Today Edie has been unwell
And I spent much of my day holding her
And realising, remembering, understanding
How much my children mean to me
They are everything
And I really find it hard when they are poorly

Today I took time to really feel proud
Of what decent human beings my children are
They are kind, inclusive, generous
They are creative and warm hearted
They are brave and supportive of one another
I am incredibly blessed to have them
They raise me up every day
Every single day

At bedtime tonight Edie and I shared
These two Karl Newson books

They are just beautiful for reading with little ones
One is a celebration of love and family
The other is a book reassuring little ones
And their grown ups
That it is okay to not have all the answers
It is okay to try different things
To say no
What matters is that you be
The best you when you can

The World At Your Feet
Has breathtakingly beautiful illustrations
By the instantly recognisable Clara Anganuzzi

This is a story that reminds us all
That being true to ourselves is important

We will not always know things
We will not always do things right
We will have questions without answers
We will have good days and bad
This story inspires young readers
To get out in the world and do stuff
It cries to them do not be afraid
To get out there and have a go

This is an empowering story
Making children see that the world
Is full of possibilities
And they are filled
Head to their toes
With potential
Edie and I love this story
And I know that it one we will read together
Over and over again

We also love I’ll Be There
It was the story Edie needed most today
As she was so unwell
She needed to know I was there
Not going anywhere

In this story we follow
Parents and their young
As they set out on adventures together

This endearing rhyming story
Is a joy filled celebration of the bond
Between parent and child
This book illustrated with gentle humour
By Rosalind Beardshaw
Shows littles ones that as they try new things
As they venture out into the big wild world
They will not be doing it on their own
Their parents or significant adults will be there
To help and encourage them every step of the way

This book is a delight to read aloud
And Edie and I love looking
At all the cute baby animals
As they try new things
With the love and support of their grown ups

Both of these brilliant and beautiful books
Would make gorgeous gifts
For new school starters this September
And for those returning to the classroom
Or trying something new

I love Karl Newson
He has such a wonderful way with words
His stories always tug at the heart strings
And make you want to be a better parent
A better person

Beautiful and brilliant
Lyrical and moving
Perfect picture books
We love them x