Yes, really!

As all parents know, when boredom sets in, even the most delightful cherub can turn into a little devil.

And so the shortest journey or meal out can become fraught without some kind of emergency activity to hand.

Whilst toys are not always appropriate, a few crayons, water colours or felt-tip pens can provide you with a little peace.

A blank notepad used to suffice but now that my 4-year old has a strong sense of the 'cool' and 'not cool', I've had to wise up.

So, I was delighted to come across these fantastic free colouring pages, easily printed out in black and white and now a fixture in my handbag even on the quickest mission around town.

Here are Max's top 5 faves at present:

STAR WARS http://www.coloring-book.info/coloring/coloring_page.php?id=95

BEN 10 http://www.ben10kids.com/coloring-pages/ben-10-coloring-page-200.html

SUPERHEROES http://www.hellokids.com/r_484/coloring/super-heroes-coloring-pages/

TRANSFORMERS http://www.kids-n-fun.com/coloringpages/kleurplaat_Transformers_231.aspx

CRAFTS FOR KIDS http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidsartsandcrafts/

• Taxi goers beware. Certain Beijing cabbies -- the ones with the pristine white seat covers in particular -- are not always so keen to foster budding artistic talent. Let's just say it's a long and messy story...