When I was recently asked if we'd be interested in learning more about creepie-crawlies, I replied with a tentative "maybe, depending on which ones" ! I'm OK with worms, snails and beetles but am really not keen on spiders and hate maggots with a passion. Luckily, they heard my plea and sent us through a nice and safe Ladybird World set - phew ! Juliette excitedly took possession of it and wanted to go and find some ladybirds to put in it right away. This was last week when the ground was covered in frost and a sprinkling of snow so the first lesson she learned about ladybirds was that they won't be out and about until it's decidedly warmer !
Nevertheless, she got all the differents bits and pieces out to have a good look and discovered some tweezers, some specimen tubes, a paintbrush (for delicately pushing the ladybirds into the specimen tubes) and a lens.
There's also a sturdy plastic tank, with a (very important, to stop them getting out !) lid with holes in. There's also a very informative and interesting guide that is packed with information about ladybirds and how to look after, and even attempt to breed, them.
It's a good introduction to keeping a pet for young children because you have to learn how to give them food (that'd be aphids - hope we manage to find some !) and clean out the tank, just as you would with a proper pet.
It also gives lots of details about the life cycle of ladybirds, the different species of ladybirds and how to get the most out of your Ladybird World experience. Naturalist Nick Baker has been involved in creating the product and, despite the fact that the target age is 5-10, it is a really educational kit, as well as being lots of fun.
The only thing lacking is the ladybirds - once the sun comes out, we'll definitely be out looking for some !
star rating : 4.5/5
RRP : £9.99
Disclosure : We received a Ladybird World in order to write an honest review.
Other reviews you may be interested in :
Grace is getting that age where these 'toys' are coming into our focus. Thanks for the review, very helpful.
ReplyDelete