Heart-warmers for mum and some great travel deals

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS FROM LONELY PLANET

Melbourne’s prolific guidebook publisher, Lonely Planet, is launching another series this month – Encounter. These full-colour pocket-sized city guides are for “urban adventurers seeking unique experiences” – that covers most of us at one time or another! With a pull-out map, insider tips, city diaries and proposed itineraries, these stylish guides offer a fast way to get a grip on the city you’re visiting. Nine cities – Barcelona, Dublin, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Las Vegas, London, New York, Paris and San Francisco – are being launched this month, with another 11 due out in September. RRP AU$18.95

PHONE HOME

There’s nothing like the voices of family and friends on the phone to bring home sweet home a bit closer. The good news is Australia’s 3 network has just extended its local rates to every country it covers – so say goodbye to shocking phone bills and call your loved ones more often! Currently, it’s available in Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Sweden and the UK, but new connections are being made all the time. Get the latest update at www.three.com.au

MARGARET FULTON’S KITCHEN

For half a century now, Australia’s Margaret Fulton has been the guiding light for home cooks, and her recipe books are passed down lovingly. Thank your mum for all the meals she’s put in front of you with the new book, Margaret Fulton’s Kitchen. Just out, it’s full of the latest and updated modern classics. You can drool over the mouth-watering photography then cook her a meal from it for Mother’s Day – she’ll be mighty chuffed! Published by Hardie Grant. RRP AU$49.95. ISBN 9781740664387

KIDS FREE IN SYDNEY

From now till the end of August, Sydney is a parent’s paradise. The complimentary ‘Kids Free in Sydney’ card, available from www.seesydney.com/kids, means kids can accompany a paying adult to a swathe of attractions for free. Try the Sydney Tower and OzTrek package – fantastic views from the city’s highest point, plus a virtual Australian tour ride complete with surround-sound technology, 3D holographic imagery, 180-degree cinema screens and earth-shaking real-motion seating. Check the full range of family-friendly activities – they’re a fantastic way to experience Sydney with your brood!

BLACK DIAMONDS

Give mum a little me-time for Mother’s Day this year: a few hours with her feet up and a good book is always appreciated! Black Diamonds, the debut novel of Australian Kim Kelly, is a love-and-war epic and a real page-turner. With a timely launch on Mother’s Day, this story about a pair of young newly-weds separated by the outbreak of World War I will definitely bring on a few weepy moments. Break out the tissue box! Published by HarperCollins. RRP AU$29.99. ISBN 9780732284138