New Children’s Guide Gives Parents The Feelgood Factor

With more than 40 guides and over 6 million pages of print to their name, Clever Clogs Publishing knows a thing or two about providing quality information.

The latest blockbuster in their highly praised Children’s Guide series is being launched on Tuesday by Helen Goodman MP, well known for her work at the Children’s Society, based on focussing on children’s needs and supporting parents to help their children enjoy childhood. Helen feels the guide will “provide a great service to parents in County Durham”

The new handbook is also endorsed and supported by award-winning children’s writer Anne Fine. Much enlarged at 150 pages, it gives information for babies and children up to age 12, on everything from bullying to birthday parties and childcare to country walks. Anne says: “If you have babies or young children and live in County Durham – it may well be the best investment you ever make”

Editor Heather Alabaster adds: “This guide can help you on your journey as a parent… We are increasingly aware that for children to thrive contact with the outdoors, out of school activities, visits to theatres etc are crucial in developing group awareness, improving behaviour, and increasing the practical skills of our children. You need facts at your fingertips to help find the best for children locally, whether it’s playgroups to help them make friends, an activity or sport to develop their skills, or advice on choosing the best school for those vital early years.”

As well as getting the lowdown on all these things, readers will find out which restaurants were personally recommended by local mums, how to plan a perfect birthday party, and discover lots of new ideas for outings (including free ones) from seaside visits to theatre trips.

There’s even a website for you to send in your own recommendations, log on at www.thechildrensguide.co.uk Heather explains “We want to make our Clever Clogs community as interactive as possible. As well as updating information in the guide, we want parents to feel that they can enrich life for other local families helping make Co Durham an even better place to bring up their children.”

The Clever Clogs Children’s Guide: County Durham, is on sale in all library branches across the county, Durham Tourist Information and selected playgroups and nurseries, price 6.99. Or direct from the website at www.thechildrensguide.co.uk

Note for Media – Picture Opportunity: The Clever Clogs Children’s Guide will be launched at the Witham Hall, Horsemarket, Barnard Castle at 10.15 am on Tues 13 Feb by local MP Helen Goodman. Anne Fine expects also to attend. Helen will be available for interviews/photos and will be handing out copies of the guide to parents attending the Toddler Group.
For further information: Heather Alabaster on 0191 386 5918.

Clever Clogs Press, 12 February 2007