Showing posts with label 8-12. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 8-12. Show all posts

Thursday, 2 May 2024

We Are Family: Six Kids and a Super-Dad - a poetry adventure by Oliver Sykes (sent for review)

We Are Family: Six Kids And A Super Dad is a poetry adventure written by Oliver Sykes. Intended for independent readers aged around 7 - 99 or over, the anthology introduces us to Oliver, his 5 siblings and his Super Dad. It gives us an insight into how a big family can work really well as a team, sharing chores and responsibilities, and being there to annoy and frustrate, support and love each other. 

We are family by oliver sykes book cover showing kids on a bunk bed being held aloft by a flying Dad

Author Oliver Sykes grew up not far from where I grew up, and was one of 6 children. When he was aged 8 his Mum left the household by choice and never returned. In We Are Family we get a glimpse into that time, and just how hard it was for his Dad to ensure his family survived and thrived.

Tuesday, 23 January 2024

Futliit LED Backpack Reviewed By Teenagers (Sent for Review).

We recently moved to rural Scotland, and a big change for my teenage boys has been walking a mile to and from the school bus down an unlit country lane, often in the dark. I'd seen LED backpacks for younger children, but was delighted when Futliit got in touch to see if we were interested in reviewing their much more teenager-appropriate light up backpack. 

Futliit Backpack review with 6ft tall teenager wearing backpack 2 LED strips lit up

My initial reaction upon opening the package is that this is an excellent quality bag. The material is still soft, but feels incredibly robust and waterproof. 

Futliit Backpack shoulder strap and padding close up

The stitching is very well done, and the inside lining is soft and will wipe clean. There are some lovely details which make all the difference, including a strong carry handle on top, and neatly shaped thick padding on the straps and the rear of the bag, as well as the base - this bag is designed to last a long time. 

Wednesday, 16 November 2022

Engenius Contraptions Motorised Bounce Marble Run Review (age 10+) Sent by Cheatwell Games for review

I love a clever toy, and even better if it has minimal plastic, smart and unusual design, and it makes your children think. Cheatwell Games have a range of truly 'Engenius Contraptions' - marble run sets with working motors, which you build yourself before you get down to the serious business of playing with them. We have been sent the Bounce Marble Run, which is just what it says - marble track with trampolines! 

Image from front of Bounce Marble Run box, showing complete set up and contents.

Wednesday, 5 October 2022

Star Trek Universe Collectible Toy Models Review. Sent by Bandai (age 4 to adult).

Bandai have released a brand new range of collectible Star Trek Universe models, and we've been sent the Original Series U.S.S Enterprise star ship (RRP £49.99), and Commander Data collectible figure (RRP £12.99) to review. 

Star Trek Universe toys on a table. Data in blister pack and USS Enterprise in large box

Suitable for age 4 or more, these toys will be just as popular with adult collectors, as they offer good play value, but also look great on a shelf. All of the models come with their own stand, and the range of possible poses is massive - perfect for play or display. 

Tuesday, 27 September 2022

Newton's Lab Physics Experiment Kits Review (Age 10+) Sent for review.

We've been sent 2 of the brilliant build-it-yourself cardboard science kits from Newton's Lab to review. Made by Kikkerland, they are very carefully designed build-it-yourself physics-based engineering and science kits suitable for older children aged around 10 or over. 

I'm really keen that toys should last for decades, or be made with the Earth in mind (or both if possible). Children's science kits often include throwaway items, or tons of plastic bags, and you end up feeling like you might well be a part of the problem. The Newton's Lab kits are very much recycled cardboard with a couple of other pieces for stability or durability, packaged in a recycled cardboard box.

Collage showing 2 Newton's Lab Papercraft Science Models in the box and built

Thursday, 19 May 2022

Butterfly Garden Complete Kit from Insect Lore (sent for review by Bright Minds)

This Spring we were invited by Bright Minds to review the Butterfly Garden from Insect Lore. This is a complete kit which contains everything you need to raise your own butterflies - including a voucher to send away for live caterpillars when you are ready to begin. 

InsectLore Butterfly Garden Kit Box front showing contents and smiling children

Because you raise real live animals, you can only use the kit in Spring and early Summer - which is when the butterflies (Painted Ladies) hatch.

Friday, 13 May 2022

MOC-82591 Medieval Church Brick Set Review (sent for review by Let Bricks)

I was recently sent the Let Bricks Medieval Church set MOC-82591 for review. This has been designed by Peter Keith, and I was sent a hand-picked set - so I do have some errors which are unlikely to appear in the final store product. 

This is a 516 piece set, which is a nice build and creates a really attractive little chapel... 

Let Bricks Medieval Church Brick Set completed model shown on a table

As it's only a 516 piece set it doesn't need to have numbered bags, and the instructions are on a USB key, so although you don't have a paper copy, you can access them on any device - and enlarge them at will.  

Tuesday, 5 April 2022

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 4th / 5th April 2022

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 4th / 5th April 2022

UK Daily Statistics - bear in mind that most people no longer qualify for free testing, and they'll be starting to run out of stockpiled lateral flow tests:
Cases last 7 days: 425,303 (average 60,757)
In hospital yesterday 4th April: 20,398 (UP from 19,118 a week earlier)
Using a ventilator yesterday: 351 (DOWN from 363 a week earlier)
Losses of life last 7 days: 1,174 (average 167 per day)
Losses of life total: 166,148
People with COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate up until 25th March: 187,929
Tests last 7 days: 4,148,840 (average 592,691 per day)
Vaccinations 1st dose: 52,837,997 (91.9% of UK age 12+)
Vaccinations 2nd dose: 49,488,642 (86.1%)
Boosted / 3rd dose: 38,881,391 (67.6%)
(Although hospitalisations/ventilator use is up, it is a smaller rise than last week. Are we reaching the peak of this wave? Let's hope so... )

Rep. Of Ireland: 1,477,112 (+2,738) cases and 6,805 (+6) losses of life.

World: 493,330,951 reported cases and 6,181,214 losses of life.

getting vaccinated is your best defence UK Government

Now that free testing has ended in England, the UK NHS list of COVID symptoms has been expanded. (Obviously those 2 things are entirely unrelated, I've no idea why I put them together like that.):
"Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) in adults can include:
- a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick"
Close inspection reveals the list for children is EXACTLY THE SAME, so that's handy.
Obviously any or even all of those symptoms still doesn't mean you have COVID, but you are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms of COVID including a high temperature, or don't feel well enough to go to work or do normal activities.

Thursday, 24 March 2022

People's History Museum, Manchester (Review Visit)

Last October we were invited over to take a good look around People's History Museum in Manchester, but then my 11 and 13 year old boys caught COVID and our plan was put on pause. This February half term we jumped on the tram into Manchester for a day looking at the history of the people who helped make our world what it is today. 

People's History Museum Manchester review (we had a complimentary lunch for review)

People's History Museum is really easy to get to, just a short walk from a couple of different tram stops, right in the centre of Manchester. 

It is a challenging museum. It asks you to think about what you see. I like that, and my children have been raised to question, so I'm stunned I haven't ever taken them before. I think life just got in the way for us, so this visit was definitely overdue... 

People's History Museum Manchester collage of 10 photos with images from throughout the museum

Thursday, 20 January 2022

A Mechanic, A Snail, A Bluebell and Ants... Self-published picture books for younger children (sent for review)

I don't get as much time as I'd like to review children's books nowadays, but today I am very happy to bring you 4 self-published illustrated story books for younger children. Full of pictures and ideal to read together, or for beginner readers to practise reading alone...

4 Children's Picture Books laid out in a square on the table

Thursday, 25 November 2021

(Sent for review) IDo3D Ultra Review - 2 Pen Funky Pets 3D Modelling Set (Age 8+)

We've been sent the IDo3D Ultra 2 Pen Funky Pets Set for review - this is a 3D modelling pen which sets the 'ink' under the enclosed UV light in less than 1 minute.
Suitable for age 8+, it's a very affordable introduction to thinking and creating in 3D - you can even draw vertically, straight up into the air... 

I Do 3D 2 Pen Activity Set Funky Pets box front and contents beside - instruction sheet 2 x pens 1 x UV light

Inside the I Do 3D Activity Set are 2 x pens in green and yellow, with screw on twist close nibs. There is a 3 bulb UV light which actually clips over the pen to 'light up as you draw', 1 x themed mould/tracing sheet, 1 x plain non-stick drawing sheet and an instruction sheet.

Don't miss the little press-out tool - it is really handy for scraping and shaping the wet ink. 

ido3d pack contents pen system screw on twist close nibs etc

Friday, 8 October 2021

Ad | Review: Akedo - Ultimate Arcade Warriors from Moose Toys (age 6+)

Akedo - Ultimate Arcade Warriors are the brand new battling collectible from Moose Toys, and tie in with the animated series on Nickelodeon. We've been sent 3 of the new product range to review, and it's been a lot of fun all round! These little retro Arcade Warrior action figures have a built-in 'realistic battling action', at a micro collectible scale, and they're really easy to play with too, thanks to the clever, battery-free control system.

Ad | Review: Akedo - Ultimate Arcade Warriors 3 packs shown unpoened

The packaging does have a lot of single-use plastic, but it's at least very easy to open (you'll find it easier with scissors for some of the ties) and there are no batteries required - so you can play straightaway. 

We've been sent:
Single Pack (£4.99) - 1x Akedo Warrior, 1x Trigger Controller
Versus Pack (£9.99) - 2x Akedo Warriors (one of which is an"Epic" Warrior), 2x Trigger Controllers
Starter Pack (£14.99) This special pack has everything you need to train warriors and play the official tournament rules of Akedo - 3x Akedo Warriors, 1x Joystick Controller, 1x Training Accessory
There are rules/instructions for play and a collectors guide inside each pack, so you can drool over your favourites, and work out which sets you'll find them in.

Thursday, 23 September 2021

LEGO NINJAGO Empire Temple of Madness Review Set 71712 Age 9+ (Sent for review)

Over the years one of my children has collected several LEGO NINJAGO dragons, so the LEGO NINJAGO Empire Temple of Madness set 71712 took his eye immediately. We were sent this set for review, and no surprises, the 12 year old was on it like a shot... 

LEGO 71712 Empire Temple of Madness image of front of box showing built product

This is an 810 piece set, which is recommended for builders aged 9 and over, and we agree with that assessment. My 12 year old had no problem building independently, and was not at all disappointed with either the build or the final model. 

Monday, 22 March 2021

(Sent for review) Ends Of The Earth Young Fiction (Changeling Saga Book 2) by Ian P Buckingham

Ends of the Earth is the second book in Ian P Buckingham's Changeling Saga. Old world Cornish myth and fantasy meets modern Cornish reality, with the Savage family, descendants of the ancient Trelgathwin family.

In the first book, Legends Of The Lost, we met the family, split in two halves many years earlier.  The incident had been wiped from all of their minds - but shadows and glimpses of something 'not quite right' had always remained.

Memories and relationships restored, Ends Of The Earth finds everyone living a comfortable and cosy 'normal' life. Lovely as it is, young Savannah (who is a bit of a mermaid) longs to be back in the sea, and parents Elouisa and James are both wilting with the lack of adventure.

Cover photo with striking image of flames and fire over a building which looks detroyed, with sihouette of person with arms stretched out wide

James has an opportunity to go to Africa with his Lecturing work, and can take some of the family with him. The rest, Nanna Jo decides, can go with her down to Cornwall for some seaside time. Everyone is happy.

Naturally it isn't long before strange things start to happen... In Africa Henry (who is a bit of a werewolf) spots not only poachers, but a strange, rude, maggoty person type creature. Down in Cornwall, sea creatures inform Savannah and her sister Lucy that problems are afoot under the sea. 


Wednesday, 25 November 2020

(Ad|Review) Gift Ideas For Pre-Teens - 8-12 Year Olds

Choosing gifts when your child enters that 'in between' stage can feel like you are entering the wilderness. They don't play with toys very much, but they aren't necessarily ready for gig tickets, make up and alcohol. We've been there 7 times now, and actually there are tons of things that have been universally enjoyed here, so there must be at least a couple of other kids out there who would enjoy them too... 

A Telescope.

It doesn't matter who you are, the sky is vast and full of possibility, and the stars are hypnotic. Wishes waiting to fall. We were sent a couple of great examples this year for review, and they're incredibly different. 

Boys messing about and making each other laugh  with telescope in garden
The GeoSafari Vega 360 Telescope (Age 8+) from Learning Resources just needs the large parts screwing together and you are good to go. We spent a long time examining the moon with this, and the owl in our tree! 

GeoSafari 360 Vega Children's Telescope review for Learning Resources

Comes with different eyepieces, a guide and activity booklet. Rrp £48 in store or direct from Learning Resources.  Here's our full GeoSafari Vega 360 Telescope Review

A Paper or Card Construction Craft Kit

If you are a bit more interested in how things work, and yours is the type of child who takes things to pieces, or gets joy from making something themselves, then we also reviewed the Build Your Own Telescope Kit (age 8+). They have several different models available, including a fantastic marble run. 

Build Your Own Paper Telescope STEM toy review Age 8+

Monday, 9 November 2020

The Box - Game And Puzzle Compendium Giveaway - from Around The Box (age 3-99+)

Christmas is coming, and what could be better than a giveaway! Last month we were sent a copy of The Box (and standalone game Penguin Party) from 'Around The Box' for review, and they've kindly offered The Box for one of my readers as an early Christmas present...

The Box  rectangular small box shown on fluffy background with text title

So, what's in The Box? This is a fantastic modern game and puzzle compendium, which has been really carefully put together. It offers masses of activities to keep you occupied, all in a very small and easily portable box with a magnetic fastener. The contents are suitable for anyone 3+, almost entirely wooden, and can even be washed. It could last a lifetime. 

Open Box from the top, showing all of the contents within. Mostly wooden

The Box has lots of scope for you to play alone, but it really takes on a whole new dimension when you play together. There are no complicated rules, nothing requires a lot of gameplay talk, so The Box encourages chatter - and laughter. We've had loads of fun playing with this, as hopefully you can clearly see in my full Around The Box review. 

Wednesday, 4 November 2020

Around The Box Reviews - Penguin Party Family Game and The Box - compendium of wooden games and puzzles (age 3-99+) Sent for review

'The Box' is a really carefully curated compendium of games, puzzles, fidgets and things to do. It's very small, and neat, virtually plastic-free (mostly wood), and perfect for anyone with time on their hands.  Everything in it can be washed, so it's ideal for someone who is ill. And it's really a gorgeous thing... 

Around The Box was founded by husband and wife team, David and Alice. They first created The Box to give families with someone in hospital something special to do. It isn't just about the games and puzzles, they feel what’s most important is what happens around The Box. It brings people together. 

Around The Box and Penguin Party games packaged away

So what is inside The Box? 
All together the contents can be used for a really good variety of different games and puzzles. I've counted 11 already, and that doesn't include all of the extra suggestions, or "just playing penguins", which my 10 year old was doing earlier - with sound effects... Contents are packaged in single-use plastic, which usually I don't like, but as the compendium was designed to be appropriate for hospital use, in this case it's perfect. 

The BOX modern wooden games and puzzles compendium contents displayed in small arrangement on table

The games and puzzles are all very easy to pick up and play, some of them have no rules, some are much more structured.  They include things like:
T Time - create a T shape using all of the shaped wooden blocks. 
Rocket Launch - remove the rocket without touching the base
Curious Cube - turn the cube into a snake (easy), and back again (not so easy).
Measure Up - tape measure games 
Penguin Party - which is also available as a standalone game. 

Contents of Around THe BOx washable eco friendly game compendium

It's beautiful, it really is. The wood is lovely in your hands, and the whole box full is very classic and elegant. Everything is very tactile, so if you want to fidget, there's plenty here. 

Monday, 2 November 2020

Picture Show Shadow Charade Game Review (Age 7+) Sent by Asmodee

 October's review for Asmodee Blogger Boardgame Club is a little late (sorry!), but earlier in the Autumn they sent us Picture Show: Shadow Charade Game for review. This is a great family game which doesn't involve writing clues, miming, drawing, or even acting - instead players use pre-cut magnetic shapes, a screen and lighting, and recreate their scenario, word or phrase using the medium of shadow puppetry. 

Suitable for anyone aged over around 7, and 2 teams of 2-4 people each, or even more if you can fit them around the table, it's loads of fun! 

Picture Show Shadow Charade Game box front with illustration of gameplay and smiley people

Inside the box is everything you'll need except the batteries - 3 x AAA, and a crosshead screwdriver to fit them. 

Picture Show family party game review box contents

Before first play you'll need to allow 10 minutes to 'press out' all of the magnetic shapes. Be careful because they are thick and well made, but some are a little bit easy to bend, and you don't want to lose a foot. 

Wednesday, 23 September 2020

Big Potato P For Pizza Family Party Game Review (age 8+) Sent by Big Potato

Big Potato have got some brand new games this Autumn, and they've sent us a bunch to take a look at. The first is P for Pizza - and as usual there's no lengthy set-up time, it has easy instructions and anyone can play. 

P For Pizza is suitable for 2-4 players aged around 8+. It's a fast-paced game and you'll need to be pretty quick to be in with a chance of winning! It's far more funny than seriously competitive though... 

P for Pizza game resting in grenn shredded paper with card saying get it while it's hot

Big Potato have amazing modern design, and their packaging is always bold and really attractive. P For Pizza is no exception, and naturally it's shaped like a Pizza slice. EVERYTHING is plastic-free, the cards are even held together with paper during transit (nice one). 

Included is a sheet of cool little stickers, which we did fight over (so hide them before you show anyone else)....

Contents of P for Pizza game box displayed on table

Monday, 3 August 2020

Conservation Crisis Strategy Board Game Giveaway (Age 7+) With Tunza Games.

We've just reviewed Conservation Crisis, which was sent to us by Tunza Games, and I'm pleased to say they've offered one of my readers a copy for themselves. Easy to play and suitable for 2-4 players or teams aged around 7+, there's a lot of strategy involved, so competitive adults will enjoy this as much as younger players. 

Conservation Crisis Family Board Game Giveaway (age 7+) With Tunza Games

This is a clever family board game which makes you really think about some of the real problems facing communities and conservationists, all while playing a game. 

Manage your wildlife reserve and save as many animals as possible, while keeping the local community and the donors happy, and the reserve maintained. It's actually incredibly easy to play, and with a bit of luck a new young player can do just as well as a competitive adult, so it's a great one for different age groups to play together. You can find my full Conservation Crisis game review here