I was going to try the book advent calendar this year too, after seeing them all over Pinterest. After purchasing a few books, I realised what a massively unrealistic undertaking it was to collect 25 books in one year (even when borrowing a few from the library). That is something we will build towards in the years to come. I have two recommendations. Last year we bought "Once There was a Christmas Tree" by Jerry Smath and my son (now 3.5yrs) adores it. It sends a message of sharing and thoughtfulness, and the cover of the book has a tree-shaped gel pouch filled with sparkly glitter and foil shapes which my son loves to swirl around to make a snowstorm before we read the book. The second recommendation is one that I have not yet read, but it is on my list for next year. A bookseller recenlty recommended it to me. She was a pre-school teacher and said she would read this year after year and the children always loved it. I was tearing up when she told me the story. It is "Harvey Slumfenburger’s Christmas Present" by John Burningham. Santa has finished delivering his presents and is ready to go to sleep for the night when he notices one present left, Harvey's. Harvey comes from a poor family and the only present he will receive this year is the one from Santa. The reindeer are all sleeping. How will Santa deliver this last gift?

Thank you so much for all of that wonderful information. I really appreciate it.

Hi. Great post as usual. Can you recommend a good supplier for the sandpaper letters and numbers, and also the sandbox? Also, is it filled iwth just regular sand that hs been coloured or is it some special kind of material? Sorry for all the questions! I'd just eally like to get some of these and i'm not sure where to start. Thanks!

What a wonderful giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity. I discovered your blog a couple of weeks ago via Pinterest and it has fast become one of my favourites. So many wonderful ideas, all presented so clearly. I especially love your section on Australian Montessori Families. Truly inspiring to see Montessori in action in real homes - it makes it all feel so much less daunting. I've learnt so much from your blog already. Thank you!