the girls but I can also discuss colour with them.  As this is done in a friendly and relaxed manner they are more receptive to learn.  Spot A Lot offers such a Lot.

The story is beautiful too, so if you simply wanted to read the story you could.  If you wanted to go more in depth you could talk about colour, count the missing animals or answer some of the questions hidden in the story.  Thanks to the wonderful illustrations the story is brought to life and the girls want to interact with it.  Spot A lot is a truly great book and one that should be on all Children book shelves.

We are part of Parragon Book buddy and have been sent this book as our September book.  These are my own opinions of the book. 
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This months book buddy from Parragon books was slightly different from usual. Instead of a book for the girls it was a little something for me. I received a sticky note tin and a notebook from Parragon new range, life canvas stationary.

The life canvas stationary range has several distinct styles each to match an individuals personality. I was sent the Paris range, which feature pastel shades and iconic Parisian landmarks. The range is very elegant.

The notebook is encased in a hard cover and features an elastic to keep closed. Perfect for jotting down blog ideas and notes. The pages are kept in the purple pastel colour and are unlined. Giving plenty of space to draw or write.

The sticky notes tin features sticky notes of all different shapes. Perfect for little reminders or sticking in books to mark pages. With some shaped as triangles they can even be used to point out specific places too. Each note follows the theme and are postal coloured with a Parisian drawing on them.

The life canvas range from Parragon would make an excellent gift and a welcome addition to brighten up what can be uninteresting study times.


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The lovely thing about a good book is that it can be enjoyed anywhere.  Stories are not just for bed time, they are for all time.  Our July Parragon Book Buddy book is Away in my Airplane by Margaret Wise Brown.  We decided to enjoy our book on our little trip.

We went to visit York Gliding Centre with Granddad.  Unfortunately we were not allowed to fly and so there were no airplanes in the sky to watch, but we did get to sit in and have a look at the planes.


The girls spotted some of the gliders in the hanger and wanted to take a look at those, my eldest climbed in with her book


She then asked her Granddad to read her the story Away in my airplane, so he climbed inside and read the book to her.


After reading stories we went back outside to have a look at the other airplanes.  The girls found a two seater and climbed in.  They couldn't resist trying on the headsets.  They looked rather sweet!


 My eldest wanted to find a red plane, just like the one in her book.  We looked round the run way and in the distance we found a red plane


She headed over with Granddad and showed him that the red plane they had found was the same as the one in her book.


My daughter wanted the book reading again, so we climbed onto the bus and sat down to read the stories.  My youngest took it upon herself to guard the radio.


The girls had a lovely day with Granddad and exploring the airfield.  It was nice not only to bring the story to life for them but also to enjoy the story together whilst out.  The girls loved watching the planes, its just a shame there were non flying.




 This day I love away in my airplane

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After reading our June Book Buddy book from Parragon Books we decided to set off in search of the fish with the deep sea smile.  We searched high and low


We saw fish of all different colours and sizes.  Some came up close to show us their smile


Some fish were hiding in the coral reef, but these all had little smiles


Some fish had funny smiles


The lobster and the penguins didn't smile much but we still liked watching them


We were at the deepest part and with the sharks, but we still couldn't find the fish with the deep sea smile.


We set off again to search else where, as the fish with the deep Sea smile could not be found.  On our journey we did find two fish that gave us a deep sea smile


After our adventures for lunch the next day we found the fish with the deep sea smile


This day I love the fish with the deep sea smile

The girls were sent the Fish with the Deep sea smile from Parragon books for June Book Buddy.  Words and opinions are my own.  

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About me

About Me

Welcome to This Day I love.

My name is Leyla, also known as Mum to my 3 humans and dog Mum to J. I have a passion for the outdoors and love to run. I can often be found off road exploring the trails and fells and covering distances all the way up to 50 miles. As a family we love travelling and discovering new adventures, as I try and run around the world!

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