Reviewed by
Mary
Travelling is difficult right now, but Banjo Robinson is the perfect vicarious travel activity for children!
Banjo Robinson is a cat who travels around the world, meeting new people (and animals!) and experiencing the signs and sounds of different countries.
A letter arrives every fortnight, addressed directly to the child.
In it, Banjo describes some of his stories and fun from the latest country on his trip. He meets all kinds of animal friends, and learns about the place he is visiting.
The letters themselves are wonderfully illustrated, with fantastic colourful pictures. When initially subscribing, the parent, or other adult, includes a few personal details about the recipient, such as pets and favourite foods. These help add an extra personal note to the letters.
Subscribers also have the option to add a PS to each letter, so Banjo can send congratulations or encouragement. There are also prompts for replies, both writing and drawing.
The letter isn’t all that’s included though. There’s a colouring sheet, which references the letter, a recipe card from the country visited, and a lovely activity sheet with fun stuff such as wordsearches, fun facts about each country, and even some inspiring hints and tips for the child’s reply.
Banjo makes it very easy for the child to reply. A lovely sheet of writing paper is included, which is just the right size for a nice letter, but not intimidatingly large for children who are more reluctant to write a lot. The reverse also has space for drawings.
There’s an envelope with posting instructions, and a sheet of sticker stamps.
Letters are left under the sofa, for collection by a local cat, which of course means that parents will rescue it at some point and keep it as a souvenir!
The stickers also include a country sticker for the world map included with Banjo’s first letter, so children can follow Banjo’s journey round the world.
This is such a charming, and fantastic low-tech treat for children. It costs from just a fiver a month (two letters) which is really incredible value.
A travelling cat is just the right idea to inspire and amuse children, as well as encouraging them to write back.
