World Book Day 2021

Hands up who is feeling a bit relieved that they haven't got to make a costume for World Book Day!? I admit I did breathe a sigh of relief when I realised. That said, there is still a lot going on for World Book Day and we have collated it all in this article to make it easy for you to find!

You will find lots of resources and activities on the World Book Day website here.

Here are a few ideas to get everyone involved:

• create a book nook in your bedroom
• record yourself telling/reading a story and send it to a friend
• make a book mark
• bake something that reminds you of a story, like gingerbread men
• make puppets to retell a story
• write a sequel to your favourite story
• design a new book cover

This Book Scavenger Hunt should keep the kids busy for a while - enough time at least for you to have a coffee and put your feet up for 20 minutes! Save the image to your phone and print or you can download both by clicking here!

We've created one for preschool children too!

Why not ask them to write a book review of their favourite book - you can actually do this directly on the amazon website!

There are lots of virtual events and LIVE zooms with children's authors. There are all free although you may need to register to be involved. Click the links for more information.

The Art of Being a Brilliant Teenager - Author Event 

The Art of Being a Brilliant Kid - Author Event

World Book Day: Share a Story Live

Core Collision presents: Harry Potter 

Julia Donaldson and Friends 

World Book Day: Tom Palmer - Over the Line 

Will you be celebrating World Book Day? We would love to know what you will be getting up to. Let us know!

It's that time of year when the bluebells are in full bloom. They don't last for long so if you want to go and see them, take some photos and enjoy the woodland, we have some suggestions for you.

This is the list we used last year so we are hoping that this year there will be blue carpets in all the same places!

• Warley Place Nature Reserve, Brentwood CM14 5LN - free parking but the car park is very small
• Hartswood, King George’s Park, Brentwood CM14 5AE - parking is no longer free, pay via app.
• South Weald Country Park, Brentwood CM14 5QS - park by the cricket pitch enter woods on the left, pay for parking via app or at machines.
• Franks Wood, Cranham Brickfields, Upminster  RM14 1HR - park at Sunnycroft Gardens and walk straight past the play area and into the woods. Follow the path and turn left. Free parking but car park very small.
• Cely Woods, Aveley RM14 2TF
• Hanningfield Reservoir, Billericay CM11 1WT.
• Larch Wood at Bedford Park, Havering atta Bower RM4 1QH - walk down the hill with the play area behind you and car park on your right. Enter Larch Wood and turn left. Parking is free.
• Norsey Woods, Billericay CM11 1HA
• The Manor Nature Reserve, Harold Hill RM3 9XR - small free carpark.
• Belhus Woods, Aveley RM15 4XJ - pay for parking via app or at machines on site.

**Please be careful while you are out not to trample, sit or walk on the bluebells as they damage very easily and this affects their ability to rebloom. They can take between 4 and 6 years to rebloom again. Stick to the paths and clearings! 
**Please don't pick the flowers as Native English Bluebells are a protected species.

If you know of somewhere else in the local area where you can see bluebells contact us and we will add it to our list.

We have put together a great list of activities for those kids who crave something a bit more exciting! There's everything from zip-lining to paintballing, white water rafting to kayaking!

Check it out and let us know if you've already done any of these

70 Free (& Cheap!) Things to do in London with Kids 2024

We live so close to our capital city and I am guessing most of us don't make the most of what's on offer - I know I don't!

You won't find any of what I call the 'big ticket' days out here. This is more about making the most of the city and exploring the hidden gems, it's about finding family friendly activities and planning days out that won't cost the earth.

We have found:

• Tips on public transport and how to make the most of it
• Interesting places that you might not know about
• Places to visit to see amazing views of the city
• Play parks - what's a day out without a chance to let off steam in a playground?!
• City Farms
• Museums & galleries with family friendly events and areas to explore
• Fountains and splash areas to cool off on a hot day - ok so you can save this bit for later in the year!
• Ideas for teens

And so much more.

Click here and start planning your next day out!