I've had two letters home from school asking for a costume this week for World Book Day which is just next Thursday, March 5th. Like every other Mum in the land, I'm wracking my brains to think of something for them to go as.

World Book Day is a great way to bring literature to life for kids and really get them thinking about the stories they have enjoyed.

It's quite a good idea to try and go with a costume they will use again so anything Victorian is perfect. Your son can go as Oliver and your daughter can go as the Little Dorit or anything by E Nesbitt. The school is bound to spring a Victorian Day on you sometime soon so you can use the costumes again.

Similarly Roman/Viking/Tudor Days are getting more and more popular so why not try out a Horrible Histories look for World Book Day with a view to marching the legions to school in the same outfit then.

Children often have favourite book characters who simply don't have an existing costume you can buy. It's amazing how many accessories are out there so favourites like the Big Friendly Giant can be created using Giant Ears very inexpensively and to great effect.

World Book Day is getting bigger every year as more and more schools get involved, but it needn't be a chore or an expense and it's a great opportunity to have fun with your kids.

Well, actually, let it NOT snow any more thanks.


The first couple of days were fantastic. Sledging with the kids, making snowmen, discovering animal tracks.


The downside? Nearly killing myself going down the disused quarry on a tea tray, getting really cold hands and finding out that ratty lives by our back door and feasts in our bins.

At SillyJokes this meant that we were a man down that whole week as the schools wimped out and closed and I was confined to barracks. During the heaviest snow although heroic efforts were made by Kate and George to get into work, including walking across the fields, there were a few hours when we weren't here to help you out last Friday.

About 90% parcels were dispatched on time but the bad weather has meant a few delays in delivery are reported.

When we were in a few extra skills were added to the staffs not inconsiderable set. These included corporate car pushing, compulsary employee snow shovelling which was along the lines of Japanese aerobics and meant Jason didn't need to go to the gym.

I hope you have all enjoyed some snow time but that everything is returning to normal in time to take another week off for half term. The kids didn't believe me when I told them it was cancelled.

Are you interested in what goes on behind the scenes of SillyJokes?

I can tell you all the juicy secrets you want to know.

Just how do you run a store based solely on the desire for fake poo and cowboy hats?

Also, I'll try and bring you some bizarre sights as my eagle eyed team spot them

Perhaps you'll see your own picture on here, well, if you give me permission to let everyone laugh at your expense that is.

Who am I? As the Sun would say, "Curvacious, mother of four, Caroline Creasey, 43, co-director of reknowned Joke and Party Shop, was last seen doing something shameful in a whoopee cushion costume."