Belle and Boo Review by Belinda Graham

When I was pregnant with Layla, I had a few things on the to-buy list if the baby was a girl: an Oobi Baby dress (done), Country Road leather ballet flats (got ‘em) and Belle & Boo prints. I found them so gloriously girlie, so Holly Hobby-ish and somehow so carefree and innocent, they appealed to my inner child as well as to my adult self. It’s not often you find children’s illustrations that are stylish, but all of Belle & Boo’s are. Beautifully illustrated, all of the prints reflect a fun, pure time in a child’s life, which is why I think I like them so - who hasn’t swung from a tree, chatted to a bunny or fed the birds? I know I have, and I know my children will. And so my collection began with three little prints - I even framed the thank you note that came with the purchase - and I know there are many more to come. The latest addition is Flowers for Mummy. Not only is it cute, it’s signed by the illustrator Mandy Sutcliffe! And if that’s not reason enough for me to love it, here are three more…1. Layla loves to pick me flowers and bring them to me. (She picks weeds too, but it’s the thought that counts, right?).2. Layla’s middle name is Belle (yep, named after me. How narcissistic of me!) 3. Steve and I often tag “O-boo-boo” to the end of Zak and Layla’s names. I’m not sure why, but we just have since Zak was tiny. They get Zakky-o-boo-boo and Layla-o-boo-boo.I have a feeling Layla already loves her collection too - she points out the birds and bunny and makes their noises, and I’ve caught her a few times talking to the picture wall when she’s meant to be sleeping. Good to see they’re keeping her company…

Find them here