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Doodlers and fans of monsters and comics, unite! From freaked-out moms to thirsty vampires, using clean lines and minimal color, the talented children’s book author and illustrator Mike Herrod offers kids over 30 spook-tacular monster-pieces to finish off with their own drawings. However, it’s the “Magic Monster Pen” that steals the limelight. Kids can use the pen to compose their own secret messages or design their own hidden drawings; it also magically reveals 16 invisible ink picture pages throughout the book. This is an activity book that fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid are bound to enjoy.(Ages 7 and up)
Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs have put together a very unique book of activities for fearless explorers. Kids that enjoy experiments can make their very own mummy from a hot dog and a few other household items, such as toilet paper. Kids that really enjoy art and have a little patience will love turning an apple into a creepy, shrunken head. The well organized book includes fun facts and amusing photographs every step of the way. (Ages 8 and up)
This is an activity that really brings out creativity and personal style. Easy to follow instructions and simple tools make it really easy to customize homemade pompoms. Although the publisher (Klutz) recommends this activity book for 8-year-olds and up, parent or guardian participation makes it a great choice for younger children, too. (Ages 8 and up)
This Klutz activity book offers a spooky take on the classic friendship bracelet. Including cord, charms and beads, kids are introduced to the basics of the bracelet making process before taking on the task of creating bracelets with names such as Bitten and Cobweb. And, even when the provided supplies are all used up, you can easily buy more sup
Publisher’s synopsis: This hilarious and inventive drawing book by animator Chris McDonnell features page after page of off-the-wall gags and fillin doodle prompts. McDonnell’s infectious humor recalls MAD magazine at its finest. Ideal for an instant laugh or for anyone looking to spark their creative side, this interactive volume is the ultimate resource for fun with pen and paper.
Rain, hail or shine, summer, winter, fall or spring, activity books are fantastic boredom busters. They also make wonderful birthday gifts that are budget savvy. From doodles to stickers to making your own animation movies, this list of activity books showcases some of our favorites. We’ve also included a great resource for parents that is all about building your child’s self-esteem through reading, crafting and cooking.
Publisher’s synopsis: This is a doodle book, a journal, and a scrap book – the perfect buy for any child going away on summer vacation! Includes more than 50 vacation-themed doodles to complete, it doesn’t require any drawing skills, just a little bit of imagination!
This year, many people are predicting that Apple’s iPad will be the number one gift found under the Christmas tree. Assuming that you’ve embraced the notion of e-books—and you’re happy with the saying: “Any reading is good reading!”—we’re certain that you’ll be looking for a couple of book apps to get your iPad recipient started.
From the more traditional pieces of literature to the fun, book-related games; these apps are a great way to kick-start a new iPad library or add to an existing one. Hopefully this list makes your job of sifting through the hundreds or available apps just a little bit easier.
Tom Thumb and the Knights of the Round Table
Told by John Cleese, illustrated by Tim Gabor, music by Elvis Costello
Price: $3.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad
Publisher’s synopsis: John Cleese tells the tale of tiny Tom Thumb and his larger-than-life adventures in the land of King Arthur. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!
Features:
• READ the classic story!
• SEE the enchanting video!
• HEAR Emmy-Award winner John Cleese tell the story with an original score by recording artist Elvis Costello!
• RECORD your voice reading to your child!
Told by Meryl Streep, illustrated by Dave Jorgenson, music by George Winston
Price: $3.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad
Publisher’s synopsis: Meryl Streep shares the tale of love so powerful it can turn a toy bunny into a real rabbit. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!
Features:
• READ the classic story!
• SEE the award-winning video!
• HEAR acclaimed actress Meryl Streep tell the story accompanied by pianist George Winston!
• RECORD your voice reading to your child!
The holiday season can bring out the “Martha” in all of us. Unfortunately, ’tis the season to zap away the time required to be a “Martha.” So … this book list (or book-ish, at least) can be used a few different ways:
The obvious: You are shopping for a budding artist or crafting enthusiast.
The handy: Use some of these books to entertain your children while you get busy baking cookies, writing Christmas cards, or putting your feet up while you sip on some spiked hot apple cider.
The clever: You like to give books, but the kids you are buying for can’t sit still long enough to read or be read to. Art and craft books are like reading trickery: The craft keeps fingers busy while the instructions keep minds reading.
MoMA Make Art Mistakes: An Inspired Sketchbook for Everyone
by Museum of Modern Art New York
Reading level: All Ages
Diary: 128 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 27, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: With eye-catching interiors and playful activities, this open-ended sketchbook encourages would-be artists of all ages to look at the world around them and take chances expressing what they see. Inspiring and colorful graphic design will unleash the artist in anyone.
Publisher’s synopsis: Taro Gomi invites children to punch out more than 60 fantastic playthings, including ring-toss games, finger puppets, boxes, picture frames, a zoo’s worth of animals, and more! Packed with Gomi’s fun, accessible artwork and a delightful variety of games and toys, this book will appeal to children of all ages, engaging their imaginations and entertaining them all day long.
This is a book list for sports enthusiasts, young Einsteins-in-the-making, myth busters, restless minds and grown men! From Potato Chip Science to The World’s Most Amazing Facts and Records, there is seriously something for everyone. And, while I would recommend most of these books to the most reluctant of readers—particularly boys—I would suggest that you don’t rule these suggestions out for girls. Young girls in particular have very curious minds and very much enjoy a good hands-on experiment—there’s also a beautiful and energetic baseball book which tells the inspiring story of Effa Manley.
The Science Books
Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments
by Allen Kurzweil (Author), Max Kurzweil (Collaborator)
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 1, 2010)
Source: Author
The packaging of this kit (a “book & stuff”) alone has a ton of kid-appeal—it looks and feels like a bag of potato chips—but it’s not the cover from which we judge, it’s what is on the inside. Judge for yourself …
I had been trying to introduce Bob Dylan to my four-year-old daughter with entirely the wrong song. Clearly, dancing around the house together to Dylan’s “Everything is Broken” was a crazy idea. Recently, Bianca Schulze handed me the new children’s book Man Gave Names To All The Animals—abeautifully illustrated picture book by Jim Arnosky with Bob Dylan’s lyrics as text. The book includes a CD of the original recording with its jumpy island beat and soft female background vocals. With the right groove and stunning pictures, a new Dylan fan is born.
Few adult Dylan fans rave about this song from the 1979 release Slow Train Coming, but the song actually lends itself well to a sing-a-long with its simple chorus and predictable rhymes. While repetitive, it won’t become an annoying ear bug like so many kids songs can. Those new to the song may appreciate the book’s text since Dylan’s signature gruff, nasal vocals are at times hard to understand. It’s a playful song and children will delight while calling out the animals’ names.
However, the true reason why I am happy to have discovered this book is it brought Jim Arnosky to my awareness. As a mother of a four-year old daughter I read a lot about pink princesses and cuddly creatures. It’s refreshing to have discovered someone who is passionately committed to connecting children with the natural world. Arnosky has written and/or illustrated over a hundred books about nature—books with titles like Slither and Crawl, Crocodile Safari, andEvery Autumn Comes the Bear.
Using nature as the underlying theme, his books are as varied as they are plentiful and appropriately adapted to all ages. He has reached the very youngest with his “Mouse” series of picture books and the adorable Rabbits and Raindrops and Otters Underwater. Arnosky writes books for the older child that draw him out into the natural world while engaging in it—teaching outdoor skills, identification, sketching or merely observing—inviting them to “see as an artist would and observe as a naturalist would.” He has been praised for not romanticizing or humanizing animals. Influenced by the great nature writers John Burroughs and Ernest Thomas Seaton, Arnosky has said that their writings enticed him out into the natural world and he hopes his books will do the same for others.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Oh' the Places You'll Go, a couple of new editions have been released. This awesome book now spins, sparkles, and pops.
Press Release: Scholastic
Published: February 2, 2010
NEW YORK, NY (February 2, 2010) – The global hunt for The 39 Clues®,
the New York Times bestselling multi-media adventure series that
combines books, collectible cards and an online game,
continues with the release of “Book 7: The Viper’s Nest” by Peter
Lerangis, in stores today. With the publication of this new
installment, one of the key mysteries in the series—which branch of the
Cahill family Amy and Dan belong to—will finally be revealed. Also
today, Scholastic releases “The 39 Clues Card Pack 3: The Rise of the
Madrigals,” a new wave of randomly assorted collectible game cards, to
span Books 7 and 8, plus the simultaneous audiobook edition of “The
Viper’s Nest” which includes exclusive bonus material. With the release
of “The Viper’s Nest” and “Card Pack 3: The Rise of the Madrigals,” six
new Clues will be revealed, bringing a total of 28 Clues unveiled to
date.
As the race to find clues intensifies, author Peter Lerangis will embark on a national book tour where fans will have a first-hand look at this interactive reading experience that has captivated kids and educators from all 50 states and 191 countries. The tour,
which starts today and features events in schools, bookstores, and
libraries, will be supported by targeted advertising for teachers on
Facebook and various online outlets. Additionally, Scholastic will
promote The 39 Clues via print, television, in-theater, and online
advertising in key markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago,
Philadelphia, Dallas, and Boston, garnering more than 10 million total
impressions.
Scholastic Media recently launched the The 39 Clues Madrigal Maze App
for the iPhone™ and iPod touch®, which has been ranked among the top
“Paid Kids Games” on the App Store since release. Beginning today, in
conjunction with the release of “The Viper’s Nest,” the company will
offer the app for $0.99 for a limited time only. Scholastic Media also
recently announced that it has teamed up with Post Cereals
for a “Race to Win” Sweepstakes to bring the adrenaline-charged book
series to 4 million specially marked cereal boxes. National print
advertising and additional branded content supports an instant win game
at www.Post39CluesRaceToWin.com.
There are more than 6 million copies in print for books 1-7 in the
series. Worldwide interest in The 39 Clues continues to grow, with the online game
drawing new readers and gamers totaling more than 855,000 registered
users to date. The series has been licensed for publication in 20
languages including Japanese, Italian, Chinese, German, Greek, and
Hebrew.
The 39 Clues launched on September 9, 2008, with “Book 1: The Maze of Bones” by Rick Riordan,
which debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. On December
2, 2008, “Book 2: One False Note” by Gordon Korman was released and
also debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Since then,
the series, including “Book 3: The Sword Thief” by Peter Lerangis
(March 3, 2009), “Book 4: Beyond the Grave” by Jude Watson (June 2,
2009), “Book 5: The Black Circle” by Patrick Carma
What to expect:Intrepidity, Self-confidence, Friendship,
There is a clear and timely message in the story of Pelican and Pelicant: friendship, encouragement, and a little bravery, can really travel a long way.
Pelican is an "I think I can" kind of bird—champing at the bit with confidence. Pelicant is an "I can not" kind of bird—shy and uncertain. Together, these characters create an engaging tale of the fun that comes from having a good friend and self-confidence. The story is read and delivered clearly by Sarah Froeber, with lovely musical accompaniment by Andy Thorn.
Children of all levels of confidence will take something away from this likable adventure: Those with self-confidence will learn the importance of being a supportive and encouraging friend. And, those that lack in self-confidence will hear a tale of intrepidity.
Kudos to Sarah Froeber.
Publisher's synopsis:Fly with Pelican to the top of an enormous oak. Laugh as she shows newcomer Goose around the island. Float in the waves with Pelican while she rests after an enormous fish dinner. Finally, go with her to Turtle's party to dance the Pelican Pop-up and dine on crab birthday cake with crayfish frosting. But where is Pelicant during all of this fun?
Watch self-esteem blossom in the face of uncertainty and risk-taking. Discover what happens when these endearing pelicans look beyond feathers and beaks to the tender roots of a genuine friendship. Young people will find Sarah Froeber's tale delightful and engaging, and adults will recognize the rich texture of a time-tested myth. Kim Mosher's illustrations in luminous colored pencil are simple yet detailed enough to tell this story on their own - the closer you look, the longer you will giggle.
It's baby's first Christmas! This is his first introduction to a very special time of year: the beginning of many festive holiday traditions. There are a few things to look for when selecting holiday books for this age group:
Simple illustrations with patterns and contrasting colors.
Babies are facsinated by faces, especially baby faces.
Interactive books with touch and feel textures.
Sturdy pages so baby can hold the book to get the full sensory experience -- this is the beginning step of reading.
TCBR analysis: The photographs of real babies and the lift-the-flap peekaboo game make this book a true winner.
Publisher's synopsis: Babies love playing peekaboo from about six months onward-and once they
latch on to this simple game, they can't get enough of it! DK's Peekaboo books make the most of this fun interactive activity with flaps that open to reveal appealing babies and toys.
TCBR analysis: Super sturdy pages and select textures. This series of books is fantastic for throwing in a diaper bag for vacation travels.
Publisher's synopsis: This delightful series of board books is aimed at very young children.
The bright pictures, with their patches of different textures, are
designed to develop sensory and language awareness. Babies and toddlers
will love turning the pages and touching the feely patches.
Publisher: Little Simon; Brdbk edition (October 6, 2009)
TCBR analysis: Solid shapes, vibrant colors, and hide-and-seek lift-the-flaps to entice baby to interact.
Publisher's synopsis: Baby is looking everywhere for the Christmas present—but where can
it be? Little ones will love lifting the large, sturdy flaps to reveal
special, holiday surprises: Christmas cookies, candy canes, ornaments,
and more! Babies are sure to love this Christmas treat!
6 5/8 X 7 3/8 board book has rounded corners. Includes 6 large, sturdy flaps.
Publisher: Golden Books; Bk& Acces edition (October 25, 2005)
TCBR analysis: This classic staple for baby's library goes all "holiday" on us! A sweet, tactile keepsake.
Publisher's synopsis: The perfect Christmas gift for pat the bunny fans! Children and parents
will love all the touch-and-feel elements in this ultra-adorable
Christmas story as well as the huggable plush Christmas bunny ornament
that comes in the boxed set–an amazing value at $12.95!
by Betty Ann Schwartz, Alexander Wilensky, Steve Cox (Illustrator)
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Sterling (November 3, 2009)
TCBR analysis: Built to withstand heavy handling (or dropping), this book is interactive and has enchanting holiday images.
Publisher's synopsis: Whirl the lenticular disc with its
constantly changing image—and fly with Santa to the North Pole! What a
ride it is, as every turn of the wheel transports wide-eyed kids to a
new magical place. The merry Christmas tale begins in Santa’s workshop,
where he’s ready to soar to the skies in his sled. Spin again, and whee!
See the small town below where good girls and boys will get their toys,
and then over the desert, the city, and around the world to deliver
more.
And when Santa’s all done, give one more spin and fly, Santa, fly…away home. Merry Christmas!
TCBR analysis: Kids can't seem to get enough of this tenacious series. Whether it's the vibrant colors or the amusing sounds that captivate your baby, it's sure to be a hit.
Publisher's synopsis: Rhyming story about Santa Claus and his unusual Christmas adventures, which is fun to listen to and read.
Features lights and touch and feel cover.
Noisy surprises at the end of the book makes it even more fun!
TCBR analysis: A great choice for the older baby. Boynton's masterful rhymes truly appeal to the auditory part of babies brain.
Publisher's synopsis: I have a tiny reindeer. He says his name is Bob.
The
winsome tale of Bob opens this book of seven Boynton Christmas stories.
Using the colorful picture tabs, little children can choose the story
they want to hear:
* Bob * Merry Christmas Party * The Star * A Big Box * Eight Wishes * Wake Up! * Christmas Lullaby
Every perfectly silly selection is just right for snuggling by, all December long. And highly approved by Bob.
Audiobooks have the power to turn a disastrous car trip into an enjoyable family moment. They can even help lure a restless sleeper into dreamland. But, did you know that audiobooks can actually help improve listening and comprehension skills. They're also a great tool for introducing readers to new authors, and helping reluctant readers connect to a story by providing a different sensory experience. The trick is finding a quality story with a quality narrator.
In a Cookie Magazine article by Christopher Healy, 16 excellent audiobooks have been listed with audio clips and mini-reviews. Each one is narrated by actors, such as: Gwyneth Paltrow, John Lithgow, and Meryl Streep. If you have kids between the ages of 3 and 12, I highly recommend taking a look at this list: Children's Audiobooks
Another great place to look for audiobooks is kids.audible.com. They have a HUGE selection of the best books for kids and young adults. You can browse by Bestsellers, New Releases, Customer Favorites, Animal Stories, Biographies & History, Classics, Fables, Fictions, Mysteries, Nonfiction, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, and more.
Does your family have a favorite audiobook? A favorite narrator? My family enjoys The Velveteen Rabbit read by Meryl Streep. If you love fables and true classics, I suggest checking out Rabbit Ears Entertainment: http://www.rabbitears.com/
What to expect: Mystery, Action, Suspense, Babysitter, Brothers and Sisters, Family, Orphans, Travel
Here is what I had to say after reading book one: Calling all reluctant readers! Action, mystery, suspense, and orphans,
all mixed into a well-balanced, fast read. Not to mention the
interactive website and collectible clue cards. Maze of Bones is the
first book of a ten book series written by ten different well-known
authors. Rick Riordan (author of The Lightning Thief) has set
the pace well, creating a suspenseful adventure and scattering it with
secretive clues. Riordan has outlined the rest of the series, but it
will be completed by the 9 other authors.
Note: A discovery I made is that the books will be completed by 5 authors, each writing 2 of the books in the series.
Author number 2 of 5, Gordon Korman, transitions readers smoothly into book two, One False Note, and manages to strengthen the readers relationship with the characters. As the Cahill siblings continue on their journey to win the race by solving the mystery of all 39 clues, determination and self discovery are key themes in the series. Knowing your grass roots, extended family and all, can be a huge part of understanding one's self. The Cahill's certainly have an exciting and powerful family, including Benjamin Franklin (book one), and a whole branch of artistic members, including the historical figures Mozart and Picasso (book two).
Remaining true to the readers, Korman mixes history with a dash of hip-hop (Snoop Dog) and current themes to hold their interest levels. He has packed in plenty of action and suspense, not to mention a bunch of geographical locations. From Paris to Germany to Austria and then Italy, readers truly are presented with a nice tasting of culture and scenery as the pace of the race for clues quickens.
Publisher's synopsis: THIS JUST IN! Amy and Dan Cahill were spotted on a train, hot on the
trail of one of 39 Clues hidden around the world. BUT WAIT! Police
report a break-in at an elite hotel, and the suspects ALSO sound
suspiciously like Amy and Dan. UPDATE! Amy and Dan have been seen in a
car . . . no, in a speedboat chase . . . and HOLD EVERYTHING! They're
being chased by an angry mob?!?
When there's a Clue on the line, anything can happen.
Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1st edition (September 9, 2008) What to expect: Mystery, Action, Suspense, Babysitter, Brothers and Sisters, Family, Orphans
Calling all reluctant readers! Action, mystery, suspense, and orphans, all mixed into a well-balanced, fast read. Not to mention the interactive website and collectible clue cards. Maze of Bones is the first book of a ten book series written by ten different well-known authors. Rick Riordan (author of The Lightning Thief) has set the pace well, creating a suspenseful adventure and scattering it with secretive clues. Riordan has outlined the rest of the series, but it will be completed by the 9 other authors.
Amy and Dan Cahill, sister and brother, are orphans who have found themselves in a 39 clue hunt for a a power to change the world. Their competitors ... vanity stricken, greed driven, family members who all happen to be distant relatives of Benjamin Franklin. What happens when the people you are supposed to turn to for help could be working against you? As far as siblings go, they have a pretty good relationship considering their unique personalities, so, at least they have each other and their uber-cool au-pair (a nose pierced-iPod-using-linguist). Collecting all 39 clues will lead to the fortune, along the way, Amy and Dan will also learn about their parents while traveling the world and learning some interesting historical facts. A witty and exciting read with interesting characters, which ends with a big question mark. Fun stuff!
Publisher's synopsis: Minutes before she died Grace Cahill changed her will, leaving her
descendants an impossible decision: "You have a choice - one million
dollars or a clue."
Grace is the last matriarch of the
Ca hills, the world's most powerful family. Everyone from Napoleon to
Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family power
is lost. 39 clues hidden around the world will reveal the family's
secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now the clues race
is on, and young Amy and Dan must decide what's important: hunting
clues or uncovering what REALLY happened to their parents.
The
39 Clues is Scholastic's groundbreaking new series, spanning10
adrenaline-charged books, 350 trading cards, and an on-line game where
readers play a part in the story and compete for over $100,000 in
prizes.
The 39 Clues books set the story, and the cards,
website and game allow kids to participate in it. Kids visit the
website - the39clues.com - and discover they are lost members of the
Cahill family. They set up on-line accounts where they can compete
against other kids and against Cahill characters to find all 39 clues.
Through the website, kids can track their points and clues, manage
their card collections, dig through the Cahill archives for secrets,
and "travel" the world to collect Cahill artifacts, interview
characters, and hunt down clues. Collecting cards helps: Each card is a
piece of evidence containing information on a Cahill, a clue, or a
family secret.
Every kid is a winner - we'll give away prizes
through the books, the website and the cards, including a grand prize
of $10,000! Add this book to your collection:The 39 Clues: Book One: Maze of Bones
By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review Published: September 18, 2009 Super Simple Sewing Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 20 pages Publisher: Chicken Socks; Pap/Toy edition (August 19, 2009) I love activity books for many reasons. They often keep children busy, inspire creativity, refine different motor and cognitive skills, but the most clever of all is that they are the best form of reading trickery. In other words, kids who prefer to be busy with their hands will not even realize they are reading -- provided the activity is one that they enjoy and that the instructions are not too difficult. This is where Chicken Socks, a collection of younger books by the Klutz team, comes in handy. The activities in the Chicken Socks collection are usually designed for 4 & up, and are well suited to less refined motor-skills and reading levels. Often with a little parental help, a 3-year-old will also have a lot of fun with these projects -- I know from experience. "Ready, Set, Sew! ...Soon you'll be able to sew like a pro!" Super Simple Sewing is a neat little set of 4 sewing activities: purse, bracelet, bird, and a door tag. Each project comes...
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review Published: August 5, 2009 Super Why!: jack and the Beanstalk and Other Story Book Adventures Ages: 3-6 Format: NTSC Studio: PBS (DIRECT) DVD Release Date: July 28, 2009 Run Time: 100 mins Super Why! is a clever 3-D animated series that focuses on fundamental reading skills. It's perfect for kids between 3- and 6-years-old, and a great way to smuggle some learning into T.V. time -- deceptively intelligent! This particular Super Why! DVD is a collection of four different well known fairy tales: Jack and the Beanstalk, the Princess and the Pea, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Three Little Pigs. Children that are already familiar with the traditional tales will enjoy using literacy skills to solve the adventurous mysteries that each Super Why! episode brings. And for those that will be introduced to the classic tales for the first time, it's the perfect induction. The "Super Readers" (alter egos of the leading characters: Whyatt Beanstalk, Jack's younger brother; Red, from Little Red Riding Hood; Pig, from the Three Little Pigs; and Princess, from The Princess and the Pea) teach the viewers that by reading words you can control the story. This means...
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By Luisa LaFleur, The Children's Book Review Published: July 24, 2009 Little ones having trouble sleeping? Afraid of what lurks in the shadowy corners of their rooms? That puny night light isn't enough? Then fear not! Two recently published books purport to help our little ones sleep soundly in the peace and comfort of their own beds. What sleep-deprived parent wouldn't be interested in these? Especially given that both books were created with the help of developmental psychologists and other childhood experts. I know I was quick to try them out! Bye Bye Monster by Kelly Lucente (Author), Mary Horan (Author), Tim Brazier (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 1-10 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Beaver's Pond Press (December 10, 2008) The first one, Bye Bye Monster by Kelli Lucente, tells the story of little Joey. He tries to go to sleep but he hears strange noises in the night. And lo and behold, there is a strange monster lurking in his dresser drawer....but this is a different kind of monster. He's a good guy and he shows Joey there's really nothing to fear. The story is entertaining and the illustrations portray the various monsters in non-threatening ways. There are additional products one...
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Publisher: Scholastic Inc.; Pop edition (April 14, 2009)
What to expect: Babies, Parents, Sign language Due to the fact that speech develops at a slower rate than an infants
or toddlers cognitive abilities, more and more families are choosing to
practice sign language with their children. Sign language can give
children a way to communicate what they want or need, alleviating
some of the stress and frustration that often leads to tantrums.
Hand-and-eye coordination develops much sooner than verbal skills. This
is why infants and toddlers are able to learn simple signs for some of
the more common words faster than they learn to speak them in a
comprehensive way. Their are many books that teach parents to sign with
their children, a few that teach both baby and parent, but none that
will engage baby as much as Sabuda & Reinhart's pop-up version of
Baby Signs -- paper engineering and text by Kyle Olmon and illustrated
by Jacqueline Rogers.
Covering many of the basic daily events of a baby, this book
demonstrates basic signs that can be used every day. None of the
guesswork that normally comes from learning signs from a flat page
needs to be done. By simply pulling down on the sturdy tab the sign is
demonstrated by a well illustrated baby. A small amount of text is
provided to ensure you have it correct. Families who don't plan on
signing with their children will also enjoy this interactive delight --
finger-plays and hand-gestures are always entertaining for this age
group, no-matter what their meaning. The engineering is sturdy, and
although I recommend it for supervised reading-time, it would withstand
considerable hardship. Babies who can communicate are
generally more happy, a happy baby equals a happy parent. I think this book is great, and it would certainly
make a lovely baby-shower gift.
Publisher's synopsis: The first baby sign pop-up book created by Sabuda & Reinhart Pop-Ups.Learn the basic signs to help your baby or toddler communicate with
you. From early morning wake-up to eating, to playtime and bedtime,
Baby Signs will teach baby and parent their first fifteen signs to
facilitate language development. Baby Sign is based American Sign
Language. Features pop-ups, pull-tabs and a mini-poster!
Publisher: Little Simon; 1 edition (November 4, 2008)
What to expect: Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Fantasy, Pop-up
Whatever Sabuda touches turns to magic. So what happens when he touches a story like Peter Pan that is already magic? An alluring feast of enchantment! His illustrations stay real to the time period in which J.M. Barrie wrote this classic tale (1902), only they have a richness about them that comes from a more magical and modern time. Using his masterful, paper engineering talents, the illustrations leap to life with a whole new depth, allowing the characters to reach out and draw you further into the well-adapted version. Each pop-up spread contains a booklet that contains the text and a few extra pop-ups to enhance the story -- they tuck neatly away. The detail of this book is extraordinary, making it a wonderful gift for all ages.
Publisher's synopsis: Readers will delight in this retelling of the classic story of
Neverland, pirates, and flying. Robert Sabuda's elegant text and paper
engineering give new life to favorite characters like Tinkerbell, Wendy,
Michael, and John, and, of course, Peter Pan. Sabuda's beautiful
pop-ups are further complemented by full color illustrations that pull
readers even deeper into the magical world that is Neverland.
Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk/Com edition (January 1, 2009) What to expect: Sing-a-long, Bedtime, Nursery Rhymes
A wonderful collection of new nursery rhymes written to a nice combination of original tunes and classic favorites. Songs like Twinkle, Twinkle, Count with Me (to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star") and Who Is Sleeping? (to the tune of "Frere Jacques") catch the attention of preschoolers easily. Others, like Blanket Friends (An original calypso song), are imaginative and fresh -- a couple of the songs are remindful of Laurie Berkner's sound. The illustrations match well with the words, allowing for emerging readers to connect with the rhymes when listening. This book has been a huge hit at our house and in the car. Thumbs-up!
With
a ten song, companion audio CD and Nadine Bernard Westcott's celebrated
art, this padded book with a die-cut cover will have children reading,
singing, and learning through creative and catchy new lyrics to the
most popular bedtime songs.
From
counting birds in "Twinkle, Twinkle, Count with Me" to defining the
four seasons in "Rock-A-Bye Seasons," BEDTIME SING TO ME matches early
learning with the always enjoyable activity of music and singing!
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