With Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start stocking up on presents for the big day. At English Heritage Shop we have a range of Eco-Friendly Gifts. Take steps to helping our planet whilst giving loved ones a gift they deserve by shopping eco this Christmas.
Don’t forget you can get 10% off orders over £20 when you use code “10EHS40” at checkout. Code expires 28th January 2022. Code excludes sale items.
#FreeforallFriday Eco Christmas Gifts at English Heritage Shop
Eco Friendly Gifts Available at English Heritage
Stainless Steel Lunchbox: Enjoy food on the go and reduce your use of plastic with this stainless-steel lunch box. The sustainable box is made from long-lasting stainless steel and features two side clasps to ensure your food is kept fresh. Our Price £15.00 – Click here.
Woven Bamboo Storage Basket: Add some bohemian style into your home with this unique storage basket. The warm terracotta colourway means it will blend into your home décor seamlessly while serving a practical purpose. Our Price £18.00 – Click here.
Neon Kactus Reusable Stainless Steel Coffee Cup – Green: Enjoy your hot beverage on-the-go with this reusable cup. The lightweight stainless-steel cup has a matt finish and a compact shape with a leak-proof resealable lid so you can enjoy your beverage wherever you are. Our Price £17.00 – Click here.
Recycled Glass Ripple Bauble – Clear: Add a traditional touch to your Christmas tree with this clear glass bauble. Our Price £6.00 – Click here.
BUILT Recycled Plastic Bottle – Green: Stay hydrated with this recycled plastic water bottle. Crafted from recycled PET plastic, this bottle is made from approximately 15 plastic bottles which would otherwise end up in landfill or our oceans. Our Price £22.00 – Click here.
Moon, Tide & Time Clock: A handy and stylish piece of home décor that allows you to tell the time, check the tides and see what kind of moon it is set to be. Our Price £60.00 – Click here.
Organic Cotton Dish Towel – Olive Green: Make a change that will benefit the environment with this olive green dish towel. Made from 100% organic cotton, this towel is 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Our Price £7.00 – Click here.
Stonehenge Reindeer Hanging Decoration: Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Rudolph and his reindeer friends! Our Price £4.00 – Click here.
BUILT Rose Gold Stainless Steel Travel Mug: Add some style to your morning coffee with this travel mug. The stylish travel mug is a rose gold colour with a grey lid and matching rubber sleeve. Our Price £16.00 – Click here.
Bamboo Spork: Always be prepared when eating on the go and reduce your single use plastic consumption with this bamboo spork. Our Price £6.00 – Click here.
#FreeforallFriday The Eco Edit at English Heritage Shop
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Here is my product review of Earthbreeze Eco Strips laundry detergent. I was excited to sample this product as I am keen to reduce my household plastic consumption.
Earthbreeze Eco Strips lighten your load on the environment. Earthbreeze conveniently delivers their eco strips monthly to your doorstep making them a smart, simple laundry alternative (I like home delivery/subscription services). Earthbreeze Eco Strips are as sensitive to your skin as it is the planet.
It is wrapped in zero waste packaging (biodegradable and recyclable) which replaces plastic jugs.
Comes in easy to use, pre-measured strips getting rid of annoying liquids and detergents. Phosphate and paraben free, vegan, free of chlorine dyes, and bleaches meaning it is as sensitive to your skin as it is the planet.
Lightweight packaging meaning it reduces the carbon footprint to transport and helps reduces plastic jugs.
Our Buy One Give Ten program donated more than 1 million loads of laundry to needy people. Click here for more information.
Recently, we were able to plant 3,200 trees in Ghana, and not just any kind of trees. We partnered with Oregon non-profit BamCashea to plant sacred Shea trees. 🌳 Women entrepreneurs in Ghana use these trees to make and sell shea butter which helps them support their families.
Earthbreeze Eco Strips are a small product with a HUGE impact!
What we believe in
We decided there must be a better way to do laundry. That’s when we decided to create Earthbreeze. We wanted to create a sustainable and green solution to the laundry industry that is not only better for the environment but is also better for your clothes. We also created packaging that is zero waste and that requires about 94% less carbon emissions to transport.
At Earthbreeze we are truly trying to change the way we do laundry. People will be doing laundry today, tomorrow and far into the future. It is a necessity of life and there IS a better way to do it. That’s what we believe in and that’s what we stand behind. We hope you will try the product, enjoy the benefits and help us in changing an age-old industry with no intention of changing itself.
More interesting things about Earth Breeze
🌎You can bury the packaging of Earth Breeze as compost
🌎 You can use Earth Breeze for manual hand washing too. Just soak the eco-sheets in water first.
🌎Saved 750,000 plastic detergent jugs
🌎Kept 562,436 pounds of plastic out of landfills and our oceans
🌎Planted 14,135 trees
🌎 6 beach clean-ups
🌎 Earth Breeze UK warehouse is run on 100% renewable energy supplied by E.ON.
E.ON declares that it procures sufficient electricity from renewable sources
to match the warehouse’s metered electricity consumption.
Electricity sourced E.ON’s renewable generation assets, supply agreements with
independent UK renewable generators and the purchase of renewable electricity certificates.
The electricity supplied comes from the National Grid.
We now have close to 200, 000+ subscribers and we are #18 on Amazon under
laundry detergent category. We regularly donate our products to non-profits and charitable organizations including homeless shelters, homeless outreach, veterans’ organizations, women’s shelters, animal care shelters, disaster relief and more. ❤🌟
We just donated our products to two more pet shelters to be used by their staff: Stray Rescue St. Louis and Georgia’s Bird Sanctuary.
Product Review
My Review of Earthbreeze
I love the minimal packaging of this product, far easier to store than the large, plastic bottle of detergent I currently use. I requested the scented sheets to review, and they smell nice but not overpowering. I will say that when I washed a large load of school uniform and towels last week, I had to rinse the towels again with my old detergent because they didn’t smell clean. I used an extra sheet in my next load of washing and it came out smelling fresh. All the mud and food stains washed out straight away, so I was impressed with that. I think that this product will still work out cheaper to use even if I need extra sheets in some loads of washing. I certainly recommend this and will consider switching to Earthbreeze for my family laundry care.
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Are you planning for a Christmas party this year? And do you struggle to find dresses that fit properly due to your height and size? While I don’t have a huge formal event to attend, I do have theatre dates, meals and outings planned and I want to look glamorous for the occasion.
Here are my top 5 Christmas party dresses for petite women, based on my personal experience (I’m 5’ 1”).
Silver Swing Dress from Wallis
Top 5 Christmas Party Dresses for Petite Women
Petite Black Lace Scuba Bodycon Dress – Click here.
Everyone loves a little black dress, and this one is perfect, with a bit of lace to make you feel special, and a nice, simple shape to the dress. I would wear this to any of my upcoming events, but I think it would be especially nice for a Christmas party.
Ooh, I love the colour of this dress! And I do love velvet, especially at Christmas. This would be perfect for my theatre dates and a meal out with friends. It can be dressed up or down for the occasion, nice and versatile.
Petite Sequin Twist Neck Swing Dress – Click here.
You need a bit of bling at Christmas, and this dress is beautiful. Sparkly, comfortable and on-trend, I would wear this to a party or a pub gathering.
Petite Teal Metallic Spot Ruffle Wrap Dress – Click here.
I like this dress because it is ruffly, floaty and feminine. It would be nice to wear for a family meal or a visit to Santa with the children.
Petite Velvet Asymmetric Ruched Dress – Click here.
Another velvet dress, I can’t help myself! I particularly love this shade of blue and I know it suits me. Now, I’m not confident enough to try the style of this dress, but I would be tempted to wear it out to a pub gathering or a Christmas party. It looks beautiful and stylish.
Black Friday Event
I didn’t include prices for these dresses because I know that Wallis are setting up a special Black Friday sale event, so you need to click through and see what’s on offer. These are just a small selection of petite dresses, and I will certainly be checking back for some deals because I’ve got my eye on a few of these beauties. Tell me if you grab a bargain!
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Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
On the pagan calendar, the wheel of the year, we are currently in the dark time. Nights are long, days are dull, the weather grows colder, and traditionally this is the time to stack up your fire, make you home as cosy as you can, and hibernate for a few months, only emerging to find food and maybe take a little fresh air so you don’t fall ill.
Nowadays of course, life is far more frantic, and we live in a world of electric light, constantly connected to the Internet, and always hurrying to do one job or another.
November Meme
How to Manage Your Mood during the Dark Months of the Year
Here in the UK, we are still experiencing the pandemic and the effects of Covid-19 but it feels somehow distant, not quite real anymore. Life has mostly gone back to normal for me, apart from having to wear a face mask to work, keeping up with social distancing and protecting our sick and vulnerable friends. Personally, I am trying to repair my marriage with my husband, but it will take time due to his mental illness and the way I feel about us after many years of struggle and challenging behaviour. Our children are growing older which brings a new set of challenges and parenting adventures. My friends and family are remembering lost loved ones who passed at around this time of year. We all have something going on.
Such is life. This year I feel a lot happier in myself than I did previously. Strangely I don’t feel massively excited about Christmas yet and I won’t rush to put up our decorations. Perhaps that is mainly because of our mischievous kittens who just last week broke a vase I inherited from my Nanna. I don’t want them destroying my precious vintage Christmas ornaments and novelty Santa collection! But there is something else. I feel like I am more in the present rather than looking to the future. Everything is as it should be right now, and while there is room for improvement, life is generally good. We have date nights, events, and celebrations to anticipate, and we muddle through the bad stuff until we find a happy place. It is all we can do as human beings. There will always be a health struggle, a family feud, misunderstandings about work and relationships. If we are willing to talk, to communicate, and to work towards a compromise, I think we will be ok.
Take it easy in the run-up to Christmas, my friends. We all deserve a little down time, so why not do that now during the dark months, when our instinct is to hibernate. Light the fire, get yourself a hot drink, snuggle down in front of the TV. Everything is as it should be, and you are just where you need to be right now.
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Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
Do you know someone who would love eco-friendly, ethically sourced Christmas gifts?
Take a look at my top 5 eco-friendly gift ideas for Christmas.
#FreeforallFriday Eco Christmas Gifts at English Heritage Shop
My Top 5 Eco Friendly Gift Ideas for Christmas
Kind Embroidered Organic T-Shirt: This 100% organic cotton t-shirt is beautifully soft and comes as a classic ‘T’ style shirt so you can roll the sleeves up or leave them down to suit your look. £24.00 – Click here.
Blue Check Wool Throw: Add a pop of colour into your home with this blue check throw. The cool toned blue background colour is complimented with a cream check to create a modern take on the classic check design. The throw is made from soft pure new wool and is a luxurious home décor piece that looks effortlessly stylish when placed at the end of the bed or on the arm of a sofa. Our Price £65.00 – Click here. Exclusive Offer 10% off orders over £20 – use code 10EHS40 – Click here.
Embroidered Strawberry Organic Sweatshirt: This cosy organic cotton sweatshirt is an absolute wardrobe staple! Featuring a classic fit and raglan sleeve, it’s crafted with 85% organic cotton and 15% recycled polyester. £49.00 – Click here.
Catherine Headley Stonehenge Winter Solstice Tote Bag: Cut out single use plastic bags and remember a visit to Stonehenge with this reusable tote bag. British artist Catherine Headley has collaborated with English Heritage to create a range of gifts and souvenirs inspired by Stonehenge and the changes of the seasons. Our Price £15.00 – Click here.
Colour Pop Blue Organic Cotton Hoodie: This cosy organic cotton hoodie is an absolute wardrobe staple! Featuring a classic fit, it’s crafted with 85% organic cotton and 15% recycled polyester. £69.00 – Click here. Exclusive Offer Get 5% Off Your Total Basket Spend, When You Spend £50 or More – use code AUTUMN5 – Click here.
Special Offer Discount Codes with trusted affiliate partners at SpookyMrsGreen.com.
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Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
With the holidays coming up, many people are looking to do something different with their Christmas, and there’s been no better time to get out of the house. With the lockdown that’s been stopping people on and off all year, people are desperate to get away from their homes, and that’s why you should be considering a getaway for your Christmas that’s coming up.
But where in the UK actually makes for a good travel destination? Well, there are a number of places that will have you feeling festive depending on where you go!
If you’re looking for a place to stay this Christmas, whether it be with your family or alone, then you might consider looking for an inn in your local area. Staying with places like The Inn Collection Group means you can do a lot less work this Christmas, and a lot more celebrating. You won’t have to cook, you won’t necessarily have to decorate – you can leave your home behind and head for somewhere that’s prepared to make your holidays special and unique. Many people experience burnout during the holidays, but when you’re heading out and leaving a lot of the work to someone else, you don’t need to worry about that.
York
If you’ve never been to York, you might be unaware of the beautiful scenery that it has to offer. Its historic buildings make for the perfect Christmas setting, and look wonderful once all of the festive decorations and lights are up. If you can find a place to stay like a hotel or a BnB, then York can make the perfect destination for you. People who don’t live close to towns are often missing out on such festivities, and you should make sure you make the most of it this year in York. It’s even been named one of Britain’s most festive cities!
London
Even if you’re just planning to stop by, London can make for a great place to visit this Christmas, and there will be festive lights like you’ve never seen bef4ore. It’s a capital city, and you can expect more presentations in London than you could anywhere else in the UK. Not only the lights, but the parks and large avenues make for a spectacular winter wonderland if you happen to catch the city when it’s snowing.
Cardiff
If you’re looking for somewhere different to spend this Christmas, Cardiff might be a promising choice. Every year Cardiff puts on a huge event called Winter Wonderland, and you would be missing out if you were nearby and didn’t show! It starts around mid-November and carries on all the way until the start of next year. You’d be missing out on the funfair, the ice rink, and even the festive food and drink available to those who attend! If you’re looking to spice up your celebrations, Cardiff is the place you should be looking at visiting! Even better if you can find yourself some Christmas-ready accommodation.
“Christmas with the Vampires” by Catherine Green. An Edwardian vampire short story.
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Do you love vampires? Are you fascinated by the mythology of these creatures, who present as human but can cause so much death and destruction? I studied vampires in popular culture for my bachelor’s degree at university many years ago, and that brought me to the point of writing my first vampire novel, “Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel).”
Here is an excerpt from book 5 in the Redcliffe novels series, “Heart of the Vampire:”
LGBT fantasy book series set in Cornwall. “Heart of the Vampire (The Redcliffe Novels)” #5 by Catherine Green.
Excerpt from “Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel)” by Catherine Green
“You have to feed, Jack,” I insisted, “And you cannot use me. We tried that before and you almost killed me, remember?”
“You found a way to survive,” my vampire replied gruffly.
I laughed, but it was not amusement that brought such a reaction.
“I survived,” I said, emphasizing the word, “because of your brother. Danny saved me. He sacrificed his wolves so that I could claw back some human strength. Maybe that’s what caused this…” I gestured to the empty space on the bed behind me, “thing with Suri.”
“Perhaps,” Jack replied quietly, “But the point is, you survived.”
#TheRedcliffeNovels Series
The Redcliffe novels series follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she meets a man and falls in love, only to discover the hidden werewolf secrets of her close friends. That includes Simon Bunce, manager of the Ship Inn, who turns out to be lieutenant to the Redcliffe werewolf pack, and lover to the wolf alpha Danny Mason. He fights to protect his master from the ethereal animal familiar who threatens to claim their pack. Who knew the Cornish coast could be so deadly?
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
One common blunder made by vacationers is failing to research what they can do and see while they are there. People sometimes schedule vacations based only on the price of the place, only to discover when they arrive that there isn’t much to keep them entertained, resulting in a miserable trip.
Find out what activities are available near where you’re staying so you can not just anticipate them but also make reservations if necessary. For example, if you want to take a coach trip to a location you want to see, the tour operator may demand reservations. If you’re looking for a fun-filled getaway, this is a must-do!
If you’re traveling with little children, make sure to double-check that your location is also kid-friendly. Nothing is more frustrating than being away from home and having bored kids. If there isn’t much for kids to do at the location, you’ll need to add activities to your list of items to bring so you don’t get an earache.
Learn the local language
While many tourist attractions now have English-speaking employees, and many locals have learnt the language as well, learning some of the native language is always a good idea in case you need to converse with someone who does not speak English. You can easily get a Spanish tutor, Anna, if you’re going to be spending lots of vacation time in a rural area of Spain.
When you’re away, it’s also great to be able to speak a little bit of another language so you don’t feel and look like a tourist. Making an attempt to communicate in their language will amaze locals and help you make friends while you’re on the road!
The food
When traveling, it’s usually a good idea to research what kind of cuisine to expect, especially if you have unique dietary needs or allergies to certain foods. While many tourist spots offer meals from all over the world, if you’re visiting a quieter place that isn’t overrun with people, you may be limited in your culinary options.
If you’re on an all-inclusive vacation, don’t forget to tell your hotel about any allergies you have so they can accommodate you and prevent any adverse reactions while you’re away.
The living expenses
Before you travel, one of the things on your to-do list should be to exchange your money into the currency of the country you’ll be visiting. However, have you considered the expense of living while you’re away? Many countries overseas (particularly tourist ones) are cheaper to live in, but it’s always worth double-checking to ensure you have enough money to take with you and a backup supply in case you need it.
Researching how much it costs to live in the city you’re moving to, as well as how much the people of that city typically take home each month, will give you a decent sense of how much to bring with you. If you need some time to gather some money together, do this as soon as possible!
Every culture is unique, and what may be accepted in your own country may be offensive to the locals in the country you’re visiting. It might also simply annoy them since they have a different way of doing things. In Bulgaria, for example, nodding signifies no while shaking the head indicates yes. Doing your homework may save you a lot of time and effort while also ensuring that you don’t get yourself into any difficulty.
It’s also a good idea to find out whether the place you’re going is religious so you can respect and learn about their culture. One of the best things about traveling is getting to see and experience new cultures, so prepare yourself for what to anticipate from the natives while you’re there!
Vaccinations
One of the most common blunders made by travelers is failing to receive immunizations prior to departure. There are fatal illnesses in many different parts of the globe that you might contract. Even though an illness hasn’t been reported in a long time, it’s still possible to get it if your body isn’t immune. Before you travel, do yourself a favor and visit your doctor to check what immunizations they can provide.
Be aware that most GP surgeries charge for services like these, so make sure you understand what you’ll be paying for before proceeding.
What type of climate to anticipate
It may seem apparent, but you’d be shocked how many vacationers have gone on vacation only to discover that they don’t have all of the necessary clothing with them. While the weather in your destination may be pleasant in general, it’s always a good idea to have something in case the weather turns bad. Check the weather and climate forecasts so you can pack appropriately and avoid getting trapped wishing you’d bought something warmer. This is especially true if you’re traveling outside of the summer season, when the weather might be a little more fickle.
It’s also crucial to consider taking along some creams and lotions, especially if you have pale skin and burn easily. Make sure you know what sort of weather to expect so you can bring the appropriate sunscreen and aftersun with you. You should also bring a few emergency items with you in case you become unwell while traveling. Anti-diarrhoea medications, NSAIDS, and insect repellents are all fantastic examples of items to bring with you.
All of these items may seem like a lot to consider for a short vacation, but following this checklist might help you avoid disappointment and other accidents while you’re gone. Take your time to complete this checklist, and most importantly, relax and enjoy your vacation. Remember to bring your camera!
Currys Hot Summer DealsMy Bevi bling personalized travel cups.
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Note: This is a collaborative article and contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
Happy New Year, my pagan friends! Yes, this week we celebrate the turn of the wheel, and as we spoke to our ancestors on Samhain (Halloween), we prepared to welcome in the dark months of a new cycle in life.
Today’s Tarot card reading is the Celtic Cross Spread in celebration of the season, and it is nice and cheerful. See if it resonates with you, and please comment below to tell me your response to the reading.
Celtic Cross Tarot Reading by Catherine Green
Tarot Card Reading for Pagan New Year
1, Current Circumstances –Two of Wands
Do you yearn to travel the world and visit exotic lands? Maybe you would benefit from a little time at home. Your place is safe and comfortable. You have everything that you need. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
2, Current Influences – Ace of Pentacles
Look around and appreciate what you have. The world is changing, and you will be called to act, but for now enjoy your quiet space. You worked hard for this. Appreciate it.
3, Future Influences – Page of Wands
Someone will bring news of a significant nature. It might be a long-awaited health test result. It might be a job offer. Either way it will be something to celebrate as a victory.
4, Future Events – Page of Swords
You might get involved with a powerful person, someone who gets the job done and follows through on their plans with determination. Trust this leader. They will show you some good experiences.
5, Past Influences – The Chariot
The past few years have been rough, and the scars are still fresh in your mind. Battle weary and tired, you hold fast to the warrior instinct, always ready for another fight.
6, Past Events – The Fool
You were once a carefree young thing, bouncing along in life full of joy and innocent curiosity. Rekindle some of that joy. Embrace your inner child. Be curious, be adventurous.
7, Feelings – Ace of Cups
Well done for working on your Self. Now that you have taken time to heal, you have reached a place of contentment. It might not be perfect, but it is enough for now.
8, Outside Influences – Ace of Wands
Accept the gift that is offered. It might take time to learn a new skill or grow a business. You need help with your project, and someone nearby is ready to step in. Welcome their guidance and their wisdom.
9, Hopes and Fears – The Magician
Now is your time to shine. Yes, it is scary, especially when you are about to declare yourself the person of authority. You can do this. Step into your power.
10, Outcome/Resolution – Two of Pentacles
Now for the fun part but be careful! You may relish the excitement of your new role and you will enjoy being with people again. Life is once again fun and varied. Remember to take time out when you need it, or you might get overwhelmed.
Conclusion
What do you think? I am interested to hear about your projects and dreams that are discussed in the reading. Personally, I will take the advice of the Tarot, enjoy my quiet time at home for the winter season, and look forward to an exciting new adventure in Spring.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Reading is such an essential skill that all children should develop from a very young age. It’s never too early to teach your child to read, and the sooner they start seeing books and engaging with them, the earlier they start to develop their own literacy skills. Your child is unlikely to be able to properly read until they’re in second grade. At this point, they can read words and sentences independently, possibly even reading through entire books. They won’t be the most advanced books, but they’re still books!
Even so, most kids will begin to learn to read when they’re around two. Here, they can recite words, recognize letters on a page, and answer questions related to things that they see in books. Still, it won’t be until they’re in preschool before they start learning the alphabet and can really sound out words.
Throughout this process, you can help your children by giving them books to read – and by reading to them. Naturally, you need to have suitable books for their age range. Today, we’re going to go through the best types of books you should get for your kids depending on how old they are.
So, let’s find out:
Baby loves books! #MummyMonday
Ages 0-3
What books should you be getting kids when they’re between 0 and 3? Obviously, in the early years, you are buying books to read to them. So, storybooks and nursery rhymes are all great things to read. Even if they don’t understand you in the first few months, the sound of your voice can soothe them and help them sleep.
As they get beyond their first birthday, reading to them becomes more significant. Again, storybooks help them, but you should also start buying picture books. Showing your baby pictures and interactive pop-up books can help them identify things and become more engaged. It’s the very early stages of their development, and it can help them spot things in real life that they’ve seen in books – like food, animals, etc.
By the time they get to around 2 or 3, you’re going to start sending them to nursery or pre-school. As such, you need to buy books that will help them lay the foundations of their reading skills. As mentioned in this article: Letter Recognition: How To Help Your Child Learn The Alphabet, alphabet books are great at this stage. These are the most basic kids’ books you can buy, teaching your children all the letters of the alphabet. As we said, this lays the foundations by getting them to recognize letters and understand the sounds they make. When they start to read words, they can sound them out based on the alphabet.
Ages 4-7
When your child passes their fourth birthday, they’ll be starting kindergarten. Therefore, it’s time to progress their books to things with a few more words in them. Here, you’re still looking at books that are largely illustrative. Don’t buy your kids any books that are full of writing with no pictures as they simply will not be engaged. They are not going to be able to read this much at this stage, so don’t force them to.
Instead, look for kid’s books that tell stories and have pictures to illustrate the text. Each page should have a couple of lines of text for your child to read, and they can use the pictures to help them figure out what’s going on. In essence, you’re easing your child into the process of reading, slowly but surely. Start with books that have a sentence per page for the younger ages, then build up and up. When they’re 7, they should have a firmer grasp of how to read, be able to string a few sentences together in a row and understand what they mean.
Ages 8-12
Now, you are getting to the point where your children really start to improve their ability to read. By the time a child is 12, they can read actual novels. We’re talking about things like Harry Potter and many other kids’ fictional books. This is where the illustrations get phased out, replaced by more and more text. When they’re 8 or 9, you might still get books with a few illustrations here and there, only there are paragraphs per page, rather than just a sentence or two.
Again, it follows the idea of gradually exposing your kids to more writing. When they get competent at reading illustrative books, you can get books that are full of writing. Be careful with your choices; start by picking books that have large writing on each page, so there’s technically less to read – and the larger letters are easier for kids to see and understand. Ideally, by the time your child leaves elementary school, they should be moving on to proper books. There should no longer be images on pages, and your child should be able to read through the whole book by themselves.
Ages 12+
At this point, things can really vary depending on what your kid enjoys reading. As just mentioned, they should be able to read proper books by now. It is a good idea to get them novels aimed at kids their age, just to be sure they’re reading things that are appropriate for them. As they get older, they’ll try more advanced books that are aimed at a more adult audience.
Ultimately, you need to buy books that are suitable for your kids depending on how old they are and how good their reading skills will be. Some parents want to speed up the learning process by getting books that are above the average reading level. For instance, when a child is 7, they buy books that are completely full of text and long paragraphs. Some kids can read these at this point, but most will be unable to. Let your children progress naturally by gradually being exposed to longer sentences, longer words, and more writing. Start with the picture books, phase out the images, and your child will learn to read at a good pace.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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