Dr Hassan Ashraf, a GP at Wolverhampton's West Park Surgery, has created an activity book titled Alphabet Animals: Trace the Letters, Colour the Critters to help parents engage their children in screen-free activities. The book, priced at £7.89 on Amazon, is designed for children aged 3-7 and aims to develop pencil grip, letter recognition, and fine motor skills.
Inspiration Behind the Book
Dr Ashraf, a father of two young children, said he felt the 'pull of screens' at home and wanted to find meaningful ways to fill time without digital devices. He noted that official guidance recommends no screen time for children under two and no more than one hour per day for those aged two to five. 'Knowing that guidance is one thing; finding meaningful ways to fill those hours is another,' he said.
Creative Solution for Parenting Challenge
The book began as a personal project for his own children. 'It was something we could do together, or they could enjoy independently – a quiet moment of creativity and connection away from a screen,' Dr Ashraf explained. He added that colouring helps toddlers slow down, focus, and express themselves. 'Because toddlers deserve to create, not just consume,' he said.
Availability and Impact
Alphabet Animals: Trace the Letters, Colour the Critters is now available on Amazon. Dr Ashraf hopes it will give parents a simple tool to support their children's development while fostering creativity and learning away from screens. The book is suitable for children aged 3-7.
