Show me a child who hasn’t heard of The Cat in the Hat or the Grinch, and I’ll sit that kid down with our family’s tattered copy of Dr. Seuss’ greatest works. Ever the childhood bookshelf mainstay, Theodor Seuss Geisel is the powerhouse of kid lit that makes words sing and come to life right off the page. His books are always best read aloud and only require a captive audience and a youthful spirit. (Even the greatest curmudgeon on the planet can’t resist smiling when hearing the words, “I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like that Sam-I-Am.”) If you happened to have newly minted fan-in-residence of the “The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!” TV series, [&hellip
The Playful Walnut Archive
There’s nothing more I’d like right now than for all of this snow to melt, and for spring to arrive. Anybody with me? Part of the reason I want to get outdoors is to watch my kids try out the new glow-in-the-dark sidewalk chalk and colored bubbles from Crayola debuting next month. This is not your childhood sidewalk chalk–and your kids get to make the magic themselves. Simply mix the colored chalk powder, special “glow activator” and water and then pour into the chalk mold tray. Once it sets (about 30 minutes later), you’ve got your very own Washable Glow Chalk! I’m especially eager to see the illuminating effect on nights when there’s a full moon because we’re situated right across the street from a [&hellip
Babies are no stranger to the camera (how many photos have you snapped of your little one to date? Care to venture a guess?), so it’s awfully sweet to watch them come out from the face of the camera and go behind the lens. Maybe that’s why we find the re-release of the Fisher-Price Classics Changeable Disks Camera so endearing. The rotating flash cube (remember those?) is especially nostalgic, as is the shutter button–words that are most likely not part of today’s preschool vocabulary. With your help, kids can swap out the camera’s picture disks to take a closer look at nursery rhymes, a trip to the city, Goldilocks and the Three Bears or Animals and Their Babies. Let them click over to the next [&hellip
It only takes one 60-degree day in February to make one’s thoughts turn to warmer weather. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and everyone seems just a bit more peppy. It makes me want to figure out my summer vacation plans already! No wonder, then, that Playmobil’s new Summer House playset has captured our attention. This house is stocked with every amenity to make your summer playdate complete. French windows open wide to let the salty sea air inside, while lush wisteria draping over the veranda is so real, you can practically smell it. Out on the patio, you can enjoy dinner al fresco as you roast up burgers and weenies on the BBQ….doesn’t food always taste better when it’s eaten outdoors anyway? [&hellip
You knew it wouldn’t be long before the iPad phenomenon would result in a child-friendly version. This fall, VTech will be releasing its InnoPad educational tablet to give kids that same touch-screen thrill that you experience on your smartphone of choice. With this sleek-looking, sophisticated device, kids will be able to engage in interactive reading, gaming and other activities designed to keep them amused and occupied longer than a Zhu Zhu Pet might. The animated e-books are definite attention-grabbers, offering cutting edge graphics and special effects. There’s also an Art Studio where they can draw and paint virtually–and mess-free. Other bells and whistles that come standard include a calculator, calendar, clock with personalized voice alarm and a friends address book. Now if only we could [&hellip
A lucky mom indeed, I was able to spend a day at Toy Fair in NYC and boy, did I get the scoop on all things fun for 2011. All week long, we’ll be talking about what’s hot for playtime as we look at some of the more entertaining playthings that caught our eye. First off, we’re especially excited that PBS Kids is launching its first-ever line of toys for toddlers and preschoolers. Don’t expect to see The Cat in the Hat or Curious George-themed items, though. Instead, the signature Dot and Dash characters that make up the PBS Kids logo are the main characters appearing among the more than 20 wooden toys. They include the Sounds of World Rhythm Set of musical instruments, Exploration [&hellip
Any parent can tell you that what they see as an empty laundry basket, their child sees as a boat beckoning them aboard. An empty mayonnaise jar is a safe haven for lightning bugs…and the list goes on. Because children have an inherent sense of curiosity, they are hardwired to explore and discover their world. Surely moms and dads alike can relay memories of their child demonstrating this curiosity. One particular instance that comes to mind was when my 6-year-old who was 3 at the time decided she wanted to see if cracked eggs would fit back together, and so she proceeded to experiment without my knowledge–or permission. Can you picture it?.. Baby Einstein must have had this very sense of curiosity in mind when [&hellip
When your child thinks of his favorite childhood friend, don’t be surprised if he mentions a particular red furry friend. I know my toddler would count him among one of her best stuffed buddies. Not sure who I’m referring to? Why, it’s none other than Elmo who celebrates his birthday today. In honor of this guy’s special day, Sesame Workshop is culling favorite memories of Elmo fans big and small to post on Elmo’s Facebook page. Did your first-born carry his Elmo doll around with him, wherever he went? Did your little one reserve a spot for Elmo at the dinner table? Maybe singing “Elmo’s World” was the only way to coax your daughter into the tub. No matter the memory, we invite you to [&hellip
My 6-year-old is already pestering me to buy valentines that she can send to her classmates, but I keep putting her off. I can’t blame her enthusiasm; I was the same way as a kid: always looking forward to holidays and enjoying the experience of finding just the right cards and decorations. (It’s probably why I’m a proud Hallmark platinum card carrier today…). But I know that once those cards are signed and sealed with a kiss, she’ll be anticipating the next valentine-related activity and this year, I’m at a loss…until I came across a fun new craft kit that doubles as a gift for a lucky friend or family member. Petite Sweet Soaps are not only pretty, but they’re easy to make for your [&hellip
Already thinking of New Year’s Eve? You’re not alone. But if you’re like the rest of us who haven’t yet finished our Christmas shopping, consider a gift for the little girl in your life: one she surely treasure for years to come. This December 31, treat your resident Eloise fan to the Black, White and Pink festivities at New York’s one and only Plaza Hotel. On the agenda: a three-course, prix-fix dinner at The Palm Court restaurant (prices are $120/adult and $85 for kids ages 12 and under); games, arts and crafts and other Eloise-themed activities; and a special screening of “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” in the Terrace Room. Be sure to stop by the Palm Court for a spot of Eloise [&hellip