Blog - Page 3 of 10 - Rhubarb and Wren

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love – Book Review

Jessica Love’s groundbreaking and utterly beautiful picture book, Julien is a Mermaid, is the simple story of a boy who decides to dress up as a mermaid. Celebrating being who you are, it’s a book that encourages children to find joy in self-expression. At the same time, it also gently challenges conventional gender and identity stereotypes, and shows children wonderful examples of acceptance and inclusion.

We made a list of our 23 favourite picture books staring BAME boys, and Julian is a Mermaid had to be on it. Read on to take a peak inside and find out why we love it.

Children's picture book - Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love — Julian is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love

The BEST 23 diverse children’s picture books staring BAME Boys

If you’ve ever tried to find diverse children’s books with BAME (black, asian or minority ethnic) characters, you’ll know that they are as rare as a Disney princess who can’t sing.

And as for picture books with a BAME boy as a main character? They are even harder to find.

Yet right here is where I’ve got the good news…

While there aren’t nearly as many as there should be, there are already some fabulous diverse children’s picture books out there staring BAME boys as main characters, and I’ve got the creme de la creme all lined up to share with you. So read on to find out all about them…

Pile of 23 picture books that star a BAME boy as the main character. — Our favourite picture books featuring BAME boy main characters.

Where the BAME boys are… Looking for diversity in children’s picture books.

The problem of diversity in children’s picture books is an issue that’s been in the media a lot lately. It comes hot on the heels of a greater awareness about problems with how girls are being represented in children’s books, and these two things are clearly connected.

We all know that books can help shape attitudes an opinions, especially for young readers, and so it is incredibly important that all children get to see themselves reflected in inspirational characters and stories. I’m really passionate about this, and, with a background working in education and children’s publishing as well as a rainbow family, thought I was pretty clued up. But I had an experience recently that made me wonder whether there was another issue I had over looked.

Read on to find out why, along with pushing for greater diversity for all and better role models for girls, I think we should also be asking where the BAME boys are?

Where the BAME boys are: looking at diversity in children's picture books. — where the BAME boys are: Diversity, Boys and Picture Books

DIY Conker Eyeballs!

Quick and easy autumn craft that’s perfect for Halloween.

These DIY conker eyeballs are a great way to use up those slowly-wrinkling conkers that the kids collect in the autumn.

A simple and fun autumn craft, it’s easy enough for preschoolers to do and gruesomely creative enough for big kids to enjoy too, which makes it a marvellous Halloween activity for siblings.

So whether they want to make zombie eyeballs or monster eyes, read on to get our top tips and tricks for this Halloween!

DIY conker eyeballs - perfect for an easy Halloween craft! — Use up their old conkers to make these spooky Halloween eyeballs with your kids!

Paper Fireworks – Hand Kites

A Bonfire Night fireworks craft for kids!

Guy Fawkes Night is, without a doubt, my favourite night of the year. So, come autumn, I build up the anticipation for the kids by doing a fireworks craft or two. These ‘paper fireworks’ hand kites are one of our absolute favourite things to make. Not only are they easy enough for even pre-schoolers to do, you also get to play with them afterwards! And yes, they are an awful lot safer than the real thing…

Paper fireworks craft for kids - making hand kites — These paper fireworks are great fun to make, and as they’re also hand kites the kids can have fun whizzing them around too – just like the real thing!

So whether for Bonfire Night on the 5th of November, or for Diwali, or the 4th of July, New Year’s Eve, Eid Al Adha, Chinese New Year or your own personal favourite firework night, read on to find out how to do this fabulous fireworks craft!

The best chilli recipe ever

A family friendly homemade chilli recipe that kids will love!

This delicious and easy one pot chilli recipe is so tasty that I guarantee it’ll become a family favourite dinner in no time. Whether you are making it for kids or a grown-up gathering; for full-on carnivores, or for vegetarians or vegans, you’ll find that everyone loves this dish.

There are many chilli recipes out there, but I promise you that once you’ve tried this one, you’ll never bother with any of the others again because it is just that good. Fighting words? Read on to take the challenge!

beef or vegan chilli recipe — The world’s best chilli. Don’t believe me? Try the the recipe for yourself!

Homemade Refried Beans

How to make refried beans from canned beans!

This homemade refried beans recipe is the perfect accompaniment to my delicious chilli con carne. Quick and easy to make, did you know you can make refried beans from canned beans? But unlike the pre-made tinned refried beans, with this homemade refried beans recipe you’ll be adding fresh vegetables and herbs to the mix.

The result is a dish that’s a million miles away from the store-bought stuff. Homemade refried beans are so tasty that you’ve got to try them for yourself, so read on for the recipe!

homemade refried beans as a sidedish or topping for a chilli recipe — Homemade refried beans are nothing like the ones you get in a tin!

How to plan the best kids treasure hunt ever!

A kids treasure hunt is a great activity for mixed age groups, as even little ones can get involved.

But if you’ve ever been on a hunt where a few bolder and quicker kids scoop up all the loot, leaving the rest trailing behind in tears, then you’ll know that there’s a trick or two involved in keeping things fair and fun for everyone.

Want to know the secret? Read on to find out!

Kids treasure hunt in a fairy garden at Mannington Hall, Norfolk — How to make simple but bee-utiful bee pendants from air dry clay!

How to make air dry clay pendants

Homemade bee necklaces for a kids treasure hunt!

These adorable bee air dry clay pendants were really easy to create and make sweet little bee necklaces. However, instead of wearing them, we turned them into treasure for a buzzy bee hunt that keep the kids busy over the holidays, and it worked wonderfully!

Our children couldn’t get enough of these adorable bees, so read on to find out how you can make them too.

How to make simple but bee-utiful bee pendants from air dry clay!

How to Make a Bug-tastic Nature Explorer Bag

Have you noticed how a walk with the kids is never ‘just’ a walk? To aid my kids on their outdoor adventures, I’ve made them a super-simple nature explorer bag each. Big enough for their supplies, but slouchy and soft enough not to get in the way of their play. Want to make one too? Read on for the instructions!

DIY kids nature explorer bags - simple sewing project — Just right for little adventurers – simple-to-make, easy-to-wear nature explorer bags!