droolicious : book

My Quotable Kid

SunnyChanel — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:34:00 GMT

I don’t know about your kid, but mine has said some pretty priceless stuff. “Candy is my medicine”, “I just burped out of my butt”, and when holding up our hands and asking her what five plus five is, she takes her extended fingers and places them by the side of her head and proudly declares, “antlers!”

Yes, I try to remember as many of these chestnuts and sometimes I manage to jot them down on a random piece of paper. Thing is my memory ain’t what she used to be, and the random scraps of paper are easily misplaced (I blame that whole no memory thing). You know what I need? A special journal to store all these precious gems.

Chronicle Book evidently picked up that vibe from me (and I’m sure countless other parents) and has released the My Quotable Kid – A Parent’s Journal of Unforgettable Quotes. This handsomely bound book includes space for a date, which kid said it, and what they said. And this isn’t some random Mead notebook, this volume with fit share the shelf with your hardbound editions of Joyce, Camus and Nabokov. You can pick up your own journal here for $14.95.

Picture Book: Higher! Higher!

Lisa Estall — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:38:00 GMT

This picture book called Higher! Higher! tells the story in drawings about a little girl on a swing who ends up swinging so high she reaches outer space and does a high five with an alien.

What I like about this book is the illustrations by Leslie Patricelli, who also is the writer. However I do think the story falls short and left me with a... question mark. I really wanted to read more. With that opinion expressed, this is a picture book recommended to girls and boys 2-5 years old and perhaps your little one might like it.

It’s retailed at $15.99 and published by Candlewick Press.

Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth

Chris Ford — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:30:00 GMT

I almost never write about books on Droolicious (which should probably change come to think of it), and with this book I am probably late to the party, but it is so great I had to evangelize it a bit more. Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth is the story of a panda named Stillwater, and the three short tales he tells children.

The book itself is beautifully illustrated in watercolors, with each of the individual stories illustrated with sort of asian brush-strokes. The stories are simple, peaceful tales not meant to teach as much as show different ways of looking at situations that kids find themselves in all the time. It's rare that my kids and I actually discuss a book after reading it the previous night, but with Zen Shorts we ended up talking about examples in our lives where the stories apply.

It is easily the best book I've bought for my kids in the last year, and I highly recommend it. In fact, the newer book from Jon J. Muth is out now too - Zen Ties. Read about that one on Babble here.

Zen Shorts, $15.23 for the collector's edition from Amazon.com

Teaching Kindness

elizabeth leach — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Share a good book with your favorite little guy or girl this Valentine's Day. "Hug Time" by Patrick McDonnell is about a cat who travels the world giving out hugs to other animals so show them that someone's cares. Teach your child about hugs and kindness with this adorable picture book.

"Hug Time" is available at Giggle for $14.99.

Bookworm Series: Sandra Magsamen Writes Too!

Cathy Hale — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:00:00 GMT

I discovered Sandra's whimsical, wonderful, ceramic art in 1993, at a beautiful little gift shop in Richmond, VA. Today she writes children's book that are just as magical! Her "Snuggle-Me Stories" series includes Bedtime Bunny, a delightful read with a sweet rhyming story and a plush bunny finger puppet. Adorable addition to your baby's library and also makes a great baby shower or birthday gift. Find it at Barnes & Noble. Learn more about Sandra.

Keep precious memories in The New Baby's Baby Journal

Lisa Estall — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:37:00 GMT

I dig the cover of this memory book. The New Baby's Baby Journal is inspired by the popular series Urban Babies Wear Black. Inside you'll find places to put your most treasured photos and jot down important milestones in baby's first year. There are memory pockets too!

Since I have friends that are expecting, may buy this for one of them!

It's $17.95 at Psycho Baby.

A is for Anarchy, B is for Blondie, C is for the Clash

elizabeth leach — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:03:00 GMT

Never Mind Your P’s and Q’s: Here’s the Punk Alphabet is hilarious. It pokes fun of punk rock as much as celebrates it with in-jokes and Dr. Seuss-ish rhymes like, “C is for the Clash with a strummer named Joe. They’re playing tonight, should I stay or should I go?” This is a book you won’t mind reading over and over and both you and your child will be giggling.

Purchase Never Mind Your P’s and Q’s: Here’s the Punk Alphabet at Insound, the online indie music store. You can also purchase M is for Metal, the first of these rockin’ alphabet books.

Welcome Winter

elizabeth leach — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:28:00 GMT

Introduce your baby to the season's with Scholastic's new Touch and Feel Books. "Welcome Winter" is the first one available and I can't wait to read this book with my little girl so we can get excited about the upcoming season together.

The pictures show winter through a child's eyes. Each one is graphic and lovely. Touch snowflakes, crunchy snow, sparkly wind, and a fleece hat. There is even a curtain to peek behind and see a snow man while baby is safe and warm in Mommy's arms.

Welcome Winter is at the Scholastic Store.

ABC Kids Expo 2008: 123 Caterpillar and ABC Snake Books

Chris Ford — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:02:00 GMT

123 Caterpillar and ABC Snake are toddler books that illustrate numbers and the alphabet by expanding like an accordion. Every parent needs a quick distraction for their kids to put in their diaper bag, and these books seem like they'd do the trick. And they also feature my favorite toddler book activity - flaps to lift.

Both books are small, contained and have flaps to lift. The ABC book has the letters on one side and an animal on the opposite side that begins with that letter. The 123 Caterpillar book has the number on one side and on the other are countable groups.

Both books retail for $8.96 (but can probably be found cheaper elsewhere) and can be found on the publisher's web site, Abbeville.com (123 link, ABC link).

ABC Kids Expo 2008: My First Team Board Book

Chris Ford — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:27:00 GMT

Getting ready for the MLB playoffs? Or maybe you're just looking for a good baby shower gift for your buddy's new baby. My First Team Board Book gets the sports propaganda machine working early in your home, illustrating for your toddler all the top things that any particular team devotee should know.

The books are really great. They've got information about each team's history, best players, where the team plays, the mascot as well as the basics of the game. They have licenses with almost all Major League Baseball teams and fifty collegiate teams. They also sell gift sets - a book with a plush ball and glove or a team mascot.

GIft sets retail for $19.95 and the books retail for $10.95. Check them out at MichaelsonEntertainment.com

ABC Kids Expo 2008: Book Buggee From P'Kolino

Chris Ford — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:29:00 GMT

In addition to the Toddler Bed, the other thing I saw from P'Kolino was this cute "Book Buggee." It's a wheeled toy that young toddlers can put stuff in, especially books, and then tow around.

The representative from P'Kolino said the idea was to create something to get children to interact with books at an early age. I'm not sure my kids ever used a toy that they pulled around, but that's not to say many kids do.

The Book Buggy comes in orange only and is brand new at a retail price of $44.99. Available at PKolino.com.

7 Days of Summer Reading: A Lion In the Meadow

elizabeth leach — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A lot of my most treasured books aren’t well known in this country and I can still hear the way my dad used to read them to me in his thick British accent. The Lion In the Meadow by Margaret Mahy is one of them and it’s so well written it gives me chills.

A little boy tells his mother there’s a lion in the meadow and she says, “Nonsense, little boy.” The mother gives him a matchbox with a supposed dragon in it and tells the boy to release the dragon in the meadow to frighten the lion. As it turns out, there is a dragon in the matchbox and the little boy and lion hide together from the dragon. The lion tells the boy that he should have left him alone because he just eats apples. So, the little boy tells his mother that now there’s a dragon in the meadow and the mother said she just made up a story about the dragon. The lion says, “Some stories are true and some aren’t.” And the last line of the story is “The mother never made up a story again.” Shivers. Such a great story. I wish I had written it. You can buy it on Amazon.

7 Days of Summer Reading: Corduroy

Chris Ford — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:04:00 GMT

Lately I've been rediscovering classic children's books. I told you about the personalized Little Poky Puppy Golden Book earlier in the week, but for 7 Days of Summer Reading I want to remind you of another classic: Corduroy by Dan Freeman.

Originally published in 1968, Corduroy is the tale of a shabby, shop-worn bear in a big department store, and his quest to finally be taken to a home and loved. A really sweet story beautifully illustrated, it's the perfect summertime (or anytime) read.

Buy the hardcover version of Corduroy for $11.55 from Amazon.com.

Give A Personalized Version of the Poky Little Puppy

Chris Ford — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:02:00 GMT

Everyone is familiar with The Poky Little Puppy, one of the twelve original Little Golden Books published in 1942. Now you can get a personalized copy of the classic children's tale, with a custom dedication and a photo of the child you're giving it to.

Just go to this web site, upload a picture and type your dedication, and for $25 you should get your book in 10-14 business days.

Or, if you're feeling nostalgic, check out all of the Little Golden Book titles at RandomHouse.com/golden.

7 Days of Traveling Helps: Lift the Flap Books

Chris Ford — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:47:00 GMT

Let me say first that I've already written about the best Traveling Help that I know, the Panasonic DVD-LS82 Portable DVD Player. But considering I've already shared that with you, I'll give you my number two Traveling Help. If you're going to be traveling with any child between the ages of one and three, you need to go get a lift-the-flap book. And then hide it until the trip is underway.

The last part of that is the key really. Go out shopping a week before your trip, buy some books and then don't show them to your child until the moment you need it most - either on the plane, train or in the car. Brand new things hold the most attention.

And lift the flap books are best, because you can read them to your child, and it also give them an activity (lifting the flaps). We've used this trick on multiple airplane trips, and it works every time. The problem is my youngest is starting to get to old for lift the flap, so now we're graduating to "Where's Waldo" type seek and find books.

Search for Lift the Flap books at Amazon.com

Mo Willems Pigeon Go-Go Backpack

Chris Ford — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:21:00 GMT

I'm in the market right now for a backpack for my two year old daughter, and I think I might have found it. The Pigeon Go-Go Backpack is too cool not to get. Not sure what it's all about? Then click the "read more" link.

If you aren't familiar with the Pigeon, then FIRST you should run, not walk, to your favorite book store and buy a copy of Mo Willem's "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" or my favorite, "Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late." After you and your children have been sufficiently indoctrinated, then come back to this blog post. By then, you'll think this backpack is as cool as I do. Plus, by the looks of the backpack, it seems the pigeon is about to have a hot dog party. And who doesn't love a hot dog party?

Pigeon Go-Go Backpack 14", $36.00 from yottoy.com

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backyard Adventures

elizabeth leach — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:30:00 GMT

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backyard Adventures is a great reminder that you don’t need to go on vacation in order to have adventure and excitement with your child. “An adventure is defined as an unusual or exciting experience. For young children, every day is a new adventure”. This is my kind of book. Some days I get pretty stuck with what to do with my daughter and I’m sure I’m not alone. This book has some imaginative and fun ideas for having fun on the cheap and in our own backyard or neighborhood. After the jump... a few fun adventures with adventurous names...

Insect Safari, Backyard Hideaway,Trading Places, Time Travel, Pet Parade, to name just a few. Some of the adventures in the book, I admit, are a bit obvious but this is the “Complete Idiot’s Guide” but there are plenty of ideas I hadn’t thought of or had forgotten. I like this book. It gets you thinking. Buy it at Amazon.

Celebrity Doll Knitting Patterns from Knitted Icons

Chris Ford — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:05:00 GMT

Are you handy with knitting needles? Looking for the ultimate in DIY plushies ideas? Wondering if anyone will ever come up with a way to make a knitted doll of Madonna from the Blonde Ambition Tour? Well wait no longer, because now there's twenty five celebrity doll patterns you can choose from in Knitted Icons.

As far as I see it, here's the deal. If you actually make one of the celebrities from this book and give it to the little boy or girl in your life, I can all but guarantee you you'll be giving a gift they probably won't ever get rid of. Ever.

Here's a crazy list of some of the patterns:

Madonna (pictured on the cover)
Mr. T
Jackie O
Chairman Mao
Che Guevara
Marilyn Monroe
Elvis Presley
Ghandi
Queen Elizabeth II
King Kong
Jimi Hendrix
Cher
David Bowie
Muhammad Ali

Awesome.

Knitted Icons, $11.16 from Amazon.com

The Babble Review: Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner

Chris Ford — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:16:00 GMT

We don't tend to write much about books here, but this one is such a huge hit in my house these days I can't ignore it. Skippyjon Jones is a wonderful story about a Siamese kitten with an over-active imagination.

Convincing himself he's a Chihuahua, Skippyjon (aka Skippito Friskito) imagines he's saving a pack of dogs (his beanbag toys) from a giant bee (the piñata in his closet his mother was hiding) . Beautifully illustrated (check out some of the pages of the book at Amazon.com) and really fun to read, I have no doubt it will become a fast favorite in your house too. The book has been out since 2003, but if you're late to the party like we were, I definitely recommend picking it up.

Skippyjon Jones (Hardcover), $10.87 from Amazon.com

Bears - Like You've Never Seen Them Before!!!

Sarah Verdone — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:30:00 GMT

It's what's on the inside that counts--isn't that what we teach our kids? So let's have a little equal opportunity luvin' for these inside-out teddy bears!
Photographer, Kent Rowgowski, breaks down beariers (ahem) and challenges our notions of what's cute and cuddly with his book, Bears. Read my review of his clan of the shaved bears and buy the book for only $18.21.

The Alphabet from A to Y

chrisjordan — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 19:03:00 GMT

Luckily the bonus letter Z is also included in this story. Written by acclaimed entertainer and bestselling author Steve Martin and illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chas, this book features 26 witty couplets that are sure to please adults and children alike.

On sale at Oliebollen for $13.95.

Baby-Gami: Baby Wrapping for Beginners

chrisjordan — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 18:02:00 GMT

Like Origami, only better. A great present this holiday season for the expecting couples in your life.

Baby-Gami is available at Land of Nod for $14.95.

Hand Made: Bringing New Meaning to a Board Book

chrisjordan — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:01:00 GMT

The artist describes the book as "no paint, no glues, no ink.... only fresh-smelling poplar and unbleached cotton." First Words Wooden Baby Book has illustrations burned into the pages. The book is bound with unbleached cotton muslin and cotton string.

Email the artist your baby's name, birthdate, and 8 favorite words and the book will be engraved with the baby's name and illustrated with words.

A fabulous present for the toddler set. (More photos after the jump)

First Words Wooden Baby Book is available for $35 at Winged Egg

Baby Reads: Urban Babies Wear Black

chrisjordan — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 20:01:00 GMT

The urban baby loves fine dining, art galleries, and is difficult to see at night due to wearing black. A fun read with delightful illustrations, for urban dwelling parents, or those who wish they were.

The Urban Baby by Michelle Sinclair Colman is available at Oiliebollen for $6.95

Book: From the Hips

modmom — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:05:00 GMT

From the Hips: A Comprehensive, Open-Minded, Uncensored, Totally Honest Guide to Pregnancy, Birth + Becoming a Parent by Babble's own "Parental Advisory" columnists Rebecca Odes + Ceridwen Morris, offers tips on pregnancy + integrating the baby into your home. Read their lastest Babble column here, then follow the link to buy the book!