, within the reading scheme introduces new things and practises the skills and knowledge learned in the previous levels. Some schemes, like Oxford Reading Tree, work on stages, with the stages related to age, whilst others like Collins Big Cat, Rigby Star

and vivacious illustrations. “I wrote the book specifically for Trisha,” says Child. “I know all the things she enjoys illustrating, like peacocks, butterflies, moustachioed men and glamorous women, and I knew she’d do a wonderful job. I couldn't imagine anyone

of the peonies, in their vibrant pinks and red.How do you create new styles every season?Designing is easy, and spontaneous. It can be something that I wore as a child, something that I see on the bus, or in a book. Inspiration comes from anywhere – a pair

to him, he may open and close his mouth in a direct imitation of what you’re doing. And even if you’re doing something mundane such as the washing, you will find that your older baby will want to join in. He will try and put things in the washing machine

relaxed, it is a fun, social thing to do, better than being stuck at home,” she says – but, for her, the cut-off point was when it began to be seen as ‘work’.If you haven’t been put off yet, the first step is to send a photograph of your child to a

that his hands can do things with objects that his eyes can see, which is why he will constantly reach out and grab things – at this stage, it doesn’t matter what the shape is. However, within a few months, three dimensions become very important: as he

1. Dress and undressIf she finds it hard to do up her shoes, buy slip-ons with Velcro fastenings. If buttons are a problem, but trousers or skirts with elastic waists and coats with simple fasteners.2. Go to the toilet unsupervisedGet into a toilet

in Farnborough, Kent but brought up in Surrey.Do you have brothers and sisters? If so, can you tell me a bit about them?I have an older brother called Michael AKA ‘Brother Bear’ who is three years older than me. He’s a lovely big brother - extremely loyal

doing girly things their parents can get very upset.” Although it’s seen as perfectly acceptable for a girl to dress up as a cowboy, it can be rather worrying if your little boy enjoys dressing as a nurse or playing in the Wendy house. Understanding your

your boring daughter, so surely the last thing you’d want is for her to come and get ignored.”DILEMMA: The party entertainer has failed to turn up. Now what?SOLUTION: Imagine the scenario: thirty excited children are crowded into your house