Read
& Play - Finger Puppet Books (3 Little Pigs & Ugly
Duckling)
Pel-USA, Inc.
Telling
children stories with puppets always adds an extra dimension of fun and
understanding. These two books have
combined classic fairy tales with character finger puppets that fit onto the
reader's fingers and wiggle about the pages as they are read.
Made with soft cloth, the books are durable and colorful.
The tales themselves are short which did not seem to bother our testers.
They told us that they were happy to embellish and add their own narrative as
well as inserting their own funny voices for the characters, which brought
smiles to their children's faces.
Recommended
Age: 18
months and Up
Price: $12.99
A
Taste of Honey
by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
Winslow Press
This
delightful book features unique paper cut out illustrations that are bright and
colorful and seem to jump off the page. The
sweet story traces the roots of where honey comes from.
The inquisitor was instantly familiar to all the parents who read it,
recognizing their own children's "But, why?" and "How come?"
questions. It is Lily Bear's
persistence in getting to the bottom of the mystery, that ultimately rewards
both Lily and the reader with a very in depth exploration of the honey making
process. This is not just a
storybook it is much more. A Taste
of Honey is a book that is filled with facts and information that are both
fascinating and eye opening.
Recommended
Age: 4
and Up
Price: $14.95
One
Day, Daddy
by
Frances Thomas and illustrated by Ross Collins
Hyperion
Books for Children
This
delightful book celebrates the imagination that lives inside of our children.
The ability of each child's own internal dream machine, to transport them
anywhere they can imagine is one of the special gifts of childhood.
Our hero, Little Monster, shares with his father and us his dreams of
being a great space explorer, visiting planets and stars.
The nonjudgmental banter between father and son is warm and lighthearted.
The support his father shows for following his dreams despite the fact
that it may take him far away from home, serve to remind Little Monster that he
can come home again.
Recommended
Age: 4
and Up
Price: $15.99
Brain
Games for Kids
Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
This
large sized paperback book is packed full of brain games that kids told us they
really enjoyed. There are loads of
word searches, crossword puzzles and more, all of which kept kids quietly busy
and engaged. Activities start out
for younger, elementary aged children and then get steadily more challenging
throughout the book as it extends towards a 5th grade level.
Given that kind of age range parents told us that this is a workbook that
your child probably wouldn't outgrow for a long time. Given the size and volume
of puzzles and mind-benders included in this book, $12.95 is a bargain.
Recommended
Age: 6 to
12
Price: $12.95
What
Do You Really Want?
by Beverly K. Bachel
Free Spirit Publishing
This
superb paperback is a wonderful book that is designed to get teens headed on the
path of attaining their goals. The
book helps teens figure out what it is they want with thought provoking
exercises and tracking sheets to help them get from Point A to Point B.
The book is not overwhelming in size or style, which helped in its appeal
to teens. Don't let the size fool
you; this book is packed with positive messages and practical solutions to help
teens capture their dreams. An
important message conveyed in this book is that teens shouldn't think that they
have to do it all alone. The author
offers ideas for getting others involved such as mentors and similar supportive
people.
Recommended
Age: 11
and Up
Price: $11.95
1001
Best Web Sites for Kids
Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Many
parents have concerns about how their children are utilizing the Internet.
With so much unregulated content available their concerns are
understandable and have become the subject of ongoing debate.
This wonderful resource book is a roadmap to some of the truly
exceptional sites that parents can feel good about.
The Internet does contain a remarkable number of websites that children
can explore for fun, information and more.
The book is perfect for browsing. There
are reviews of each site and URL's so you can find your way there in a snap.
The CD that is included with the book offers quick hyperlinks to the
book's reviewed sites and updates itself as addresses change.
Some of our favorite sites were 20 Questions, BigChalk and BrainPop (that
leaves 998 left for you to explore!)
Recommended
Age: All
Price: $24.95
1001
Best Web Sites for Writers
Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Whatever
your writing style, this book is a wonderful resource for tapping into the
community of writers and publishers. Included
are lists of web sites that focus on all styles of writing, from long form to
poetry. If you want to find places
to submit your writing for review or awards there are a surprising number of
places listed. Other topics include important facets of becoming a writer such
as legal issues and which organizations can be of assistance to writers.
The CD, which is included in the book, takes you directly to the listed
web sites with a simple click. The
automatic updates promise to keep you current.
Recommended
Age: All
Price: $24.95
All
My Shining Silver
by Barbara Baumgartner and illustrated by Amanda Hall
DK Publishing, Inc.
Every
parent and child that read this book took the value-oriented tales told in this
beautifully illustrated storybook to heart.
The morals are simple ones, as are the stories that have been gathered
from around the world. Included are
clear messages such as, "Helping Others Brings Its Own Rewards" and
"Trust Is An Important Part Of Friendship". Whether it is the silver mane of a horse, or a shining silver
ring each story has some element of silver, and as such, the design of the book
weaves silver throughout each page adding a very special touch.
Or, for more information about The Seal of Approval or The National Parenting Center call: 1-800-753-6667
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Last Update: September 5, 2001