droolicious : reading

S is for a Shakespeare Shirt for Little Sonnet Writers

JeanneSager — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:27:00 GMT

They might still be on fairy tales, but who better than the bard to start them off on a life-long love of literature?

This Alpha Buddies tee is perfect for a summer's day - one lovely and temperate of course - as it's made from one hundred percent cotton. S may be for Shakespeare, but it's all for Stocking in the kids' closet.

Get it in baby to toddler sizes (up to 6) from Alpha Buddies. Prices vary by style and size, but they're all around the $20 mark.

Gwyneth Reads Eric Carle!

JeanneSager — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:35:00 GMT

What's better than a CD of our favorite Eric Carle books? One of our favorite moms reading the classic stories.

Gwyneth Paltrow lends her acting chops and gentle voice to four of Eric Carle's "what do you see" classics, inclinding Brown Bear, Polar Bear, Panda Bear and Baby Bear in Brown Bear and Friends, a new book on CD from Macmillan Audio Books.

Perfect for popping in the CD changer and handing your tot the book version for car rides, Gwynnie brings these animal tales to life the way a true mom (or dad) always does - by doing all the "voices." Spanish versions of each, plus a copy of Brown Bear voiced by Carle's co-author Bill Martin Jr. help round out the hour-long disc, but in total geek fashion, I have to admit the two best tracks come at the end. They're two parts of an interview with the man himself. Carle talks about finding his way into children's books - beginning with Brown Bear, Brown Bear. With a hint of his German accent still remaining, he sounds like a bit of a cuddly bear himself!

Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

Win Tina Fey's Sesame Street Debut on DVD

JeanneSager — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:28:00 GMT

She sings, she "argghs," she's Tina Fey, and she's live from Sesame Street in the new-to-DVD Elmo and the Bookaneers.

Oh, and did we mention we have one for you?

Tina Fey's rockin' turn as a pirate who cares-to-be-readin' certainly puts a different perspective on our favorite former SNL Weekend Update co-anchor (sorry Jimmy, we've got a mom crush on Tina). Who knew she sang? Or "arrghed"?

We certainly knew she was a fan of reading, and her goofy turn as a pirate who helps Elmo realize that books are better than any old treasure - they're wealth beyond belief - has earned its place as a fan favorite as far as celebrity appearances on the street.

Packed with all of their favorite characters (yes, Abby Cadabby flits on in), it's worth adding to their DVD library for everything that makes Sesame Street a hit with kids . . . and for that mom crush that makes Bookaneers a particular hit with parents.

You can get it from Amazon for $9.99, but one lucky Babble reader will also be walking away with their own copy. Shoot an e-mail to babblecontest@gmail.com with the "Tina Fey Contest" in the subject line. Please include your name and address. The winner will be chosen at random after the contest closes on May 1.

Also on Babble:

Uh Oh - Elmo's Gone Green - Literally

Win a Signed Copy of the Book Replacing Twilight

JeanneSager — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:31:00 GMT

Though written for a teen audience, Twilight had the mom audience fully engaged. I'm not in the least bit embarrassed to say I was bitten.

(Embarrassed by the bad pun? Well, kinda). So if you're a mom mourning the end of the Twilight series, I've got good news. Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke has chosen a new project, and the book might be even better than the real thing.

If I Stay is another teen lit pick, but where Twilight reveled in relaying teenage angst, Gayle Forman's short novel tackles sweet teen love without leaving a saccharine taste behind.

Julliard-bound high school senior Mia's life changes forever in the time it takes for her parents car to cross a lane of traffic and collide with another driver. Watching the aftermath from outside of her body, the teenager explores love and loss in flashbacks to her pre-accident life. A cautionary tale for teens of the power they hold when they get behind the wheel, the novel deftly explores teenage passion and family dynamics without preaching.

But even as it lives up to its YA classification, If I Stay is a haunting tale worth a night on the couch for mom - even if she leaves it blubbering over the thought of a child facing life without her parents.

Want a copy? Publisher Penguin is offering signed copies to 10 Babble readers. Shoot an e-mail to babblecontest@gmail.com with the "If I Stay Contest" in the subject line. Please include your name and address. Ten winners will be chosen at random after the contest closes on May 1.

LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary Leaving Hyperspace in September

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Yeah, I've been on a bit of a Star Wars kick this week, but after stumbling across this upcoming LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary from DK, I can safely say this is the find that tops 'em all.

Even though the book isn't due in stores till Sept. 21, speculation, the DK name and a compelling description at its Amazon product page indicate that we'll have plenty of illuminating close-ups to look forward to when this visual guide arrives.

It's listed at $21.99, but Amazon is offering a Pre-Order Price Guarantee of $14.95. Set down that LEGO Republic Gunship you've been building and preorder yours here.

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

Bookworm Series: Taggies Books

Cathy Hale — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Babies love tags. I'm not exactly sure why, but you can identify the most beloved blankies in our home by the non-existent tag. From popular blankie to adorable book, Taggies will certainly engage your little one. The popular Taggies Blanket is also available in a harder version - the Taggies Book. Youngsters love the colorful pictures and ribbon tags. "My First Taggies Book Series" offers about ten different books to choose from at Barnes & Noble.

Sometimes Pulling Tails is Encouraged

Cathy Hale — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:30:00 GMT

In this wonderful book by Matthew Van Fleet, pulling tails is perfectly acceptable. Catchy rhyming verse, interesting materials, beautiful illustrations and superior craftsmanship make this a "must-have" for every household. Unlike other touch-and-feel books, this one can withstand normal use by a toddler. In fact, we've had this book for about two years and it's still one of our very favorites. Makes a wonderful gift too!

Excite Books and Book Giveaway

elizabeth leach — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:30:00 GMT

Excite Books is the Netflix of children's books except instead of the books going back to Excite, they are donated to a library in need. For a small membership fee, your child gets the thrill of receiving a package in the mail and new books every month. Read them every night. Get so sick of them you can't wait to get rid of them! Then, donate the books and teach your child about charity in the process. Isn't that an exciting idea?

This is how it works: sign up to receive one book a month ($4.99), two books ($9.99) or three ($14.99) plus $4.99 shipping and handling. With the books comes a pre-paid envelope, some fun stickers, a reading progress calender and a couple fun extras. When you're done with the books, instead of them piling up all over the house, send them to a needy library. You can also choose to keep the books.

And if that isn't enough excitment... Excite Books is offering a giveaway for Babble readers. Please send me an e-mail with the word "Excite Books" in the subject and tell me your child's age and your address. I will choose a random winner at the end of Monday, November 17 and this person will receive a complimentary starter package of three books in their child's age range. Keep the books or donate them when your child is finished reading them.

Visit Excite Books and get excited about books!

For Multiculti Kids: Amy Hodgepodge

Meredith Broussard — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:02:00 GMT

It seems like the media is talking nonstop this week about multiracial identity and what it means in America today. As a multiracial person myself, I've been talking about this stuff for years-- but when I was a kid, not a single children's book spoke to my experience as a biracial kid.

I'm delighted that the situation has changed. My kids (and yours!) have a number of options for books featuring multiracial kids.

One outstanding example: the Amy Hodgepodge series by husband-and-wife team Kim Wayans and Kevin Knotts. Our heroine, Amy Hodges, is part Asian, Caucasian, and African American. She gets the nickname "Amy Hodgepodge" on her first day of school since she's a mix of so many ethnicities. Oh, and her first day of school is the first day of fourth grade-- she was homeschooled through third grade, so she's a tabula rasa when it comes to elementary school politics. Amy's adventures provide an easy opportunity to talk with elementary school kids about race and social differences in a positive, nonjudgemental manner. And they're funny: co-author Wayans comes from the Wayans family comedy dynasty.

Amy Hodgepodge: All Mixed Up! is the first book in the series. Buy it for $4.99 at Amazon.com or get more info on the series and its authors at the Amy Hodgepodge website.

Life of the Lazy Babies Revealed

Lisa Mulcahy — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:34:00 GMT

Manhattan moms will certainly chuckle while reading this New Yorker writer’s new book.

Susan Orlean’s Lazy Little Loafers is a hysterical read as a big sister contemplates why babies get to lounge around all day and do nothing. The backdrop is decidedly a baby-crazed Manhattan with designer strollers whizzing around and babies enjoying all the spoils that urban life has to offer. So if you were ever envious of those babies frolicking in Central Park all day with no agenda, emails to answer or meals to make, you’ll enjoy reading this one to the kids.

$11.53 at Amazon.

Mini-Trend: Writing Workshops for Kids

Meredith Broussard — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Is your kid a dreamer? A thinker? A reader? A writer?

She's not alone. We're seeing a small boom in creative writing workshops for kids all across the country as more and more book-loving kids get in touch with their inner J.K. Rowling.

The mini-trend was likely started by Dave Eggers and his merry band at 826 National. 826 National began as 826 Valencia, an afterschool tutoring/enrichment program for kids in San Francisco. Now, it's the largest kids' writing organization we know of, with chapters in New York, LA, Seattle, Boston, and Chicago. Each location has a themed storefront (pirates! spies! superheroes!) and regularly publishes books, zines, and anthologies. To take a class, volunteer, or donate, check out 826national.org.

If you're not local to an 826 project, snoop around for a private writing workshop; they're springing up everywhere. In New York, try Pencil Heads, and in Philadelphia check out the Swarthmore Writers Room. An example of what you'll find: this summer, the Swarthmore Writers Room hosted a Pet Shop Writing Workshop led by Judy Schachner, author of the fantastic Skippyjon Jones confused-cat series.

I hardly need to tell you why creative writing workshops are so fantastic for kids. But just in case: "Pencil Heads workshops encourage kids to unleash their imaginations directly onto the blank page," write Pencil Heads founders Andrea Maywhort and Eric Saiet, who also write for Super Why! on PBS. "But don’t tell them that — they’ll be having too much fun!"

Photo of Skippyjon Jones courtesy of Judy Schachner

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.

7 Days of Summer Reading - Got Your Nose by Ragnar

SunnyChanel — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:22:00 GMT

I love a good old game of “got your nose” as much as the next guy. It’s an age old chestnut that to this day elicits giggles and tickle fests. Ragnar’s Got Your Nose! answers the question that has plagued parents and children alike for generations…what would happen if your nose really came off? And if it came off in the wrong hands? Shudder to think. Well, Ragnar’s imagination runs rampant with tales of offensive odors from the likes of sardines, overflowing trash cans, and the armpits of a Bellville marathon runner. Beautifully illustrated, this edgy tale will never let you play a game of got your nose the same way again. A mere nine bucks from Baby Tattoo.

7 Days of Summer Reading: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Erin Behan — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:33:00 GMT

I had a hard time choosing just one book for 7 Days of Summer reading, so I decided to go to my own bookshelf and look at the books I've saved from my now long ago childhood. The one that jumped out at me was Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell ($6.50). I distinctly remember reading this one summer over and over and over again, and it igniting my imagination. It is the powerful story of an Indian girl who lived alone for years on the Island of the Blue Dolphins, her survival, and, finally her leaving. There is much more to it than that, of course, and it's well worth the read, even if you're an adult.

Scratch-n-Sniff 2.0: Mo Smells Red

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:04:00 GMT

Inspired as much by her own senses as by the scratch-and-sniff craze many of us likely also remember from our childhood years, author Margaret Hyde found the perfect union for the two muses in her best friend and illustrating collaborator Amanda Giacomini's rescue dog, Mo. In Mo Smells Red: A Scentsational Journey, the pair explore the world of senses through the endlessly curious canine, who "sees" the world around him with his nose.

Hyde tells Mo's story in graceful, Zen-simple prose even the youngest reader can follow, while Giacomini mirrors the pup's sensory journey through monochromatic illustrations (dogs, after all, only see in black and white) accented with vivid splashes of red.

As kids flip through the book, they can also go everywhere Mo's nose goes, thanks to a series of "scent pouches" filled with natural, non-allergenic essential oils. No scratching here, though: All it takes is one press to release the delectable red smells Mo encounters along his journey: ripe strawberries, fresh roses, a crackling fire, and love (which in this case smells like a box of chocolates).

The hardcover first edition of Mo Smells Red is $17.95 from the Mo's Nose Store, with a portion of all proceeds going toward the Best Friends Animal Society.

Do You Know What Mo Willems' Pigeon Wants?

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:25:00 GMT

Me neither. That didn’t stop me from ordering Caldecott-winning Willem’s next installment of his Pigeon picture books. Online, the title only appears as The Pigeon Wants a … . However, the flock of fans should find out what Pigeon has his heart set on today. Not only is it the official book release, it’s also Pigeon’s birthday. Sounds like it’s time for a hot-dog party!

Updated: I know what Pigeon wants.

A puppy.

Purchase it at Amazon, $14.99.

Do Good: Double Donations with First Book

Mir — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:03:00 GMT

If you're unfamiliar with First Book, they're an organization dedicated to providing new books to disadvantaged children -- a worthy charity at any time. But now through December 31st, 2007, every dollar donated to First Book will be matched by one new book from Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. That makes it a doubly wonderful time to make a donation in honor of someone, don't you think? I suggest printing out the card for your honoree and presenting it tucked into -- what else? -- a favorite book.

Donation levels start at just $10, and remember that through the end of the year that will be matched with an additional 10 books.

Wall Art: Reading Girl

chrisjordan — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:14:00 GMT

For all the little girls who always had their head in the trees and their nose in a book, here is a print for you. I remember getting into trouble for bringing a book when I was forced to go outside and play.

8" x 10" print on archival paper available from At Whim for $15

Use Your Words: Your Baby Can Read!

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:59:00 GMT

While I'm withholding judgment on the program's effectiveness (having just acquired it, I haven't yet made my 15-month-old a guinea pig), the five-DVD Your Baby Can Read! system carries a slight misnomer, as the program covers not only the baby years, but the entire 3-months-to-5-years window in which children's language development is at a prime.

Developed by Dr. Robert Titzer, whose daughter reportedly was able to read more than 100 words by her first birthday after following the program's methods, Your Baby Can Read! encourages children to make associations between written words, sounds and meanings by "interacting" (i.e., clapping, waving or pointing) with language. The system's hands-on, multi-sensory approach also extends to the accompanying materials -- five double-sided word/picture cards, one wipe-off word card and an erasable marker -- and encourages active engagement and co-viewing with children. (It also teaches phonics.) The DVDs are intentionally repetitive and somewhat demanding for children to follow on their own, so for those of us who savor those 20-minute spurts of video time while we scramble to make dinner, Baby Crack this ain't.

Tried this system? Loved it? Hated it? Let me know in the comments.

Rock The Retro: Literary Boost as Kid Art

Karen — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:03:00 GMT

These would be great to frame for a child's room, playroom or classroom. Eight posters in all (for around $10/each), created under the aegis of the WPA's Federal Art Project in the late 1930s to promote libraries and literacy.

Enter your email address on the site to receive a coupon code for an additional 25% OFF!

See all the posters after the jump (some of the pics aren't great, just squint your eyes and pretend):

Build Up Your Little Reader with Blocks

Mir — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:02:00 GMT

It's not sitting down and forcing phonics down your kid's throat, it's just some brightly-colored blocks that just happen to sport over one hundred early reader sight words. If your 18-months-and-up child manages to learn a word or two while building with these recycled corrugated cardboard Little Reader blocks, well, then, what a nice side benefit. (They're also made in the USA.) $24.99 from Imagiplay.