I have never been a fan of battery-operated toys. Most of my friends think I’m crazy and tease me about it, but I reckon that battery-operated toys are just not necessary!

I did give in and get my toddler a lovely little book called La Ferme, illustrated by my friend Marion Billet — one of France’s most popular children’s book illustrators. My daughter squealed with delight when she started playing with it, much like the little pig in the book. The concept of the book is simple — six lovingly illustrated farm animals each with a little button on them which make very realistic animal noises. It was perfect for a recent 5-hour car ride, as it gave hours of entertainment and she now knows exactly what a cow, a hen, and a horse sound like and takes great enjoyment imitating the sound!

I guess my rule about battery operated toys had to be broken at some point…. I have not been able to find this book on sale internationally but you can buy it via a French website or in most good children’s bookshops here in France.

- Emilie