For kids, scatting is a natural creative outlet–made-up words with a bouncy rhythm? Sure! Two books provide children a great entry into this surprisingly sophisticated jazz form: When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat ($11.50) is moving, grooving story about a little girl who dances to jazz with her mother before going to bed with her […]
ACHOO! Six Tips for Surviving Cold & Flu Season
What do you do if your baby has a cough or cold? The experts now advise that a fever may help your child heal, as long as the temperature doesn’t climb too high. And cough medicines were recently pulled from the shelf because it is too easy to accidentally administer an overdose. So, when your […]
Win a Learning Tower from Little Partners
As part of the Love of Learning Month, Little Partners is giving away 20 Learning Towers (ARV $200 each). Mamanista has one to give away to a lucky reader. Check the Love of Learning Month to find out which 19 other bloggers are giving away one, too! In December, Debbie reviewed the Learning Tower, which […]
Moon, Moon, Moon…My Nite Lite
I was incredibly excited to learn about the Good Nite Lite ($35), for toddlers who wake their parents up too early. Hey! I have one of those! Without a good night’s sleep, there’s sluggishness, crankiness, and tantrums…and the toddler might be a little off her game, too. I’ve heard several suggestions besides the obvious darkening […]
Win a Palace for Your Princess
Girlie little princesses who want a playspace of their own will adore the Playskool Dream Town Sweet Lily Castle. We’re loving this well-designed play house (ahem, castle) from the Playskool Dream Town Collection. Although I always prefered GI Joe to Barbie and black to pink, my preschooler is drawn to pretty shoes and dresses in […]
Winter Wonderland Readings
Here are two enchanting additions to your library for cozy winter readings by the fireside: Winter Trees and The Snow Queen. Winter Trees, by Carole Gerber and Leslie Evans is a strikingly gorgeous look at the silhouettes of trees in the winter. Graphic illustrations accented with mat silver accompany poetic descriptions of the trunks, branches, […]
Groovy Girls Giveaway!
Finally–a fashion doll parents and children can both love! Groovy Girls ($10-20) are stylish, ethnically diverse, affordable, and they promote positive values and actually look and dress (most of the time…there are a couple of the girls wearing heels) like real pre-teens should. The Groovy Girls achieve their hip look with funky patterns and bright […]
Win a Zoobie Pet from Little Jet Set!
Little Jet Set specializes in gear, games, and accessories for kids on the go, including award winning children’s products, children’s luggage and bags, and travel toys. Zoobie Pets from Little Jet Set ($32) make great cuddly pals and traveling companions–a plush pet that unfolds into a pillow and blanket. They’re perfect for trips to Grandma’s […]
iPod for the Toddler Set: Win a Smart-E Bear
Children of the 80s fondly remember Teddy Ruxpin, the storytelling bear. Now our children can fall in love with the new Smart-e Bear. Smart-e Bear is akin to a plush iPod. This soft stuffed animal has a hidden USB port which connects to your computer. You can program the Smart-e Bear to say your child’s name, and you can select […]
Play with Your Food
If your little foodie is feeling limited by the usual fruits and vegetables, HABA Biofino Play Food will help her prepare a feast to remember. Petit Fours for tea, kebabs for casual gatherings, and produce fresh from the faux farmer’s market. I’m amazed at how delightfully realistic these fabric morsels look. Some of the food […]
