For half term week we have an inspiring and fun collection of books.

The LEGO® Ideas Book

Synopsis Be inspired by LEGO fan builders to create amazing LEGO models!
Ever wondered what amazing creations you could build with that box of colourful LEGO® bricks and pieces? The LEGO Ideas Book gives you the answer. Featuring a variety of LEGO models specially commissioned for DK and built by creative LEGO fans, this book is a sumptuous visual collection of building ideas and handy tips, to inspire you to make a range of fantastic LEGO creations.

The LEGO Ideas Book is packed full of hints and tricks to build anything from imposing castles, out-of-this-world space shuttles, dastardly pirate ships, soaring jet planes and much more.

Stunning full-colour photography is accompanied with clear annotations and straightforward text, ensuring the book is user-friendly and allowing fans of all ages to browse for ideas develop skills and learn new ways to approach building with LEGO pieces. Additional feature spreads focusing on some of the builders’ own brilliant LEGO creations will amaze and inspire fans to see the results that can be achieved.

Ideal for any LEGO fan, both young and young at heart, The LEGO Ideas Book is the perfect building block for creating a range of fantastic LEGO models.

http://www.dk.co.uk/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9781405350679,00.html?strSrchSql=Lego+ideas/The_LEGO®_Ideas_Book_Daniel_Lipkowitz

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict
If you are looking for an indoor activity during this half-term, this book is packed full of inspiration. Divided into six sections, including transport, space, castles and kingdoms, fantasy and adventure, the book inspires LEGO fans to customize and adapt existing creations. There are also tips on adding detail, colour planning and how to incorporate elements such as hinges, transparent bricks and antennas, which will bring your models to life. Additionally the book gives information on how to simplify details if you haven’t got the right bricks, ensuring your creations are fantastic every time. A wonderful gift for anyone who loves LEGO®. Highly Recommended!

New York: A Three-Dimensional Expanding City Skyline Sarah McMenemy

Synopsis: Remember New York for ever with this exquisite cut-paper souvenir.
Presented in a beautiful slipcase, this stunning memento features twelve of New York's most famous sites: the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, the Flat Iron Building, Macy's, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, Times Square, St Patrick's Cathedral, the Plaza Hotel, Central Park, the Guggenheim Museum and the Yankee Stadium. Stylishly illustrated and folding out to a length of 150 cm, this is a perfect souvenir for anyone visiting one of America's most famous cities.

http://www.walker.co.uk/New-York-A-Three-Dimensional-Expanding-City-Skyline-9781406332957.aspx

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict

This isn’t just a book for children, it is a perfect gift for adults too, creating the perfect souvenir of New York, beautifully created, highlighting all the great locations and buildings as it folds out. We loved it! Highly Recommended!

A Walk in London- Salvatore Rubbino

Synopsis: A wide-eyed girl and her mother explore London's busy streets and towering views in this child-friendly tribute to an incomparable city.

London – the perfect place for a girl and her mother to spend the day! Follow them as they board the classic red bus and begin a whirlwind tour of some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Try and climb the awe-inspiring lions at Trafalgar Square, take in the ritualistic Changing of the Guard, experience the whispering gallery at St Paul’s and – if you’re lucky – you may even spot the Queen! In this paean to Britain's bright and bustling capital city, Salvatore Rubbino's fresh, lively paintings and breezy text capture the delight of a young visitor experiencing the wonders of London first-hand. And of course, what’s London without a little rain?

http://www.walker.co.uk/bookshelf/search.aspx?q=A%20walk%20in%20London

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict
This is a beautiful book, if you are taking to children on a visit to London this half-term this will serve as a wonderful pre-visit, or follow-up book. The illustrations are delightful and the narrative is really informative. The unfolding Thames panorama is inspired! A fabulous guide to London, we loved it! Highly Recommended!

Ernie the Eye Monster & Nosey Norman –Sam Lloyd

Synopsis:Meet the Mini Monster Mates, from the creator of the award-winning Calm Down, Boris! Ernie the Eye Monster is looking for his mum, but every monster-mum that he finds is the wrong colour. Help him find her by looking at all the different colours in the park. Also available is Nosey Norman who is sniffing out numbers.

These appealing, interactive finger puppet books are a perfect introduction to simple concepts, and come with texture patch on the final spread.

http://www.templarco.co.uk/novelty/sam_lloyd.html

Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict
Our junior reviewers love the Sam Lloyd books and as they reviewed Nosey Norman he was no exception. The innovative puppet in a book had them in fits of giggles and really helped with Annabelle’s reading and counting. Absolutely perfect for a fun reading session. We loved it. Highly Recommended!