The best known online bookstore featuring a vast range of children’s books, music and videos arranged by age and in easy to browse categories. Choice is assisted by extensive Amazon and customer reviews. Discounts of up to 50% on best selling titles. The site has a new Toys and Kids section.

Thoughtful, beautifully illustrated books designed to nurture children’s (and parents’) imagination. ‘The Genius of Leonardo’, ‘Tales from Old Ireland’, ‘My Very First Book of Pirates/Princesses’ and ‘The Barefoot Book of Heroic Children’ give a flavour of their list. Old classics are also given new life with fresh and exuberant illustrations. Within this unusual collection there are books which tackle important family relationships, religion and other spiritual issues as well as such delicate subjects as bereavement (see ‘The Blue Pearls’). Although the ‘Read Alone’/’Read Together’ guidelines are useful, the list spans the entire age range. Audio books and spin-off Artists’ Prints, Cards, party invitations and wrapping paper are also available.

From dinosaurs to jets and pets to computers, over 800 children’s books covering a multitude of topics for all ages in Dorling Kindersley’s well known pictorial format. A children’s gift selector can help you make the right choice. Also includes books on the National Curriculum and a good range of health and parenting guides.

Visit this online emporium for children’s books, stationery, art materials, music, videos and DVDs, audiotapes, toys and games. Consult the Fiction lists and Bookshelves for recommended reading material and gift ideas or the Pre-school section for a quick guide to what’s available for under-fives. Children might enjoy browsing the site too.

Boots the Chemist’s online store Wellbeing is a comprehensive one-stop shopping experience for mother and baby – with the added convenience of home delivery. They offer first books in many guises – board books, box books, touch ‘n’ feel books and nursery rhymes, as well as the perfect first encyclopaedia. Adult reference books cover a range of practical subjects including health, pregnancy, and childcare. Food planners and child-orientated cookery books are also available.