Reviewed by
Mary
Has your child ever wanted a penpal? They can send and receive letters from all over the world with Banjo Robinson!
Banjo the travelling cat has been exploring a country that may not be as familiar to children as some of his other destinations – Kazakhstan.
It may not be so familiar, but it’s certainly a fascinating place. Banjo’s letter covers places, music, animals, food, and other details in his lovely chatty and anecdotal style.
Even the paper itself is beautifully decorated!
As well as the letter, you get other goodies too. There’s a little extra information sheet in the form of a map, and also a recipe card. I have to say that these donuts look delicious, and with the help of an adult, totally doable! Just the food is enough of an inspiration to visit this country, but there’s so much else to see!
There’s a colouring sheet, which cleverly incorporates things mentioned in the letter, and of course the little drawings are beautifully drawn.
There is also a sticker sheet. You have a sticker for your world map (included with the first letter), a couple of fun decorative ones, and most importantly, stamps for you return letter!
The ease of replying is one of the many excellent things about these letters. Having a penpal involves writing as well as receiving letters, and Banjo makes replying very easy indeed. Included is a piece of writing paper and envelope for the child to write back to Banjo. There are the perfect amount of lines so even the most reluctant writer will be inspired, and Banjo’s letter includes writing prompts and ideas. There’s even space on the back of the reply for more writing of drawing a picture.
The mailing system is rather clever – the child posts the letter under the sofa to be collected my a neighborhood cat, so adults can sneak it out at the appropriate moment and have their letters as a lovely keepsake of their child’s writing.
As yet another bonus, parents can write their own PS to be added to Banjo’s letter, which adds an extra layer of personalization. When you sign up, you include details such as favourite foods and pets, little items that are included in the letter to make it personal to each child. And all this, two letters a month for only a fiver!
By Evelyn 
