As monsoon showers restrict play, keep your kids entertained with books rather than the television and computer games.

From India Book House's new Children Series Imprint come a line of hardback, illustrated books that introduce the young reader to India's rich folklore and vibrant cultural heritage. Start with 'The Adventures Of Birbal', 'The Elephant-Headed God Ganesha' and 'Luv and Kush: Sons Of Rama'.
The 36-page books are priced at Rs 95 and available at bookstores across the country.

The Cambridge Reading scheme is targeted at four to seven-year-olds and comprises of 40 books divided into five levels of reading readiness and skills. The books have fun titles like 'The Most Beautiful Child', 'Dilly Breaks The Rules', 'Peas In A Pod' and 'How The Animals Got Their Tails', and the emphasis is on participative learning between the child and the teacher/parent. Each kit has exercises and tests to help you understand your child's learning abilities and work with them.

The set of 40 books and the teacher's guide is priced at Rs 1,800 and available at leading bookstores across the country. Or contact
Foundation Books at cupmum@cupindia.com or Tel: 022-27709172/13910

We've had them with us for a while, and we think they'd be great for gently building up patriotic feelings. 'My India' and 'The Flag We Love' from Scholastic will also make great
tools to talk to young children about Independence Day.
Price: Rs 25 each. Scholastic books are available at all leading bookstores.. Or log on priced at Rs 25 each.

Shy = Sad?
Shyness doesn't always mean low self-esteem, it might just be part of the child's personality. If she's not confident, pressurising her won't improve things. Your best plan is to slowly build up her confidence. Praise her achievements, include her in conversations and ask her opinion - talking skills will help her make friends. Then find non-threatening clubs where she can join in with activities; like the Girl Guides or music groups. Take things a step at a time; eventually, she'll come out of her shell.

A Bright & Happy Space
Giving your kids' room a great new look might also awaken their creative abilities and stimulate their happy hormones. The Asian Paints' 'Kids' World - A Book Of Ideas' has a collection of simple, attractive kids' room designs for children of various age groups. Themes include Cozy (for babies till two years of age), Cheerful or Playful for kids in the three to seven-year age group, and Festive or Cool for kids in the eight to 12 age group.

To do up your kids' space in these themes, call the Asian Paints Home Solutions toll-free number 1600-22-5678 or Mumbai Tel: 022-26550118. Details of these designs are available at www.asianpaints.com/kidsworld

Baby Blessings!
Great products for your baby! The Auto Seat Protector (right - Rs 1,495) will keep your baby safe and comes with a storage pocket to stash baby's essentials, while the S.M.A.R.T Stool (left - Rs 1,595) is an interactive step stool that 'speaks' in English and Spanish, teaches the ABC and counting skills, and can be adjusted to the right height for the child to have sink access. Then, there are also bath-time products like the Safety Bath Hippo, which indicates when the water is too hot!
Munchkin Baby Products are available at all leading stores.

Recipe For Trouble
Children are getting fatter because we're too busy to cook healthy meals or eat together, says a new report. Children who eat with their families are more likely to have fruit and veggies and less likely to eat fried food and fizzy drinks, claim the researchers.

YOU TELL US: If you have a special way of getting your young children to eat healthy, write in and share with your fellow readers. Mark your envelope 'Healthy Family Eating', and send it to us by July 15, 2004, at Femina Parenting, Times of India Bldg, Dr D N Road, Mumbai 400001

'Are We There Yet?'
Are your kids a nightmare in the car? "The secret is to ignore their bad behaviour and praise them when they are good - which also means being prepared," says family and relationships expert Julia Cole. "Always take a 'journey kit' of story or music tapes, colouring books and game ideas such as `First one to spot 10 red cars'. Every time they do well, commend them. If they misbehave, don't make a fuss and their attention seeking will gradually diminish." And of course, always use seat restraints or car seats when possible, or have an adult sit with them in the back seat.

Healthy Start
They've got up close and personal with your baby's bottom, and now they're spreading themselves into health! The 'Huggies Happy Baby Book' addresses every mother's concerns in the first year of a baby's life, including growth and developmental milestones, feeding patterns and health queries.
The 126-page guidebook is priced at Rs 195