Entertaining the kids over Christmas and beyond

November 19th, 2008 by Caroline

Last year, I purchased several copies of Make, Bake and Celebrate with Polly & Jago, by Sarah Rowden and Joanna Vestey. I kept one for myself and the rest went to nieces, nephews and friends with children.

It proved to be such a hit with the grown-ups and kids alike that I was really excited to see another book out by the same dynamic duo.

Custard and Crayons with Polly & Jago contains more fun ideas with clever monthly combinations of recipes, craft and art projects, as well as feeding your children’s mind’s with many of the stories, rituals and traditions behind the holidays, festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

The people behind the book are pretty interesting too. Sarah Rowden is one of London’s best loved “foodies” and owner of St Helen’s Food Store, in Kensington, London – a favourite haunt of the dishy David Cameron.

Meanwhile, Sarah’s collaborator Joanna Vestey is an award-winning photographer who has been on assignment for many charitable organisations such as the Red Cross and World Vision.

I must also mention the truly fantastic drawings by Mark Beech, who has illustrated the delightful ‘History of Warts’ and ‘Troll Trouble’ series of children’s books.

In my experience, great illustrations like this really add to a child’s enjoyment of a book and can help feed the imagination even further.

The Polly & Jago series of books come with a hearty recommendation from me – you need never be at a loss again when it comes to keeping the kids occupied!

Happy entertaining!