Book of Children’s Games by Debra Wise and Sandy Forrest, McGraw-Hill, £9.99.I’m Bored! and I’m Bored… Again! by Suzy Barratt and Polly Beard, Bloomsbury, £7.99 each.Mama’s Little Book of Tricks by Lynn Brunelle, Chronicle Books, £7.99.

FIVE OF THE BEST PLACES TO BUY ORIGINAL ARTWORK FOR THE NURSERY1 Images Of Delight A specialist dealer in original contemporary children's book illustration, Images Of Delight offers over 500 pieces of artwork from about 40 of the UK

and elk. For fans of Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking books, a visit to Junibacken is a must, where children can play in Pippi’s house, try on clothes and ride her horse. Grand Hotel has a waterfront position near the Royal Palace and Old Town. Or stay

.thanoshotels.com), or at Le Meridien spa and hotel in Limassol, which has an amazing spa as well as an indoor pool, a children’s club and a range of activities. Book either hotel with Tots Too. Tel: 020 7284 3344; www.totstoo.comFebruary Carnivals in Gran Canaria

book one bedroom and receive another bedroom for their children free. Children under three receive complimentary food and drinks, and for parents there’s the Michelin-starred restaurant and the Balmoral Bar for cocktails or a superb malt whiskey

-increasing fuel supplements. Train travel isn’t cheap either, but it’s greener than flying and can actually be a lot of fun with children. Now that Eurostar departs from St Pancras, the improved connections to Europe present a real alternative to flying if your

is sure to impress and pamper all the family with its slick service. Children under 18 can share their parents’ room at no extra charge. There are special children’s menus, colouring books, board games and DVDs to borrow. Babysitting services are available

. At the other end of the price scale, the seven villas at the Santa Marina hotel in Mykonos are gorgeous, with minimalist interiors, private pools, fully-equipped kitchens and all the amenities of the hotel on site – including a private beach, a children’s pool

pieces (increase the number of pieces for older children) in a curvy shape from top to bottom so each picture has a left and a right side. Let your toddler put the ‘puzzle pieces’ back together.5. Three triangles   Using three pieces of A4 cardboard, cut

into Exmoor can be arranged for both children and adults. Tel: 01643 862463 or visit www.burrowhayes.co.uk 3. Safari Tented Lodges, GloucestershireSet in a wooded glade overlooking the sea, book the whole site for a group holiday, or hire tents individually