for a family break. For children, there’s a cabin bedroom, a den with beanbags, baskets of toys and nursery equipment, plus enclosed gardens. The Mill can sleep six adults and four children, plus cots, with prices starting from £6,000 per week.The Cove

, but it was not a conscious decision. I think a lot of books and rhymes follow this kind of rhythm, and it is one that children are familiar with and enjoy.What do you think would appeal to a child about the repetition of all the different sounds?I think it

were rare, but I was certain I had one on my hands.As parents, we have huge expectations for our children. They are going to be good at all the things we found hard and succeed where we failed. But by the time we have had two or three children, we tend

out as a familyWhen in London, we love going to places like Petersham Nurseries for lunch. It combines the eating experience with something extra –  good food in a beautiful venue, as well as plants and flowers to look at, and space enough for the boys

1 The Very Hungry Caterpillarby Eric Carle (Puffin, £5.99)Not many children’s books achieve worldwide sales that would humble a U2 album, but Eric Carle’s classic picture book about a caterpillar munching his way to becoming a