Ever heard the express, 'Eat the Rainbow'? Dr Preeya Alexander’s newest book Full Plate explains how (and why) to do exactly that, even when you have a house full of picky eaters. Preeya, tell us how the idea for this book came about? "Full Plate" is all about simple, delicious, veggie packed meals that anyone can create. I love cooking and am passionate about the impact that diet can have on both mental and physical health (for adults and kids), and this book encapsulates that passion. I'm also all about one meal for everyone—whether you have allergies, intolerances or fussy ea ..read more

Struggling to get fruit and veg into your kids? These zucchini chocolate muffins are packed with a secret serve of zucchini and banana. But the best part is, they're really delicious and guaranteed to get eaten in any kid (or adult) lunchbox. Zucchini Chocolate Muffin Ingredients: Makes 12 Olive oil spray or butter for greasing 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour (I tend to use wholemeal self-raising flour) 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 egg 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 zucchini, grated and excess liquid sq ..read more

Bake your own cheesy crackers at home with this easy, tasty and nutritious recipe. They're the perfect balance of flavour and fun. Cheesy Crackers Ingredients: 2 tbsp red or black quinoa, uncooked 30g / 1.1oz unsalted butter, softened at room temperature 85g / 3oz cheddar cheese, grated 30g / 1.1oz parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup plain flour 1 tbsp cold water Method: Preheat oven to 150°C / 300°F / Gas Mark 2. In a medium bowl, mix the quinoa, butter, cheese and spices together until you have a cheesy butter spread.  Add the flour. Mix with a fork to ..read more

We've made some pretty cool craft projects over the years, but this one stands out as being particularly rad. Our DIY mini treehouse takes a bit of prep work, some patience, creativity and a hot glue gun. But, the results will provide creative play for days, months or even years to come. The hardest part is not taking over this kids project yourself! DIY Kids Craft: Mini Treehouse You will need: Ply base (approx. 40 x 40cm) Branch—a largish one with a base at least 2.5cm in diameter and multiple ‘forks’ is good. Paint and paintbrush Hot glue gun Scissors Hacksaw Drill, screw and screwdriver ..read more

Dr Pragya Agarwal believes talking to children about race has the power to change the world. Tell us about yourself. I’m a mother of three girls, including four-year-old twins. I was born in India, live in the UK, and I’m a behavioural and data scientist who was an academic in US and British universities. I run a research team called the 50 Percent Project, which investigates women’s rights and status worldwide. I’m also a freelance journalist and author of three books. Describe your book Wish We Knew What To Say: Talking With Children About Race. I wanted to write an easily digestible book fo ..read more

Inspired by their own family adventures and creative projects, husband and wife team Nico and Candy Robertson, created Roobee Roo—a series of playful board books for young readers. We chat with co-founder Candy on how the cute character Roobee Roo came about. What is Roobee Roo? Roobee Roo is a series of books that parents and kids love. They're fun and funny board books that are as enjoyable to read as they are to listen to. No matter how many times you’re asked. You see, Roobee Roo has a magical pouch that fills up with new things every day. You start each book by opening her pouch and tryin ..read more

Psychologist and author Dr Victoria Talwar wants you to know that lying is a normal part of children's development. But that doesn’t mean we should lie to them. Read on to discover the truth about kids and lying. Can you tell us about yourself and your work? I’m a mum, a professor and the Canada Research Chair in Forensic Developmental Psychology. I’m particularly interested in children’s social cognition and moral development. Those sibjects have  been my focus for over twenty years. Much of my work has been on children’s honesty and their lie-telling behaviours and how we can promote ch ..read more

Chocolate lovers rejoice! This chocolate chip nice-cream sandwich recipe combines buttery chocolate cookies with creamy chocolate chip nice-cream. It's also gluten free and egg free. Enjoy! For the chocolate cookies: Makes 20 Ingredients: 230g / 8.1oz unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (200g / 7oz) brown sugar 1 tsp (5ml / 0.17 fl oz) vanilla paste 1 1/2 cups (215g / 7.6oz) buckwheat flour 1/2 cup (50g / 1.8oz) almond meal 1/3 cup (35g / 1.2oz) cacao powder 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon pinch of fine salt  Method: Place the butter, brown sugar and vanilla paste into the bowl ..read more

If our kids had to choose their favourite foods, biscuits and ice cream would almost certainly be at the top of that list. That's why these vegan strawberry nice-cream sandwiches are always such a hit. This recipe is perfect for folks who can't eat eggs or dairy, and it's simple to whip up.  For the oat cookies: (Makes 14) Ingredients: 1/3 cup (75g / 2.6oz) coconut oil, melted 1/2 cup (125ml / 4.2 fl oz) maple syrup 1 tsp (5ml / 0.17 fl oz) vanilla paste 1 cup (125g / 4.4oz) spelt flour 1 cup (110g / 3.9oz) rolled oats 1/3 cup (25g / 0.9oz) shredded coconut 1/2 tsp (2.5ml ..read more

Looking for a fresh twist on every kid's favourite snackfood, the sausage roll? Look no further than these vegetarian sausage rolls. This recipe is packed full of lentils, veggies and spices to deliver a flavour combo that's just as satisfying as meat (or dare we say it: even better?)! Vegetable Rolls: Makes 8 For the vegetable roll filling: 1/2 cup split red lentils, rinsed 3/4 cup water or vegetable stock 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely diced 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tbsp cumin seeds 2 tsp coriander seeds 1 tbsp sweet paprika 1 tbsp tomato paste 1/2 medium sweet potato (around 175g / 6 ..read more