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Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term
Books help improve the development of your children's brains: from speech and language to memory PAPER CHASE From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term THERE is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age. But research has found kids reading enjoyment has plummeted to its worst level in almost two decades. Advertisement 11 There is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age Credit: Getty That is despite the National Literacy Trust studies showing reading for pleasure benefits empathy, confidence and wellbeing. Children's author Adam Kay, whose new book Simon Gets Sneezed comes out in July, told The Sun: 'Not only does a love of books award you a lifelong membership to an infinite world of stories and adventure, reading for pleasure is crucially important for children. 'It literally improves the development of their brains: from speech and language to memory and attention.' So here, books editor Veronica Lorraine brings you ten of the best new children's books for half term. Advertisement Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost JOIN Puppy and friends for a colourful, fun and hilarious rhyming adventure – can you follow the actions and do the Wobbly Bottom dance? (Farshore, Preschoolers, £6.99) 11 Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost Credit: Supplied Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne FARMER does all the jobs on the farm, and she does them perfectly. Advertisement When Farmer falls ill, her loyal sheepdog Flo must come to the rescue. 11 Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne is about Farmer and her dog Credit: Supplied (Templar books, age 3+, £7.99) Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron A DELIGHTFULLY disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale. Advertisement Man starts personalised children's books company after being made redundant and it's expected to turn over £1.3 million this year It's bedtime for Blob, although they just might need some persuading . . . 11 Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron is a delightfully disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale Credit: Supplied (Puffin, age 3-7, £7.99) Dadbot by Jack Noel FULL of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping, this hilarious graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey and reluctant readers. Advertisement (Piccadilly Press, age 7+, £8.99) 11 Dadbot by Jack Noel is a graphic novel full of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping Credit: Supplied Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine BETTY isn't supposed to have a yeti living in her room, but what the grown-ups don't now won't hurt them? Will it end in disaster or will Betty and the Yeti become friends? Advertisement 11 Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 6+, £9.99) Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay DEXTER started speaking at four seconds old. By the age of three, he had 87 A-levels. Advertisement 11 Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay Credit: Supplied And by ten, he was working as a paediatrician at the hospital. (Puffin, age 6+, £7.99) Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth POETRY collection serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood, crafted with wisdom and warmth by the author. Advertisement (Templar Books, age 7+, £16.99) 11 Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth is a poetry collection that serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood Credit: Supplied Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick HAZARD is an ordinary town where strangeness is a way of life. When Travis, Zayd, Siline and Danielle start a school project, it changes everything. Advertisement 11 Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 9+, £7.99) Heir Of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray BLAZE, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire. Then she is thrust into battle – and the limelight. Advertisement 11 Heir Of Storms is about Blaze who is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire Credit: Supplied (Penguin, Young Adult, £9.99) Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody VIOLET is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again. Then meets the captain of the Ransom Devils… Advertisement 11 Violet is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again in Rival Darling Credit: Supplied (Electric Monkey, YA, £9.99)
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term
THERE is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age. But research has found Advertisement 11 There is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age Credit: Getty That is despite the National Literacy Trust studies showing reading for pleasure benefits empathy, confidence and wellbeing. Children's author Adam Kay, whose new book Simon Gets Sneezed comes out in July, told The Sun: 'Not only does a love of books award you a lifelong membership to an infinite world of stories and adventure, reading for pleasure is crucially important for children. 'It literally improves the development of their brains: from speech and language to memory and attention.' So here, books editor Veronica Lorraine brings you ten of the best new children's books for half term. Advertisement Read More on Fabulous Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost JOIN Puppy and friends for a colourful, fun and hilarious rhyming adventure – can you follow the actions and do the Wobbly Bottom dance? (Farshore, Preschoolers, £6.99) 11 Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost Credit: Supplied Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne FARMER does all the jobs on the farm, and she does them perfectly. Advertisement When Farmer falls ill, her loyal sheepdog Flo must come to the rescue. Most read in Fabulous 11 Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne is about Farmer and her dog Credit: Supplied (Templar books, age 3+, £7.99) Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron A DELIGHTFULLY disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale. Advertisement Man starts personalised children's books company after being made redundant and it's expected to turn over £1.3 million this year It's bedtime for Blob, although they just might need some persuading . . . 11 Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron is a delightfully disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale Credit: Supplied (Puffin, age 3-7, £7.99) Dadbot by Jack Noel FULL of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping, this hilarious graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey and reluctant readers. Advertisement (Piccadilly Press, age 7+, £8.99) 11 Dadbot by Jack Noel is a graphic novel full of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping Credit: Supplied Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine BETTY isn't supposed to have a yeti living in her room, but what the grown-ups don't now won't hurt them? Will it end in disaster or will Betty and the Yeti become friends? Advertisement 11 Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 6+, £9.99) Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay DEXTER started speaking at four seconds old. By the age of three, he had 87 A-levels. Advertisement 11 Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay Credit: Supplied And by ten, he was working as a paediatrician at the hospital. (Puffin, age 6+, £7.99) Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth POETRY collection serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood, crafted with wisdom and warmth by the author. Advertisement (Templar Books, age 7+, £16.99) 11 Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth is a poetry collection that serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood Credit: Supplied Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick HAZARD is an ordinary town where strangeness is a way of life. When Travis, Zayd, Siline and Danielle start a school project, it changes everything. Advertisement 11 Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 9+, £7.99) Heir Of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray BLAZE, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire. Then she is thrust into battle – and the limelight. Advertisement 11 Heir Of Storms is about Blaze who is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire Credit: Supplied (Penguin, Young Adult, £9.99) Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody VIOLET is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again. Then meets the captain of the Ransom Devils… Advertisement 11 Violet is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again in Rival Darling Credit: Supplied (Electric Monkey, YA, £9.99)
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term
Veronica Lorraine, Gardening Editor and Associate Head of Features Published: Invalid Date, THERE is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age. But research has found kids reading enjoyment has plummeted to its worst level in almost two decades. That is despite the National Literacy Trust studies showing reading for pleasure benefits empathy, confidence and wellbeing. Children's author Adam Kay, whose new book Simon Gets Sneezed comes out in July, told The Sun: 'Not only does a love of books award you a lifelong membership to an infinite world of stories and adventure, reading for pleasure is crucially important for children. 'It literally improves the development of their brains: from speech and language to memory and attention.' So here, books editor Veronica Lorraine brings you ten of the best new children's books for half term. Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost JOIN Puppy and friends for a colourful, fun and hilarious rhyming adventure – can you follow the actions and do the Wobbly Bottom dance? (Farshore, Preschoolers, £6.99) Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne FARMER does all the jobs on the farm, and she does them perfectly. When Farmer falls ill, her loyal sheepdog Flo must come to the rescue. 11 (Templar books, age 3+, £7.99) Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron A DELIGHTFULLY disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale. Man starts personalised children's books company after being made redundant and it's expected to turn over £1.3 million this year It's bedtime for Blob, although they just might need some persuading . . . 11 (Puffin, age 3-7, £7.99) Dadbot by Jack Noel FULL of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping, this hilarious graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey and reluctant readers. (Piccadilly Press, age 7+, £8.99) Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine BETTY isn't supposed to have a yeti living in her room, but what the grown-ups don't now won't hurt them? Will it end in disaster or will Betty and the Yeti become friends? 11 (Farshore, age 6+, £9.99) Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay DEXTER started speaking at four seconds old. By the age of three, he had 87 A-levels. And by ten, he was working as a paediatrician at the hospital. (Puffin, age 6+, £7.99) Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth POETRY collection serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood, crafted with wisdom and warmth by the author. (Templar Books, age 7+, £16.99) Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick HAZARD is an ordinary town where strangeness is a way of life. When Travis, Zayd, Siline and Danielle start a school project, it changes everything. 11 (Farshore, age 9+, £7.99) Heir Of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray BLAZE, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire. Then she is thrust into battle – and the limelight. (Penguin, Young Adult, £9.99) Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody VIOLET is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again. Then meets the captain of the Ransom Devils… 11 (Electric Monkey, YA, £9.99)
The Guardian
24-03-2025
- General
- The Guardian
From sex toy safety to supply chains: why testing vibrators isn't as fun as you might think
When people learn that my job as a sexual wellbeing specialist involves reviewing vibrators for the Filter – as their official Vibe Rater, if you will – they assume I've got it easy. That my work, in every conceivable way, must be a pleasure. But I get my hands dirty, probing everything from sustainability to sensitive data security to supply chains, to ensure buyers don't get (non-consensually) shafted. Vibrators are coming out from under the covers. They used to feel shameful and secretive, picked from a mail-order magazine or a poky shop with blacked-out windows; today, we're infinitely more liberated about toy ownership. We're putting our hands in our pockets, too: the global sex toy market was valued at approximately $37.5bn last year, and it is projected to climb to $83.85bn within the next decade. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. But navigating this sprawling landscape can feel overwhelming. And while 'adult appliances' may now be 10 a penny, it's not uncommon for top-end devices to cost hundreds. Reading a switched-on guide before you buy is a must. Here's a little insight into some of the things I had to consider when writing mine. Erotic gadget retail can be a mucky – even dangerous – business in ways you may not expect. The first international standard for sex toy safety, ISO 3533, was introduced only in 2021. Prompted by studies that showed an increase in emergency room admissions after accidents with poorly designed stimulators, the standard attempts to make toys less perilous. Yet abiding by ISO 3533 is voluntary, not mandatory. Moreover, it assumes toy manufacturers are sufficiently knowledgable and rigorous enough to conduct their own risk assessments. Having toured many factories where men previously in finance 'thought it'd be cool' to start a sexy business, I can attest to the alarming number of people who don't know their arse from their elbow creating items intended for use on the genitals. So: ISO mark or not, the first thing I analysed in my vibrator guide, to the best of my ability, was safety. Items that might land you in A&E or as an anecdote in Adam Kay's latest book were immediately discounted. One cheap bullet vibe I tested had a loop of fabric cord, so you could 'hang it round your wrist or in the shower'. Add residues from lubricant, body fluids and bathroom mould spores to that cord, and it'd quickly get more hazardous to health than Rapunzel's plait during an outbreak of nits. Big no. The most impressive toys I assessed usually resulted from multiple rounds of R&D, rather than rushed out to jump on trends. Notably excellent inventions have also emerged from developers actively considering how it's not just able-bodied, neurotypical people who desire and deserve sexual pleasure. Adult toy brand Rocks Off dedicated years to finessing its Quest range of accessible toys, collaborating with disability charity Enhance the UK. The entire shopping experience, 'from a clearly navigable website to packaging that could be opened easily, even using your teeth – was designed, developed and tested by disabled people', says charity CEO Jennie Williams. 'We had to consider factors such as how sensory issues can impact toy texture for neurodiverse users; how deaf people may worry about vibrator loudness, and being unaware of whether anyone can overhear them masturbating; and how bigger, LED-lit buttons might assist visually impaired people.' I'd wager several of the inventions that emerged from this process could benefit everybody's body. Take Rocks Off's Elevate cock ring: it has four hoops around the outside to make it a cinch to pull open and slide on and off, even if your grip or dexterity is limited, or your fingers are covered in slippery lube. There's a lot more at play with sex toys than first meets the eye, so I hope my reviews prove helpful. Will more adult product guides be on the horizon for the Filter? Well. Never say nether. The best hair straighteners for foolproof styling, tried and tested by our expert Small but mighty! The best travel-size toiletries for your next trip 'I didn't hate it, but I didn't feel particularly well afterwards': the best (and worst) vegan cheese, tested Otty Original Hybrid mattress review: the best hybrid mattress you can buy – and also one of the cheapest The best iPhones in 2025: which Apple smartphone is right for you, according to our expert Knitting is cool again. Here's everything you need to get started – and what you don't From a bath soak to help them sleep to an affordable coffee press to improve their morning caffeine hit; extra chocolatey biscuits (rated highly by Grace Dent) to Jess Cartner-Morley-approved pumps; massage balls for sore shoulders to life-affirming novels, every item in our bumper Mother's Day gift guide is designed for the wellbeing and happiness of the mother in your life. And for the traditionalists among you, there's even a bunch of letterbox flowers. Take it from us: we've got Mothering Sunday (30 March this year) covered. Hannah BoothEditor, the Filter If a big bouquet is more your mum's style, read our guide to the best online flower delivery services. Zoë Phillimore put them to the test, filling her house with 17 bouquets (and prompting her regular courier drivers to ask if everything was OK) so we could recommend only the longest-lasting and most beautiful blooms. There are some sustainable, British-grown options, too. Have you ever been surprised by a brand or retailer going above and beyond on customer service? Maybe they repaired an ancient raincoat for free or brought a much-loved kitchen appliance back to life with a new part. If so, let us know by emailing us at thefilter@
