No, it's not new, but this book always gets dusted down at this time of year, before setting off on our family summer holidays.

Okay, so we've already booked, but this is one of the handiest guides around for checking out whether to pack a bikini or brolly or both. Spotted a last-minute deal to Eilat (lots of great family deals around this year)? Then look on the simple grids at the back. Mmm - July, maximum 39C degrees, well perhaps not, average hours of sunshine per day, 11, well perhaps yes.

The front section of the book has more detailed write-ups on each country's weather and tips on what to pack. For example, 'include a light scarf in early summer to protect yourself from the dusty Khamsin winds'. Well thank you very much. This is a must-have reference guide.

In and around London for kids

It's often on the rainiest days, when the family is going up the wall and a day out is most needed, that your mind goes blank and all the ideas you've been saving up desert you. This is the book you need in such times of trauma.

Although London based, it includes the surrounding counties. Each of the listings for the 60 or so attractions is very detailed and tells you anything you need to know about pushchair access, bathroom facilities and opening times.

Beyond the logistics, however, the book is strong on lively accounts of what the children can expect when they get there, whether it's reading from Matilda's library at the Roald Dahl Museum, or following the family trail beside the River Thames at Hampton Court Palace.