to be tumbles! Another thing to consider is that it will be cold, obviously, and that iceskating boots are bulky and uncomfortable – both things that young children are not often the best at tolerating. But once you find your feet – it requires a mix of balance

and has brakes is a good idea, but this can be difficult for younger children to 'drive'. It's best if younger children ride with an adult, and only on very gentle, short slopes. We've selected some of our favourites toboggans and sledges for children here

Born Toyland, 1949Defining moment "What's your name?" shouted Big Ears. "I haven't got one," said the nodding man. "What do you suppose my name ought to be?" "Noddy, I should think!" said Big Ears. "Yes! I think your name is Noddy, little nodding man."Why we love Noddy* His sarto...

Name MogBorn 1970Defining moment "Once there was a cat called Mog and she lived with a family called Thomas. Mog was nice but not very clever. She didn't understand a lot of things. A lot of other things she forgot. She was a very forgetful cat."Why we love Mog* She's a dopey old...

Name BabarBorn Paris, 1931Defining moment Babar first appeared in French L'Histoire De Babar, written and illustrated by Jean de Brunhoff. The English translation, The Story Of Babar, was published by Methuen in 1933: "In the great forest, a little elephant was born. His name was...

Name TintinBorn 1929Defining moment Tintin made his debut appearance in Le Petit Vingtieme, a supplement for young people of the daily newspaper Le XXe Siecle in Brussells. "We are always eager to satisfy our readers and keep them up to date on foreign affairs. We have therefore ...

Name Harry the Dirty DogBorn 1956Defining moment "Harry was a white dog with black spots, who liked everything except... having a bath. So one day when he heard the water running in the tub, he took the scrubbing brush and buried it in the back garden."Why we love Harry* He's the...

production. The same year, Lauren penned her first children’s novel, starring Clarice Bean, the heroine she claims will always be her favourite, in Utterly Me, Clarice Bean (Orchard, £7.99). Lauren’s second novel Clarice Bean Spells Trouble (Orchard, £7

Variations, which consists of an aria and 30 variations,” says Allan.“Most children are already very familiar with the traditional story of Goldilocks, so it’s fun to mix it up a bit.” But isn’t the idea of talking furniture a tad surreal for a young audience

. When he tries to do the washing, he floods the whole house in the process.* The illustrations have a nostalgic feel that appeals to parents - while children love the naughty antics and the chaos he creates.* He's practically a national hero in America