Les Minouchkas - The Colouring Book

You know those moments when you need ten minutes of quiet and a cup of tea that's actually still hot? This is the book you reach for. The Minouchkas world is all soft florals, gentle bears and poetic little scenes drifting through the changing seasons, and your child will be absolutely absorbed in it. (You're welcome.)

We love it because:

• The illustrations by Lucille Michieli are the kind you actually want to look at. Delicate, charming and full of little details to discover, not just outlines to scribble over
• Following the four seasons gives it a gentle, satisfying story arc running all the way through. It feels like a world to return to, not just a page to fill in
• Made in France by Moulin Roty, who have been making beautiful things for children since 1972. The quality shows.
• 36 pages of colouring, observing and completing illustrations means this one goes the distance
• The cover alone is so lovely it looks good sitting on a shelf

What's in the box:

• 1 x Les Minouchkas colouring book, 36 pages

Great for:

• Ages 3 and up
• Quiet time, rainy afternoons, long car journeys, that desperate half hour before dinner
• Building focus, creativity and fine motor skills (though honestly, the main skill being developed here is keeping grown-ups sane)
• A lovely birthday gift or stocking filler for anyone who likes beautiful things

Important to know:

• 20 x 28 cm, a good generous size for colouring
• Paper. Not washable, so best kept away from wet hands and paint brushes
• Made in France