18 June 2026
A Wolverhampton GP has created a children’s activity book to support early childhood development and encourage screen-free learning.
Dr Hassan Ashraf, a GP at West Park Surgery, has turned a personal parenting challenge into a creative solution by launching the new book.
The father of two wanted to create a resource to help parents encourage their children to develop pencil grip, letter recognition and fine motor skills while reducing reliance on screens.
Research suggests that activities such as colouring, tracing and drawing can help young children develop the hand strength, co-ordination and concentration needed for writing and other everyday tasks.
Creative activities can also provide valuable opportunities for children and parents to spend quality time together away from digital devices.
Dr Ashraf said: “I’m a GP, a dad of two young children, and someone who feels the pull of screens at home just as much as anyone else.
“The guidance is clear: no screen time for under-twos and no more than an hour a day for children aged two to five.
“Knowing that guidance is one thing; finding meaningful ways to fill those hours is another.
“That’s what inspired me to create Alphabet Animals: Trace the Letters, Colour the Critters. It began as something I made for my own children to help them develop pencil grip, letter recognition and fine motor skills while having fun.
“It was something we could do together, or they could enjoy independently – a quiet moment of creativity and connection away from a screen.
“I’ve always loved how colouring helps busy toddlers slow down, focus and express themselves. Seeing how much my own children enjoyed it made me want to share it with other families.
“Because toddlers deserve to create, not just consume.”
Dr Ashraf hopes the book will give parents a simple way to support their children’s development while creating opportunities for creativity and learning at home.
Alphabet Animals: Trace the Letters, Colour the Critters is available on Amazon.