Ohanarama is an online social game environment where children and families can connect and challenge each other to all kinds of fun games, bringing family fun that much closer.
Make and Takes: A Perfect Holiday Gift for Crafty Moms and Kids
Crafts are high on the wishlist of most of the families we know. Crafts are an educational and fun bonding experience for children and parents.
With Make and Takes for Kids: 50 Crafts Throughout the Year, you can give parents enough ideas for a year worth of crafts with their kids–for under $13.
This book makes a thoughtful Christmas, Hanukkah, or Holiday gift for teachers, parents, and grandparents looking to enjoy some unplugged time with their kids.
Ahoy…It’s a Pirate Christmas on Disney Junior
Little girls adore the Disney Princesses, and I was no exception. I have so many fond memories of watching Disney movies with my mom. In fact, when I found out I was having a boy, I actually remembering thinking that it was a shame I wouldn’t be able to share my love of Disney with him. Now I’m a mom to two boys, and I’ve discovered that Disney has just as much to offer boys as girls.
My son adores Lightning McQueen and the CARS characters as well as Woody and Buzz from Toy Story. He loves adventure, and his favorite TV show is Disney Junior’s Jake and the Never Land Pirates.
Jake and the Never Land Pirates is the #1 cable series for Boys 2-5 and on track to be the Disney Channel’s #1 preschool series ever.
Puzzle it Out: Guidecraft Educational Puzzles
Guidecraft sent me an assortment of their Montessori-style wooden puzzles and the entire family is impressed!
Because the puzzles are open-ended, the educational potential of these puzzles is limitless. Whether you are studying basic concepts, such as shapes, colors, relative size, or counting, or more advanced concepts, such multiplication or fractions, there are plenty of play possibilities to engage your child. Plus, the puzzles encourage creative problem solving, spatial relations, and fine motor control.
Help Support First Book
We’ve enjoyed being a part of the Random House Read & Play Summer Fun Community and chatting with moms about their favorite books, how they encourage their children to read and the way they can use books to discuss difficult topics like bullying. We also talked about how much we treasure the time spent reading with our children– whether it’s snuggled up in bed, cuddling on the couch or sitting at the kitchen table. Reading with our children sets them up for educational success, but moms treasure children’s books because they strengthen our bond with our children.
Join Us for a Live Chat with Author Trudy Ludwig
Reading, Writing and Arithmetic are important, but so is character education. As your children head back to school, you’ll want to talk to them about what it means to be a good friend and how to deal with bullying. Books are the best way to introduce and discuss difficult concepts like bullying or fitting in at school. One of my favorite authors is Trudy Ludwig, and I’ve recommended her books “My Secret Bully” and “Just Kidding” before on Mamanista. Please join me for a Live Chat with Trudy tonight at 7pm!
From Left to Write Book Club Day: In Stitches by Anthony Youn
This post was inspired by In Stitches, this month’s selection at From Left to Write. Anthony Youn’s memoir In Stitches gives readers a look into the training of a medical doctor who discovers his passion is plastic surgery. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. You can read other members posts inspired by In Stitches
M-Edge Leisure Jacket Review: Splashproof Kindle Case
I really love my Kindle but it’s not waterproof so I’ve been wary of taking it to the beach, pool, or bathtub – some of my favorite places to relax and read. Recently M-Edge sent me their Kindle Leisure Jacket: a padded case that completely encloses the Kindle while still allowing you to read and type through its clear vinyl screen. With this splashproof protection I’m much more comfortable taking out my Kindle around water!
“The Help” Prize Pack Giveaway!
When I heard that Dreamworks was turning the book into a film, I couldn’t wait to see what they were going to do with it. This past weekend at BlogHer, I was given the opportunity to see the film in advance. Based on how much I enjoyed the book, I was weary of how well it would translate to film.
Celebrate Pretend Play with The Costume Trunk
At the Book Blogger Convention this year, I met the founder of From Left to Write, an innovative online book club. Every month, they select a book and ask bloggers to share their thoughts about how the book inspired them. This month, the selection is The Costume Trunk by Paddywhack Lane creator Bob Fuller
