“Beautifully illustrated, and with bags of vintage charm, it’s a great gift for girls of all ages.”

Buy online at Travelling Souk

Price £7 (inc delivery)

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Initial thoughts: This is a beautifully illustrated black and white colouring book, which has a real vintage charm around it with its raspberry cover and lemon lettering on the front.  The byline says ‘Just add heads, legs and arms’ but really you need pens, pencils, crayons, paints and an ability to draw or scribble.

We liked: It has a kooky offbeat style around the graphics which makes it more sophisticated than most colouring books.  It’s also really pretty so makes a great gift, this is our third copy.  Because it is not a huge book, it’s one you can pop in your handbag to pull out magician-like on train or car journeys.

We weren’t keen: While the book is very pretty, it takes quite a talented small child to be able to draw feet, hands and faces.  Miniminx said she’d prefer to have the book in reverse and draw clothes on to different people.  I’m inclined to agree.

Overall: This is a lovely, offbeat way to spend an afternoon, and I think if you add some pretty pens and stickers, this charming vintage-style book makes a perfect gift. It’s a refreshing change from branded and character-led Disney books.  It’s also a big hit with girls of all ages – my eight year old loves it, but many of my friends with younger kids are big fans, too.

[Eva - Nixd Minx]