Reviewed by
Mary
Even if you’re stuck at home you can travel anywhere in your imagination! And that’s where Banjo the Traveling Cat comes in.
Banjo tours the world and writes letters about his adventures.
His latest destination is Sri Lanka!
The letters have funny stories about his visit and the animal friends he meets along the way. There are also details about the destinations, their history and geography.
In addition to the letter there is a colouring sheet, which references things in the letter, plus a map activity sheet and a lovely recipe card!
As Banjo is a penpal, the idea isn’t just to receive letters, but to write back as well.
This is very cleverly covered. included with the letter and activities is a sheet of writing paper, and envelope, and personalized stickers for the World Map provided with the first letter, and ‘stamps’.
You don’t put the letters in the regular post box, instead they are posted under the sofa to be collected by a neighborhood cat who passes them on the Banjo.
The paper is just the right size for even kids who don’t love writing to be able to fill it up nicely. Banjo’s letters also include prompts and ideas for children to write back to him, which is really useful if they struggle to think what to say.
And when parents sneak the finished letter out from under the sofa they have a lovely record of their children’s creative writing to keep.
Banjo Robinson’s letters are personally addressed to each child, and also include details, such as pets and favourite food, which are provided at the time of subscription.
Parents can also add their own special PS to each letter, which is a fantastic extra layer of personalization and a great opportunity to celebrate achievements, or perhaps provide reminders that might come better from their pal Banjo!
