For a discussion of the various countertop material choices and the pros and cons of each, see New & Traditional Countertop Choices.

P.S. There are no absolutely child-proof countertops, but some are better than others.

Thanks very much

Check out Viscont White granite. It has different looks depending on which way it's sliced. To me it can read soft, or sleek, and in either case it looks more modern than old world. It's definitely one of the bombproof ones.

Taj Mahal quartzite is another possibility, which has warm undertones. It's expensive though!