The desire for children to play and explore is universal, which is why kids’ toys and games are still as popular as ever for keeping children entertained and helping them to develop. The Toy Association says that “Toys ignite a child’s imagination offering limitless possibilities. They also reflect cultural and societal trends unfolding within a generation.” Play isn’t just about having fun, though. For children, play is as important as work is for adults - it helps them to learn, grow and understand the world around them. Though the decline in children reading books for enjoyment is clearly an area for concern, that is not to say that digital forms of storytelling and entertainment are bad or should not be used. There are many benefits to utilising digital formats. The internet and social media are powerful tools for sharing information quickly with a large, global audience. When used in the right way, they can serve to increase interest in books by promoting new book launches, telling people about upcoming literary festivals and author events, and to connect and communicate with the people who are the gatekeepers of children reading – the parents, carers, teachers and childcare providers who can all help to nurture a lifelong love of reading in children. Many children’s TV shows have been created from much-loved books, bringing the stories and characters to life and helping to engage children’s imaginations. There are games and interactive online platforms using characters from books, to help children learn whilst having fun. Arguably the best way to engage young readers and get children reading books for pleasure is threefold: 1. Improving accessibility of books for all children within schools and public libraries through proper funding. 2. Ensuring all school children experience at least one author visit per academic year. 3. Using a blended approach to storytelling, through digital and printed forms of entertainment and education. All children, regardless of their background or family circumstances, deserve to have access to books on a daily basis. Only then can we hope to rekindle a love of reading in the next generation. Do you have any other ways to engage children and inspire enjoyment of books? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Follow me on Twitter @MelBrannlund or email me [email protected].
Look out for Melissa's latest articles on Anita Frost's author website, where she'll talk about topics including business and publishing, author news and events, and giving back to communities. You can find her in-depth monthly feature on the News & Media page of the Green Bean Collection website, discussing children's books and reading, early years education, living a greener lifestyle and all things Green Bean! Dear Fans & Shoppers Christmas is just around the corner! Whether you’ve already started your Christmas shopping, or have yet to buy presents, we’ve put together a handy guide with some wonderful children’s gifts that will bring joy to your little ones’ this Christmas! Christmas Collection Enhance the magic of Christmas and inspire your children’s imaginations with our enchanting Christmas collection! Green Bean Christmas Soft Toy Our most popular children’s soft toy is available in a six-piece interactive gift set. Children will have fun dressing Green Bean in the adorable winter hat, boots and mittens! Green Bean’s Christmas Board Book A wonderful Christmas story with an exciting lift-the-flap feature that young children will love! A charming Christmas tale for children to treasure. Christmas Book & Toy Gift Set A gorgeous gift set to bring festive cheer and inspire children’s imaginations! Includes Green Bean’s House toy, Green Bean’s Christmas Board Book, and Green Bean Christmas Soft Toy. Green Bean Book & Toy Gift Set The perfect way to put a smile on your little one’s face this Christmas! Enjoy Green Bean’s exciting Christmas Board Book with stunning red ribbon and lift-the-flap feature, with a cuddly Green Bean Soft Toy to play with. Stocking filler ideas
Festive Fun Adventures Magazine A fun, educational, festive children’s magazine with FREE stickers. Perfect as a stocking filler or adding to Christmas Eve boxes to entertain the children. 7in1 Card Games Enjoy 7 fun and educational games for the whole family to enjoy, including Pairs, Snap, Memory and Flashcards! The compact design makes it the ideal stocking filler for children, and great for entertainment on the go when visiting relatives over the festive season! Green Bean Soft Toy Our adorable Green Bean Soft Toy is an excellent stocking filler to delight little ones when they wake up on Christmas morning! The perfect cuddly friend to experience the magic of Christmas with! Christmas Soft Toy Enhance the magic of Christmas with our adorable Green Bean Christmas soft toy! With fun interactive elements, children will love the excitement of dressing Green Bean in cute winter clothes and going on festive adventures! Christmas Book
Take children on an exciting winter adventure with Green Bean’s Christmas board book! With fun sensory lift-the-flap features and a beautiful red ribbon tie, children will adore cuddling up for this wonderful festive story. Play House Get the kids away from screens over the Christmas holidays and inspire their imaginations with Green Bean’s House! A fun and interactive pop-up toy that doubles up as storage for toys and books! Customer Review – Green Bean's Colours Board Book by Anita Frost It’s always wonderful to get feedback from our fans, and we absolutely love this brilliant review of our Green Bean’s Colours board book by Anne Pritchard. “With a suggested reading age of babies and up to 6 year olds this beautiful board book utilises bold colours on every page which are specially designed to familiarise young children with everyday colours. Within the book, Green Bean learns colours whilst using paints and there is a wonderful surprise for readers when Green Bean uncovers the painting at the end of the book. Reviewed by Anne Pritchard – April 2022 If you have a review of our books, toys, games or live events/attractions that you’d like to share we would love to hear from you! Contact us by emailing [email protected]. The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle There are no surprises that this perennial favourite has made it onto our list. Eric Carle’s story delights children with unique illustrations, and fun features including flaps and a hole that the hungry caterpillar has nibbled right through the pages! A beautiful tale that continues to be read to generation after generation. Spot The Dog – Eric Hill Perhaps it’s something about ‘Erics’ and the ability to create books that young children adore? Eric Hill’s series of books follow Spot, a lovable dog who explores and learns with everyday experiences that are highly relatable to the early years audience. Green Bean's Christmas
Join Green Bean in this wonderful Christmas story with fun lifting flaps and count along adventures to engage young readers. Children will be taken on a wintry journey to find Green Bean's House. What will be inside the BIG red sack? This gorgeous board book comes complete with a beautiful red ribbon tie, adding excitement and wonder for a fun sensory reading experience that enriches the magic of Christmas! Aliens Love Underpants – Claire Freedman A laugh-out-loud rhyming story that does what it says on the tin! Children are instantly drawn to the vibrant illustrations of aliens exploring underwear and wreaking mayhem. The amusing story is carried along by the rhyming text, making it engaging and fun for young children to be read to. The Snowman – Raymond Briggs A classic story that has been loved by families for decades, The Snowman is a charming tale that children love at Christmas and all year round. This children’s picture book contains no words, instead relying on the captivating illustrations to tell the story. The animated film adaptation of this book released in 1982 was an instant hit and continues to be enjoyed by families every year at Christmas. |
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Melissa Brannlund is the features writer and editor, for Green Bean Studios. www.greenbeancollection.co.uk Want to keep updated on all things Green Bean?
Stay tuned for announcements on our website about exciting competitions, giveaways and the latest news from Green Bean Studios. You can find Melissa's monthly features on the News & Media page, discussing children's books, toys, and games,, reading, play, early years education, and enjoying a fun and greener lifestyle. For more information or any PR queries, please contact Melissa by emailing [email protected]. Categories
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Colouring FunStorytimeAwardsChildren’s Toy Retailer of the Year 2021 |