Insider picks
Who knows what summer has in store? Here are our top
books and films to entertain the kids whatever the weather
Film releases
Mamma Mia*
Perfect for older girls and their mums, the long-awaited musical with Abba songs is set in sunny Greece and is the perfect feelgood treat. Starring Meryl Streep (above), Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Julie Walters, Mamma Mia is about a girl who invites three men to her wedding – to work out which one is her real dad.
Kung Fu Panda*
An all-star cast, including Jack Black and Angelina Jolie, feature in this animated tale of a lazy panda called Po who lives in the Valley of Peace. When Po's friends are threatened, he inadvertantly finds himself the 'chosen one' and has to become a hero to save the day.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian*
Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy return to Narnia for this second installment of CS Lewis's classic series. Discovering that hundreds of years have passed, they help Aslan the lion restore the rightful heir to the throne, Prince Caspian, to power.
*Film certificates yet to be confirmed at time of print. Check press for details
Books
Ben 10: Permanent Retirement And Side Effects, £3·00
Discover the amazing world of Ben Tennyson, a brave 10-year-old boy hero. This book features two great adventures and includes quizzes, puzzles and lots
of cool stickers!
Enid Blyton's Famous 5: On The Case, £3·50
Two stories featuring the children of Enid Blyton's original Famous Five. The first mystery is The Case Of The Fudgie Fry Pirates, where there's more to Shelter Island than a puffin refuge. The other story is The Case Of The Plant That Could Eat Your House. Kids be warned,
a dangerous plant is on the loose!
My Own Very Hungry Caterpillar Colouring Book, Eric Carle, £3·00
A Very Hungry Caterpillar colouring book is a black and white version of the original book for children
to colour in. As they bring it to life, at the same time they can enjoy their
favourite story.
Horrid Henry Robs
The Bank, Francesca Simon, £3·50
Horrid Henry helps himself to all the money to win his favourite board game, comes
up with another spectacular money-making scheme – and vows vengeance on Perfect Peter when he steals his pirate birthday party theme.
DVDs
Bee Movie PG
Reader panellist Taruni Cook, 10, watched Bee Movie I don't like it when I have to stay inside, but this film was brilliant, it made me forget all about being bored. I loved the bit where Barry the bee accidentally gets into the car and everyone starts to panic. I'd definitely recommend it to all my friends.
The Golden Compass PG
An all-star fantasy starring 'Mr Bond' himself, Daniel Craig, with Nicole Kidman and Dakota Blue Richards, set in a world of animals with human souls. The first part of Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy.
Ratatouille U
In this animated comedy, Remy dreams of becoming a great chef – and he'd be the first rat to succeed. Finding himself in Paris beneath an exclusive restaurant, he manages to make the finest ratatouille
in France.