Ever since they were small, the boys have always had a bedtime story read to them. It’s part of their daily bedtime routine, and they take it in turns to choose a book each evening. It’s a great way to wind down before bedtime, and more often than not, E will continue to read a few chapters of his own book before lights are switched off.
We were recently contacted by Dilara Arin, a local writer and illustrator who asked us whether we’d like to review her books: Animal’s Book of Dance and Gogol the Golden Golem.
I always like to support small businesses where I can so we were more than happy to check these books out and let you know our thoughts on them.
About Dilara Arin
Dilara was born in Instanbul/Turkey and came to the UK to study Animation. She illustrated books for other authors before writing and illustrating her own. Animal’s Book of Dance and Gogol, the Golden Golem, are her debut books.
Animal’s Book of Dance
Animal’s Book of Dance is fun and engaging for children. They can join in with the animal dance party and follow their funky footsteps.
The boys loved trying to copy the moves and even ended up making up a few of their own too!
Gogol the Golden Golem
Gogol the Golden Golem, suddenly loses his gold colour which makes him sad so he is on a mission to find it again. Along the way, he ends up on an adventure with his friends. Will Gogol ever become golden once more?
I won’t ruin the whole story for you, but this book is beautifully illustrated and packed full of colour.
The detail in the illustrations are fantastic and the boys were completely immersed in the story. So much so, they asked for it again and again. Gogol the Golden Golem really inspired their imagination too, they loved guessing what adventures Gogol would have next. E was even keen to find out if there would be a second book.
Dilara also very kindly did a little Q&A for us too. E came up with the questions in blue and mine are the ones in purple – take a look below.
Q&A with Dilara Arin
Does the story or the illustrations come to you first?
All my ideas for books come from a single image. I draw a lot of illustrations for my own pleasure, and a story will sometimes come out of one. I drew a Gogol the Golden Golem picture years ago (I even named him then!) and the story has been brewing at the back of my mind since.
Did you sketch the pictures out on a piece of paper first?
All of the pictures were sketched out first. I usually do very rough sketches on paper, then more in detail sketches on the computer.
How did you come up with the idea for Gogol?
I love myths and legends of every culture, and I love fantasy literature and games too. Golem is a creature I’ve always loved the idea of, and a golden Golem creates a lot of story opportunities!
Are you going to make a second book of Gogol?
I don’t plan for another Gogol book but there are plans for a Gogol animation and puppetry show!
What kind of paints did you use for Gogol?
Gogol was done all on computer, using Photoshop. I use various digital brushes, some made by other people and some made by me.
What was your favourite book that you made? I like all the books I make but Gogol the Golden Golem is very special to me. There’s a little piece of me in all the characters I create but even more so in the characters in this book.
Being a local to Kingston (like we are), has there been anything in the local area that influences your story writing or illustrating?
I live very close to Richmond Park and this side of the park has a quite rough nature, especially in autumn and winter time, which has definitely been influencing my illustrations.
What are your plans for the future and what are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a new picture book and there is another one in the pipeline. A Gogol animated short and a puppet show are also amongst my plans.
Order your copies and receive 20% discount
Dilara is offering my readers a 20% discount on her books. Simply head over to her website and use the code: SuburbanMum20
*We received these books for the purpose of this post.
The illustration in these looks beautiful! (I’m so picky when buying early years books because I have to like the art in them.) I bet the animated short will be awesome. #KCACOLS
These books like beautiful and really unique. It’s so great to support local authors too. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.
Hello and welcome to Suburban Mum!
I'm Maria and I'm mum to two boys - E who's 12 and M who's 9. This blog is about my little family, the ups and downs of being a working mum and everything in between. If you want to find out more about me and my family head over to our About us page.
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We went to check out the newly opened @laserquestkingston last week.
Laserquest, VR Experiences and Arcades all under one roof means only one thing - bundles of fun and games for the kids at really affordable prices.
Laserquest games start from just £7.95 but you can also buy a Laserquest and VR Experiene combo pass.
You need to purchase tokens for the arcades (they’re all 1 token to play). Arcade tokens are 6 for £5 or 12 for £10
Feeling super lucky that this is practically on our doorstep and we will definitely be back again because Mr H came second in our Laserquest game and refuses to be beaten by E!
Do you have a Laserquest near you?
#Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #LaserTag #ActivitiesForKids #ThingsToDoWithKids #FamilyFun #IndoorActivities #Kingston #DaysOutWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyFamilyDaysout #SurreyMummy #SurreyDaysOut #SurreyLife #SurreyMums #FamilyDaysOut #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #Familyof4 #Familydayout #Familyfunday
[AD] As Stay Active Ambassadors, the boys have been testing out another one of @CharacterToys products this month.
The Jump-It Wipeout is a musical jump challenge where you try to beat the rotating soft foam jump bar. The aim is to either jump until the time is up or until you Wipeout!
The boys have LOVED testing this out and it’s kept them busy over half-term.
⭐ Great for competing with family and friends of all ages, Jump-It Wipeout will test your timing, reactions, agility and fitness.
⭐ It can be used both indoors and outdoors, you just need a big enough indoor area for them to use while jumping. Although we’ve had very mild weather for October, the game is a good way to keep them busy active when it’s wet and miserable outside.
I’ve written a full review over on the blog: https://www.suburban-mum.com/jump-it-wipeout-review/
The Stay Active Jump-It Wipeout is suitable for children aged 6+ and is available from @smythstoys for £59.99
#StayActiveWithCharacter #JumpItWipeout #Wipeout #ActiveKids #KidsActivities #StayActive #OutdoorToys #IndoorToys #HealthyKids #HealthyMind #ActiveKidsAreHappyKids #ExplorerKids #letsgolittles #SmythsToys #FitnessToys #ScreenfreeTime #JumpingGame #IndoorGames #kidsfitness
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The boys had a lovely afternoon at @wahaca Southbank today. As well as munching on some delicious mexcian style street food, they also had the opportunity to paint sugar skulls ready for #DiaDeLosMuertos
Wahaca, Southbank is providing FREE sugar skulls and paints between 27th- 28th October when you dine in.
#DayOfTheDead #SugarSkull #DiaDeLosMuertos #Wahaca #DiaDeMuertos #SugarSkullPainting #HalfTermActivities #HalfTermFun #HalfTerm #MexicanFood #WahacaSouthbank #SouthbankLondon #MexicanTradition #VisitLondon #MyFamilyAdventures #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #SurreyMummy #SurreyDaysOut #SurreyLife #SurreyMums #FamilyDaysOut #ActivitiesForChildren #KidsCreativity #FunWithKids #KidsActivityIdeas #KidsActivity #kidsactivites
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We had so much fun on the after-dark twilight trail @polesdenlaceynt last week. The boys loved carrying lanterns for part of the trail.
IGNITE at Polesden Lacey is a lovely way to spend an autumn evening. The trail was really well done and what really topped it for us was the relaxing music that accompanied the trail throughout. It would make a great alternative to Bonfire night and a lovely half-term activity to do with kids. (check out the reel I made to give you a taste of what to expect)
IGNITE at Polesden Lacey is on now until Sunday, 6th November.
📍 IGNITE at Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, RH5 6BD
🚆Best to visit by car, nearest stations are 3/4 miles away (Boxhill & Westhumble, Bookham and Dorking)
⏰ Trail is 3/4 mile long
☕️ Cafe, food vans and gift shop
🎫 Admission prices from: Adult £16.50, Child £12.50, Family £56 (2 adults & 2 children). Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under. Parking £7.00 per car or free for National Trust members.
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If you’re looking for an after-dark twilight trail in Surrey - look no further!
IGNITE at @polesdenlaceynt is back for 2022! It’s an enchanting walk around the gardens, led by glowing tree tunnels and flickering flames, with beautiful light installations along the way.
I’ve written about our visit in more detail in a blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/twilight-trail-ignite-at-polesden-lacey/
IGNITE at Polesden Lacey is on now until Sunday 6th November.
#IgniteAtPolesdenLacey #LightTrail #IgniteTrails #AutumnNights #PolesdenLacey #Surrey #IgniteTrails #UKEvents #AutumnTrails #Ignite #Iluminations #SurreyTrails #NationalTrustUK #WinterEvenings #surreyfamilydaysout #surreymummy #surreydaysout #surreylife #surreymums #familydaysout #outdoorsandfree #outdoorsandhappy #whatevertheweatherkids #wheremywelliestakeme #takeyourkidsoutside #takeyourkids #whatevertheweather #outdoorsfamilylife
Another one from our visit to @garsons_esher. The boys are on half-term this week, we have a few activities planned alongside some chilled out days at home. They are looking forward to carving their pumpkins this week ready for Halloween - luckily they have an inset day on the 31st!
🎃 I made a reel of our pumpkin picking visit to @garsons_esher a couple of weeks ago. 🎃
They’ve changed it up this year, you don’t pick your pumpkin from a patch anyymore, instead the pumpkins are ready in a Pumpkin Parade area ready for you to pick. There’s also lots of Halloween photo opportunities to be had too which was great fun.
Have you visited a Pumpkin Patch yet?
#Halloween #Pumpkins #PunpkinPicking #GarsonsFarm #Esher #HalfTerm #HalfTermFun #PumpkinPatch #surreyfamilydaysout #surreymummy #surreydaysout #surreylife #surreymums #familydaysout #UKexplore #justgetoutside #letthembewild #moretoexploreoutdoors #ourplayfulstyle #outdoorsandfree #adventuresofchildren #countrykidsfun #freespiritedchildhood #letthembewild #mycolourfulkids #noordinarykids
[AD] As part of role as a Stay Active Amabassador we are reviewing some products from @CharacterToys over the summer. 👟 🏃♀️🏃♂️
This month we are looking at Kickerball ⚽
⚽ Suitable for kids aged 6+
⚽ Swerve and kick the ball like a pro
⚽ Master 3 shots: under the ball, side of the ball and center of the ball
I've written a review over on my blog https://www.suburban-mum.com/kickerball-review/
KickerBall is available from @SmythToys and it's a great way to keep the kids active, improving movement, balance, coordination, social skills, self-esteem and confidence.
#StayActiveWithCharacter #ActiveKids #KickerBall #Football
#BeginnersFootball #FootballTraining #FootballTricks #KidsActivities #StayActive #OutdoorToys #HealthyKids #HealthyMind #ActiveKidsAreHappyKids #ExplorerKids #letsgolittles
I had to make a reel of our first holiday abroad since 2019!
We went back to Valencia, staying in a villa in Monte Pego which was amazing.
Sad it's all over and already wanting to plan the next one....
#SummerHoliday #Spain2022 #Valencia #MontePego #Espana #mycameracapture #100thingsthatmakemesmile #kidtraveler #kidtraveller #kidtravels #familywhotravels #kidstravelling #travellingwithchildren #travelwithchildren #tripwithkids #familytravelmoment #kidswithpassports #kidadventures #showthemtheworld #adventurefamily #familyexplorers #exploringfamilies #family #travelblog #lifeofadventure #travelfamily #uktraveller #familytraveltribe #travelmyheart #myheartwasmadetotravel
[AD] We’re super excited to be chosen to be Stay Active Ambassadors alongside Olympic Champion @gregjrutherford. Over the summer months ☀️, we will be tasked with reviewing some products from @CharacterToys' Stay Active range. 👟 🏃♀️🏃♂️
This month the boys have been getting to grips with the Hip Hoppa.
Suitable for kids aged 6+, it can be:
⭐ used both indoors & outdoors
⭐ is a fun bouncing game
⭐ helps with improving your balance & coordination
⭐ buildings your core strength, fitness & stamina
The Hip Hoppa is available from @veryuk
#StayActiveWithCharacter #ActiveKids #HipHoppa #KidsActivities #StayActive #OutdoorToys #HealthyKids #HealthyMind #ActiveKidsAreHappyKids #ExplorerKids #LetsGoLittles
[AD - Gifted] Stand out from the crowd with a @liferyder.uk scooter!
The boys have been getting lots of compliments on their new rides. M scoots to and from school on his every day and loves how fast they go. I've had a little go on them too and would love if they did an adult version so I can join in the fun.
I've written a full review of these awesome all-terrain scooters with interchangeable grahpics over on my blog (link in bio)
What do you think of the LIFERYDER scooters?
[AD - Gifted] The boys were over the moon when their awesome scooters from @liferyder.uk arrived on our doorstep. So much so, Mr H had to get building them straight away so they could take their new wheels out for a spin. We're really impressed with them so far - the intructions are super easy to follow and put together.
LIFERYDER scooters are all-terrain and designed to grow with your child, they're also customisable with a range of super-cool graphics too!
I've written a full review over on the blog (link in bio).
#liferyderuk #LetsScoot #JustGoOutside #BigWheelScooter #BigWheelsKeepOnTurning #AllTerrainScooter #KidsScooter #UKexplore #justgetoutside #letthembewild #moretoexploreoutdoors #ourplayfulstyle #outdoorsandfree #outdoorsandhappy #whatevertheweatherkids #screenfreekids #kidsfunday #mycolourfulkids
[AD - Gifted tickets] Made a reel of our @carterssteamfair visit. Don't forget its the last time Carters are in Hersham Green this weekend (11am-8pm). Entry is free and you get free rides when you book online.
#Carters2022 #CartersSteamFair #VintageFair #Funfair #HershamGreem #SteamFair #Fairground #FairgroundRides #VisitSurrey #surrey #surreydaysout #visitsurrey #elmbridge #discoversurrey #cometothefair #familyfun #familydayout #surreymums #surreyfamilies #daysoutwithkids #familydaysout #elmbridgemums #weybridgemums #daysoutwiththefamily #fairgroundrides #whatsonattheweekend #daysoutwithkids #funwiththefamily #familydaysout
I am so busy running around that sometimes I forget to take a breath and just stop for a second.
May is birthday season over here so it's a rather chaotic month.
I think this quote needs to be my mantra to repeat to myself over and over again!
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We have SO many lovely memories of visiting @carterssteamfair over the years. You may have heard that this is their last ever tour as the owners are looking to find a permanent site for the fair.
We went to our last ever Carters Fair at Hersham Green over the weekend. The sun was out and the kids had an absolute blast going on their favourite rides.
The fair is still on at Hersham Green this weekend 14-15th May - if you love traditional fairground rides and games make sure you visit.
Thanks for the memories Carters!
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The illustration in these looks beautiful! (I’m so picky when buying early years books because I have to like the art in them.) I bet the animated short will be awesome. #KCACOLS
LOVE THIS interview. Esp like that you have photos of the kids enjoying them instead of just the book. 🙂 cheers, kcd #KCACOLS
These books like beautiful and really unique. It’s so great to support local authors too. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.
Interesting read and really good to have an interview with the author. I never knew about digital brushes, its great to hear more.
Mainy
#KCACOLS
This was fascinating – I’ve always wondered how children’s books come to be produced! #KCACOLS