I can’t say enough great things about Carole Peterson’s music. I originally found out about her from a friend who lent me a CD. After listening to it, I immediately went to the website and ordered a copy of Sticky Bubblegum. Unfortunately, I then lent my copy to a different friend and never have gotten it back. Grandma saved the day by sending us Tiny Tunes and Highly Usable Music, All Year Long. And Vivian received Stinky Cake for her birthday this year. So now we just need to replace our copy of Sticky Bubblegum to have the complete Carole Peterson set.

So, what’s the big deal, you may be asking….kids’ music is kids’ music. So wrong! This is fun music that TEACHES! The songs are kind of old school in that they are just her and some simple accompaniment and sometimes you can hear kids singing along with her. It’s kind of like having a really fabulous preschool teacher right in the room with your child. As she sings, your child will learn to follow directions, develop his or her gross motor skills, play with phonics, and just have a good old fashioned good time. If you click on the link to one of the CD’s, you’ll be able to hear samples of the songs. I guarantee you’ll be hooked. She’s just great. So pick some up for yourself, or give a few as a gift. That just gave me an idea…I think I’ll pick up a few copies to have on hand as birthday gifts. Also, if you have a child in preschool- first grade, any of these CD’s would make a great teacher gift. Happy listening!

Hey all! Gotta keep this short…I have a new show to watch. Please, oh please, let it live up to my freakishly high expectations…

Anyway, I thought I’d share a few of my very favorite Valentine’s related books.

If you’re looking for books for the 3 and under set, try one of these board books. The first is written by Kevin Henkes, one of my all time faves. It features Lily as she hunts for the perfect hiding place for her Valentine chocolate. The other is by Sandra Boynton, another favorite author. Both of my daughters ask to have this one read to them over and over again.

If you’re hoping for books for ages 4-8, here are a couple of fun reads. In Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink, the main character writes not-so-nice Valentines for a couple of his classmates and then deals with the consequences. And you really can’t go wrong with any of the Junie B. Jones books. Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime is a great read.

I’m off to watch TV and veg out.  Happy reading everyone!

So, I was complaining to some fellow preschool parents that I was having a really tough time coming up with ideas for my 3-year-old and 1-year-old’s stockings. I didn’t want their stockings to be full of candy and disposable toys that will be in the garbage in a week. Another mom told me about HearthSong. HearthSong’s philosophy is that childhood is a special time and children should be allowed to be children. Their products are carefully selected to blend with their philosophy.

It’s too late for this year’s stockings, but I signed up for their catalog so I’ll remember to order for next year. They have an entire section called Little Gifts. Many of these would be great as stocking stuffers. Think ahead for Valentine’s Day or Easter baskets, too.

Here are some thrifty finds that caught my eye. Being trendy doesn’t mean you have to break the bank!

This Christmas Memories book looks really wonderful. What a great way to record all of those happy times so you can reflect on them year after year.

Anyone who knows me knows I love the concept of teaching through games. These two games are great for early learners. Zitternix says it’s for ages 6 and up, but I know my 3 year old could play it with supervision. Kids roll a die and pull out a stick of that color. It’s kind of a twist on pick up sticks. Star Stack Up is not really a structured game. Kids simply build the structure and then knock it down with the included ball. You could make it more of a game by having your child stack stars according to color.

The site has many retro-inspired toys as well. Remember the little cars you had as a child that zoomed forward after you pulled them back? HearthSong has several such toys, but my favorite was this Pull-Back Snail. And how cute are these tops? When your child pushes the button on top, the objects inside whirl around and they make noises. The train choo choo’s and the ocean themed top plays a variety of ocean sounds. They’re currently on sale for only $17.99 each.

Thanks for reading! If you ever have any ideas for me for future posts, feel free to leave me ideas in the comments section.

Here are some totally cool board books I found while cruising Amazon. These books would make a great shower gift or birthday gift. Or, buy them to read to your own child. The first one is Urban Babies Wear Black.

If you or someone you know lives in an urban area, this book is the perfect fit. It features such things as baby yoga, going for coffee, and visiting museums. One commenter on Amazon wrote that she uses this book as the centerpiece for a new baby gift basket, adding museum passes, coffee gift cards and a baby bottle. Too cute!

Any future fashionistas will appreciate Petit Connoisseur: Fashion.

The book features such items as a catwalk, trunk show, and choo shoe train. The author’s other book, Petit Connoisseur: Art is another great read. Buy both for a cute theme gift.

Introduce your baby to the World of Snacks with books by author Amy Wilson Sanger. Foodie parents will love the variety of cuisines highlighted in these books. Perhaps reading such books as First Book of Sushi will open the eyes of picky eaters.

Let’s Nosh highlights Jewish food and Hola Jalepeno is filled with Mexican delights. Other titles include Yum Yum Dim Sum, Mangia! Mangia!, and A Little Bit of Soul Food. Gift ideas abound…you could simply give a collection of these fabulous books, or make a gift basket featuring one cuisine and some food items to go along with it.

I was so excited to see such an array of hip, educational board books. Who says reading to your baby has to be a snooze? Enjoy!

I first started shopping at MindWare when I began teaching gifted students 5 years ago. Mindware’s tagline is “brainy toys for kids of all ages.” Everything they sell is meant to engage young minds while entertaining them as well. I used so many of their products in my classroom and never felt guilty for letting the students “play.” Sometimes the best learning comes through play. They have products for all ages, but here are some for younger kids.

Tangoes Jr.

Tangoes Jr. won the 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Tangrams have been around for ages, but this toy features a drawer for the pieces. AND the pieces are magnetic making it easy for kids to keep everything all in one place. Looks like a good car toy to me! Tangrams help children develop their problem solving skills and enhance visual discrimination. But your child will just think she’s having fun. The starter set is $24.95 and additional packs of puzzle cards are available for $7.95.

Balance Moon and Animal See Saw

How cute is this little toy? It’s for kids ages 3 and up. They roll the little die and pick a piece to place on the moon. As they play, they learn about spatial relationships. There’s also an animal see saw that teaches kids about symmetry and balance. Looks like a great first game for any child and at 24.95 for both, it’s a steal. Your child could even keep one of the games and use the other as a gift.

I can’t say enough great things about this company. Take a look and you’ll find so many great products to help them learn while having fun.