Actually, hardcore Peanuts fans will know that Schroeder's toy piano is a lot lower-slung and, in fact, a grand rather than an upright. But its presence in the cartoon is a sign, at least, that the mass-produced toy piano has been around a good half a century, if not more.

This version is in fact from Vilac, and the retailer promises that it sounds 'almost like the real thing'. With only eleven white keys, that's quite a statement, but it'd be worth a go for those wishing to encourage early musicianship.

With a mother standing 5'10", and a father of over 6 feet, it seems likely that my daughter is going to be quite a tall adult herself. I can't say that I've sailed through life entirely untroubled by my height, so it was nice to come across a picture-book promoting acceptance of all sizes, large and small.

Mr Big is the story of a massive gorilla, whose size frightens most people away, until he finds that he can express himself through the medium of music. Hearing the sounds he makes, without knowing who is producing them, his neighbours take him to their hearts.

There's a deep message there, for those who want or need it. But otherwise, there's plenty to admire in the fantastic jazz-style illustrations of Ed Vere.

Just one small side-note: the colour palette, while fabulously redolent of the jazz age it is playfully trying to reconstruct, is not quite so groovy when you're trying to read by a dim bedside light: black type tends to merge with the dark backgrounds on some pages. It's a small quibble, though, and it's definitely worth buying the book even if it means you read it with all the lights on.

Since my mother-in-law sent us a towel/poncho, I've been absolutely sold on them: so easy to throw on, no more slippage, tripping, or shivering by the poolside.

On the other hand, while my daughter is utterly thrilled with the Dora the Explorer motif, it's not exactly ticking all my design/illustrator boxes. A quick search reveals that there are some nice designs out there, but some of my favourites so far are these Cuddledry bug ponchos.

Such is the attention to detail that they even have little antennae; the wing design means that they might even double up as dressing-up costumes, should the fancy take you. My only quibble? 29.99 is really rather steep.

IKC Play makes play environments for businesses such as shops, leisure centres and cafes. These vinyl animal sit-ons are offered as extras to dot around your play area, but they caught my eye: several, if admittedly not every single one of them, are rather attractive (click on the links above the image left and right). No prices are given on the website; IKC operates out of the Netherlands and the UK, and gives details of distributors throughout Europe.

This is endless: storing and organizing all the things that accumulate with kids. We "spring clean" all the time and yet I find myself needing a bin or two for all the loose stuff. Jenna Rose has designed some options that could work nicely in a child's bedroom.

Via D*S.