With impressively broad shoulders, an oversized Panama hat, with shades of Orson Welles, and a neat line in jingly-jangly guitar riffs, you’d never guess that the eponymous monster in this Parisian tale is actually a giant, singing flea.The result of delivery man Raoul and his si...

Children’s Chair. “There are some great designs in children’s chairs for lounging and playing,” says Phyllis Richardson, author of Designed For Kids.“The Trioli chair by Eero Aarnio for Magis and the Min.Chair by Chul Min Kang are both wonderful pieces

Why is it that modern mothers sometimes seem to be determined to feel guilty about anything and everything. You work full-time? How can you possibly spend enough quality time with your children! You gave up your career to become a mother? How can

the journey on a long-haul flight, with a stopover in, say, Singapore en route to Australia. Research airlines that go the extra mile for children – Gulf Air, for example, has fantastic (and free) Sky Nannies to help parents with children’s meals

Reading regularly with children can dramatically reduce disruptive behaviour, according to a study carried out at eight primary schools in the London borough of Lambeth by the Institute of Psychiatry. The key to the scheme wasn't reading in itself

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by 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 beautiful butterfly has

to five times a day on average, children can manage an astonishing 300 guffaws with ease. In the fast pace of frenetic family life, it’s easy to forget about the power of humour, so how can you make sure you are giving your child his recommended daily dose

that pays homage to her love for retro Seventies’ patterns. Colours by Orla Kiely (Egmont, £9.99)Read Junior's exclusive interview with Orla KielyFind out… Who all of the lucky winners are in our Children’s Books categories

If your child is having difficulty with reading, she may have a particular problem. Dyslexia affects 10 per cent of the population to varying degrees. Children with dyslexia find reading a slow and tiring chore, so it is hardly surprising

Dublin may be known as a party city but it's also fabulously fun with children, whether it's a visit to an interactive museum or a family-friendly festival.Dublin Zoo Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. Tel: 00 353 1 474 8900; www.dublinzoo.ie. Set in the vast