By: Becky,
on 11/20/2007
Nursery Songs and Lullabies Illustrated by Bessie P. Gutmann
Nursery Poems and Prayers Illustrated by Bessie P. Gutmann
Together these books would make a lovely gift for expectant mothers and new mothers. The illustrations are sweet and subdued. There's just something 'precious' about them. I can't really explain why.
By: Becky,
on 11/3/2007
Runaway Bunny Board Book and Plush Gift Set
If you were to buy all three together, Runaway Bunny, Goodnight Moon, and Very Hungry Caterpillar, you'd qualify for free shipping! (Two alone wouldn't reach that $25 point.)
By: Becky,
on 11/3/2007
I found this on Amazon--it was released 2005ish--you might find it in "real" stores as well. I'm just not sure. But wouldn't it be great for baby showers???? (Or any occasion really where there are babies about.)
As would this one....The Very Hungry Caterpillar Board Book and Plush set. Also at Amazon.
By: Becky,
on 10/31/2007
By: Becky,
on 10/28/2007
Book Description
This charming miniature theater invites children to create their own Nutcracker ballet — with the help of toy dancers to twirl, backdrops to change, a CD of musical selections, and a guide to staging scenes.
For every child who has ever imagined flying off with Clara to the Land of Sweets — and for every child ready to be transported to the magical realm of THE NUTCRACKER for the first time — this beribboned theater is the ultimate gift. Inside you'll find:
- A mini stage with changeable backdrops and scenery
- Six main characters on sticks, for twirling onstage
- Ten more characters available on punch-out sheets
- A booklet retelling the story of THE NUTCRACKER and offering scene-by-scene staging instructions
- A CD of musical selections from THE NUTCRACKER score
- Intriguing facts about ballet history, Tchaikovsky, and Christmas traditions
- Even a recipe for making sugar plums!
About the Author
Jean Mahoney is the author of three books for adults on Japanese
architecture and design. She has led a nomadic life and first had the
inspiration for the NUTCRACKER project while living in Vienna, where she attended the opera and often lamented over the dull librettos. She says, "There¹s nothing like sitting in a darkened theater when suddenly the orchestra pit lights up, and the sound of the instruments tuning up washes over the audience. THE NUTCRACKER BALLET THEATRE is that memory made tangible, a magical moment in miniature."
Viola Ann Seddon grew up in Melbourne, Australia, where her childhood
revolved around the performing arts, ballet, and opera. She has fond
memories of seeing THE NUTCRACKER ballet over and over again, memories that she combined with her love of doll-making to produce THE NUTCRACKER BALLET THEATRE. "I have sewn, painted, and dressed the performers in this set, and since Clara is the leading lady, she resembles my first childhood doll," she says. "I have spent a large part of my life making dolls, which invariably take on lives of their own." The illustrator of two children's books, Viola Ann Seddon currently lives in London.
By: Becky,
on 10/28/2007
Book Description
The ideal interactive gift for every child who likes dancing, theater, music, fairy tales, or make-believe.
Restage the romantic SLEEPING BEAUTY ballet — and invent your own creative embellishments — with the help of a charming miniature theater containing everything you need!
- A sturdy foldout theater
- Changeable scenery and backdrops
- A booklet that tells the full story and offers stage directions
- Nine twirling figures and a supporting cast
- An audio CD with selections from the musical score
About the Author
Jean Mahoney is the author of THE NUTCRACKER BALLET THEATRE and has written several books on interior design. She lives in Southampton, New York.
Viola Ann Seddon is the illustrator of THE NUTCRACKER BALLET THEATRE. She lives in London, where she works as an illustrator and dollmaker.
My thoughts: This interactive book is so great, so fun. It's a perfect gift for those able to appreciate it. My guess is that would probably not be anyone under seven or eight. (But you probably know your child best.) My age recommendation is based on the fact that the sets are made of paper (or cardboard) and it needs to be treated with care when using. That and the fact that you don't want the pieces strewn all over the place and lost. But that being said, this set is so cute, so sweet, so adorable. I think there are many adults out there who would love this as well.
