Reviewed by
Mary
Banjo the travelling cat is whizzing round the world, and he’s now landed in New Zealand!
Even his picture on the letter is upside down!
As always, it’s chatty, fun, and being on the other side of the world it can spark some great conversations about why people who are upside down on the earth don’t actually fall off. This is one of the things I love about these letters. As well as being imaginative and perfectly pitched for children to read, there are all kinds of fun tangents to take. While a competant reader can tackle the letters alone, they are also lovely for a parent and child to read together. Being personalised, little details such a pets and favourite foods (given at time of subscription) give the child the feeling that Banjo is writing directly to them.
As a bonus, parents can add a special PS to each letter, which is the perfect opportunity to include an extra message, perhaps with recognition of specific achievements, or even just an extra reminder to clean their room!
Of course, the letter isn’t all you get.
Children are encouraged to write back to Banjo. Included is a piece of paper, stickers, and and envelope with postage instructions. Posting under the sofa is the perfect way for parents to be able to sneak the letter out and keep it as a lovely memento.
Extra fun items are a colouring sheet, with pictures from his letter, a little map activity sheet, and most fun of all, a local recipe! This one is particularly delicious, after all, who doesn’t like ice cream? Plus it’s perfect for hot weather!
Letters arrive every two weeks, and costs from only a fiver a month, which is ridiculously good value. There are also fun and free bonus activities on the Banjo Robinson website.
By Evelyn 
