h-app-y birthday: elmo reading app

 Reading with Walnuts, The Smart Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Apr 262012
 

If your preschooler is forever calling dibs on your iPad, and you’re in search of a satisfying game that doesn’t give you mommy guilt, check out the latest reading app for the 5 and under crowd. Elmo’s Big Birthday Bash from Random House is packed with plenty of learning-based activities to keep your little party-goer in gaming heaven. With 30 pages of interactive entertainment, kids can celebrate Elmo’s special day as they play guessing games, expand their vocabularies and, best of all, have fun while doing it. There are plenty of surprises along the way, and not just for the birthday boy. Our favorite part? No after-party sugar shock to contend with. We like to think of it as a screen-time reward for anyone who earned a ticket from their teacher this week–or an incentive for those who need a learning boost.

In a Nutshell: Hand over the iPad, and let’s get this party started! The latest reading app starring Elmo is great fun for Sesame fans.

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kid for hire: take your mama to work today

 Reading with Walnuts
Apr 162012
 

Last week’s spring break ran a bit little too long for my sanity, so my ever-thoughtful husband offered to take our daughter  with him to work for the day. She’d been begging him since Easter, so you can imagine her excitement when his calendar opened up and she was able to trek with him into the Big City (to a 7-year-old, commuting never grows old). While I was never able to accompany my dad to his job (one that required security clearance), I later worked for the same company while on summer break as a college student and was able to ride with him to work. He always let me pick whatever radio station I wanted (a big deal in the pre-iPod-ear-buds-glued-to-your-head days), and we occasionally chatted about stuff we’d otherwise never get around to at home. It’s memories like these that make me smile as I watch  my own young daughter experiencing these special moments with her own dad. How apropos then that a new picture book entitled Take Your Mama to Work Today should arrive on my doorstep. Just in time for April 26th’s “Take Your Child to Work Day,” this charming story chronicles a young girl’s day at the office and the many adventures she encounters in the business world. I couldn’t help but chuckle knowingly at some of the very instances that mirrored my daughter’s day; choruses of “You are so cute” are “You have grown so big” are echoed in these pages. Especially endearing are a child’s perspective on the office cultue, like power lunches (or, in my daughter’s case, Chinese take-out) in the conference room and business card exchanges (“networking”). I must say I was secretly relieved that my own kid was on her best behavior compared to the precocious kid in this story (no crazy copy machine tales to tell). An entertaining read, Take Your Mama to Work Today will beg the question, “Just who is driving this bus?” And if you’re like most grown-ups, you’ll be glad once school starts back up again.

In a Nutshell: An enjoyable read to share with your favorite new cubicle mate…even if it’s only temporary.

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word play: sentence shuffle fun deck

 Reading with Walnuts, The Playful Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Mar 302012
 

Sometimes, my 2nd grader likes to speak backwards–not facing away from me, but mixing up the order of her words. She, of course, thinks it’s hysterical; I find it maddening, especially by the end of the day. Because she gets a kick out of making us work to figure out exactly what she’s saying, it’s a real power kick…for a 7-year-old. But I figure there’s got to be a positive side to her punchy behavior. Maybe this strange sense of little kid humor was the inspiration for Sentence Shuffle Fun Deck. Housed inside a Band-Aid-style box are 56 illustrated cards containing a bunch of words that are out of order (for instance, “scaredy cat is a Linda.”) Players must then unscramble the words to form a sentence and then move on to the next card. Super-fast readers can show off their proficiency, while those just getting comfortable with chapter books can challenge themselves to become better wordsmiths. To up the ante, draw 20 cards, set up a timer and see how many each player can guess correctly. This is the perfect rainy-day boredom buster and works great for long car rides, too. You may find yourself getting caught up in the game play. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Or, should we say, “warn we didn’t you Don’t say.”

In a Nutshell: Kids who think they know their way around a sentence can test their skills with this travel-friendly game.

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bibliophile baby: new picture books

 Reading with Walnuts
Mar 222012
 

When someone I know has a new baby, my favorite gift to welcome their little one is a book. It doesn’t matter if it’s a board book about bunnies or a picture book about penguins; I love the inviting prospect of sitting in a comfy chair with a little person on my lap, inhaling their fresh-from-the bath scent and snuggling in for some one-on-one time. It’s a small moment of parenting that gives me the greatest pleasure, and my hope is to offer that same experience to my new mom friend. If you’re on the lookout for a new baby gift this spring, be sure to check out Hey Little Baby! by Heather Leigh. The tender tale of a brand-new person and all the possibilities that lay before him, this story features beautifully muted watercolor illustrations that invite new parents to imagine the endless opportunities for their child. This charming book makes a delightful gift for any new baby and is the perfect excuse to share some quiet time with Mom or Dad. And of course, if there’s a big brother or sister in the picture, it’s always nice to remember them, too–especially at a time when they could use some extra attention. We’ve got just the thing to make them giggle: Tickle Time! by Sandra Boynton. As fun to say as it is to read, this tongue-twisting tale will get even the grumpiest kid to crack a smile. The sing-song, repetitious verse will have them reading along and eager to turn the pages. Don’t be surprised if you’re challenged to a tickle fight by the time the story ends.

In a Nutshell: Reading aloud is a wonderful way to bond with your baby, not to mention her older sibling. Here’s to two new books just begging to be opened…

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cruel to be kind: mean moms rule

 Reading with Walnuts, The Smart Walnut
Mar 192012
 

I never realized how my work as a camp counselor would someday come back to haunt me as a mother. Many moons ago, I had a camper who refused to play sports. Any time we were headed in the direction of a field or gymnasium, she suddenly felt sick to her stomach and couldn’t participate. Because I knew to play by the rules (and I certainly didn’t want the camp director reprimanding me for any bad choices), I let her sit on the sidelines. But of course, once the end of the day rolled around and ice cream time was upon us, her stomachache mysteriously seemed to disappear. Well, one day, rules or not, I was not allowing this manipulative child to have even one lick of a Popsicle “so as not to jeopardize your health,” I explained. No matter how much this child begged and pleaded, I refused to budge…only to be met with tears and cries of “You’re going to be a mean mother someday!” Today as a mother of two, I recall those words every so often–when my 3-year-old demands dessert even if she hasn’t eaten much dinner, or my 7-year-old makes a desperate plea for wearing a T-shirt when it’s 60 degrees “because everyone else is but me”–and it is without regret. I take pride in the fact that I don’t back down too easily with my girls and that after nearly 8 years of parenting, I’m slowly realizing which battles I can pick–and actually win. Maybe that’s why the new parenting book Mean Moms Rule called out to me when it hit my desk one afternoon. Author Denise Schipani is my hero, as she divulges just how you can be a good parent without losing yourself (and your mind) in the process. She breaks down her witty, yet insightful book into 10 easily digestible Mean Mom Manifestos that aim to help you through the days when it feels like you’re ready to toss in the towel. Caution: this is not reading for the parent who’d rather pal around with her kid than parent her. As Schipani divulges, there’s plenty of opportunities to show your child how much you love them…but love doesn’t have to mean picking up their socks when they can easily do it themselves. While I wouldn’t call her a Tiger Mom, Schipani is a master at conveying why parenting can be difficult…if you choose to let it be that way. For any mom who’s feeling backed up against the wall, it’s time to put down the gloves, open this book and find out how to make your job as a parent a little less frustrating–and a lot more satisfying. And if that means refusing ice cream, then so be it. The camp counselor in me salutes you.

In a Nutshell: A modern-day parenting bible, Mean Moms Rule proves that you don’t have to be a pushover to be a decent parent.

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seussical celebration: pbs kids cat in the hat marathon

 Reading with Walnuts, The Playful Walnut
Mar 012012
 

Happy (almost) Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Whose childhood hasn’t been enriched by the whimsical menagerie of characters that Theodor Geisel created over the years? From The Cat in the Hat, to Yertle the Turtle, we’ve been able to experience the charming stories of these unique individuals who we grew up and then, share them with our own families.  Had the beloved author still been alive, he would have celebrated his 108th birthday on March 2, 2012. In honor of Dr. Seuss, PBS Kids will be broadcasting a 2-hour marathon of “The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That” this Friday. The on-air festivities will feature two never-seen-before episodes entitled “Seasons–Spring and Summer/Fall and Winter” and “When I Grow Up/Doing It Differently.” The cat’s zany antics are sure to delight viewers of all ages, so be sure to set your DVR for school-aged viewers. With future generations growing up with the Cat, Dr. Seuss and all his imaginative cast of characters, this cat is bound to have more than nine lives.

In a Nutshell: Check your local listings for the PBS Kids’ Cat in the Hat marathon. Long live Dr. Seuss, in our hearts and in our childlike imaginations…

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sweet reads: valentine’s day books for kids

 Reading with Walnuts
Feb 092012
 

My girls and I have nearly devoured every Valentine’s Day book in our public library this month; I like to think of it as calorie-free brain candy. If you’ve exhausted your fair share of “Mouse’s First Valentine” and “The Day It Rained Hearts,” here are some heartwarming children’s picture books that celebrate the power of love, as recommended by The Brooke Jackman Foundation, a non-profit that promotes literacy for at-risk children in NYC. Happy Valentine’s Day–and happy reading!

  • Guess How Much I Love You                                                         by Sam McBratney
  • I Love You Through and Through                                            by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak
  • How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?                                          by Jane Yolen
  • Porcupining A Prickly Love Story                                             by Lisa Wheeler
  • Love, Ruby Valentine                                                                          by Laurie B Friedman
  • Where’s My Valentine? (Yo Gabba Gabba! Series)          by Tina Gallo
  • A Giant Crush                                                                                            by Gennifer Choldenko
  • The Ballad of Valentine                                                                      by Alison Jackson
  • Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink                                    by Diane deGroat
  • Olive You!: And Other Valentine Knock-Knock Jokes You’ll A-Door     by Katy Hall and Lisa Eisenberg

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a creature of habit: c.r. mudgeon

 Reading with Walnuts
Feb 072012
 

My husband likes to tease me about my preference for the predictable, but in the topsy-turvy world of parenting, I take great comfort in the repetitive rhythms of my day. Because of my 7-year-old’s after-school activities, I plan make-ahead meals of roasted chicken on Mondays and spaghetti and meatballs on Tuesdays. (No need to phone home and ask “What’s for dinner?”) And when I make my twice-weekly visit to our local fish market, the guys behind the counter are already poised behind the flounder and shrimp. “What’s the matter?,” one of the fish men once inquired when I opted for salmon. Geez, am I really that set in my ways? Maybe that’s why I can relate to the title character in the brand-new children’s picture book, C.R. Mudgeon. He’s a hedgehog who knows just what he likes and when he likes it: from his favorite nightly routine, to his special dessert reserved just for Tuesdays. As the book says, “C.R. Mudgeon liked things to stay the same.” But one day when a new neighbor named Paprika the squirrel moves into town, C.R.’s life gets a bit shaken up, to say the least. Suddenly, there’s too much color, too much noise and before you know it, WHAM! Sensory overload knocks the hedgehog off his paws. He finally has the last straw when Paprika tries to introduce her neighbor to a world of spicy food and wild music–neither of which suits this practical curmudgeon in the slightest. But after a odd twist of events, C.R. suddenly realizes that a life without Paprika is a life that’s…frankly, boring. Whenever I try to remember my own life before kids, I can hardly remember what silence sounds like. And from what my empty nester friends and family tell me, I’ll miss the cacophony of kids once they’re gone. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself swallowing back the lump in your throat when reading this delightful story to your own little nutty bunch. As for me, I may not break with routine often  …but I do add a dash of paprika to my roasted chicken. On Mondays.

In a Nutshell: A story that reminds us that a little spice in our daily lives goes a long way. C.R. Mudgeon will be published March 6, 2012 and is available now for pre-order.

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let the music play: juno baby

 Reading with Walnuts
Dec 202011
 

My 3-year-old has pretty good taste in music, if I do say so myself. Having introduced her to everything from ABC to ZZ Top–and oh yes, all those cool kiddie rockers thrown in for good measure–she knows her “Smokey Sings” from “She’s Got Legs.” And my 7-year-old is no musical slouch either, even though her play list  is lately to Katy Perry and the soundtrack to “Peter Pan” these days. (An odd combination, and yet it’s diverse.) No matter my girls’ tastes, the one thing that unites them is their interest in music. As we parents have been told from the get-go, expose kids to a passion early on, and watch them take to it like moths to a flame. That’s the idea behind the new picture book from Juno Baby, “The Day the Music Stopped.” Set in the aptly named Harmonia Springs, the story takes young readers on the adventures of Juno and her friends who learn just happens when their world is silenced. Along the way, kids are introduced to the concepts of rhythm, harmony and melody and the crucial parts they play in music-making. While the text can be wordy on some pages, the storyline is otherwise engaging and the illustrations, eye-popping. As is true when learning a new song, practice makes perfect. And that’s a wonderful, lifelong lesson to teach kids even at a young age.

In a Nutshell: A delightful read that blends the worlds of make-believe and music, this storybook hits all the right notes.

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box of blessings: babbabox

 Reading with Walnuts, The Playful Walnut
Nov 282011
 

When it comes to holiday shopping, what do you get for the kid who has everything? I’m exaggerating, of course, but sometimes it feels like my girls have more gifts than Toys R Us. While we swap out old stuff twice a year to make room for birthday and Christmas gifts, it still seems like the stuff multiplies overnight. I don’t remember being this spoiled as a kid, but then my mother reminds me of the infamous Toy Closet, a bottomless pit of toys, dolls, board games and books that was forever busting its seams. Talk about history repeating itself!… This year, we’re on a special lookout for non-traditional gifts that are easy on space and that encourage kids to use their imagination, instead of an iPad (yes, we’re still at that tender age). Earlier this month, we reported on KiwiCrate, a subscription-based service that supplies kids with all the tools needed to make themed projects. We loved the fact that it’s a gift that keeps on giving, month after month (or however long you choose to sign up for it), and that it’s an ideal boredom buster for a child who’s had one too many tea parties. Well, lucky for us (and our readers), we’ve found yet another all-in-one mail-order craft service that provides plenty of activity for willing participants. Like KiwiCrate, the BabbaBox is a monthly crafts and educational projects kit for ages 3-6 that is as engaging as it is entertaining. Centered around four key components (create, explore, story tell and digital), each package in the series contains all the ingredients to tap into your kid’s creative juices. We got our hands on this month’s Gratitude box, a perfect one for the holiday season when the “gimmees” threat to outweigh the “giving.” My 7-year-old dove “write” into the thank you card-making kit. Taking what can be an otherwise tiresome task and adding some spice to it, this was no ordinary fill-in-the-blanks card assortment. Quality stock note cards in the likeness of a tree beckoned my daughter to decorate them with the included colorful leaf stickers, each one indicating what she was thankful for this year. Other cards in the mix, including a fold-out one that spells out “THANKS,” offer an alternative to the discriminating artist. This particular craft kept her occupied for quite some time, and required minimal supervision from me (how often can you say that when it comes to your kid’s projects?). And that was just one part: the BabbaBox also contained a design-your-own-trivet and serving tray, both of which make personal additions to any holiday table; a story about giving thanks for things we normally take for granted in the outside world; and–my daughter’s favorite–a disposable camera for snapping photos of family and friends to later craft into a gratitude journal. As a mom, I was impressed by BabbaBox’s presentation and its well-conceived ideas for a number of related projects. For the parent or grandparent looking for something a little different this holiday season, this is one box that begs to be teared into and offers an easy answer to “What are we going to do today?”

In a Nutshell: For the not-so-crafty mom comes a crowd-pleasing product that lets kids roll up their sleeves and get to work. Great for an indoor play day or a day home from school.

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