Learning Together {Because Your Mommy Loves You review & giveaway}

There is nothing like the love between a mother and her son. As a mother of a son, I can personally attest to it… although I’m pretty sure it’s probably similar for daughters too! My little guy and I love reading together. I’ve been reading to him since he was only a couple months old, and I’m very happy that he has a great love for books, even at only 19 months. I do my very best to always stop what I’m doing when he brings me a book to read, and of course there are plenty of stories before bed too!

We were recently generously given the opportunity to add to our collection with a new title from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, “Becuase your Mommy loves you.” This is a new companion book to “Because Your Daddy Loves You”.

When a little boy and his mom go camping, mini-disasters abound, and there are
lots of opportunities for Mom to step in and fix everything. But instead, with a loving
touch, this mommy shows her child ways to do things for himself, going far to encourage
her child’s independence. And there is still plenty of opportunity for snuggling
under the stars.
This warm and humorous testament to all the loving things a supportive mom does
each day is every bit as heartwarming as its predecessor and is sure to become a favorite
for families everywhere.

This is the sweetest little book! I loved the simple story line, so even youngsters like my little guy understand it! The adventures the little boy gets into are just what any little boy might encounter in the woods, so it would be a great addition for someone who loves being outside. Also, going into summer and camping season, what better way to teach your children about being independent than with a great book about hiking and camping adventures?! The illustrations are so clever too! They really bring the story to life and are funny too! There’s even a picture where, after the mommy helps her son make the perfect mashmallow roasting stick, hers breaks and falls off into the fire!! I am so looking forward to when my little guy can actually understand the adventures the book tells about, so that we can go on our own hiking and camping trip and be like the boy and his mommy! This is a great book from a great author and illustrator. Andrew Clements is the author of many best-selling books, among them the middle grade novel Frindle. He lives in Westborough, Massachusetts, and can be found at www.andrewclements.com. R. W. Alley is the illustrator of many beloved picture books, including the Paddington Bear series. He lives in Barrington, Rhode Island. Visit him at www.rwalley.com. Thanks Houghton Mifflin Harcourt! “Because Your Mommy Loves You” can be found where other Houghton Mifflin Harcourt titles are available!

Today Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is VERY generously giving

away a copy of Because Your Mommy Loves You AND Because

Your Daddy Loves

You to 2 Lucky Winners!!!!

Want to win? Here’s how:

Mandatory 1st Entry- Visit Houghton Mifflin Harcourt then come back and tell us your favorite item or something you learned from their website.

Once the mandatory entries are completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

4 entries-“Like” HMH on facebook.

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on facebook

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

3 entries-Follow HMH on Twitter.

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Twitter

1 entry per day-Tweet the following and leave us your tweet link:

#Enter to win a HMH book at @agiveawaydaily

5 entries- Blog about this entry and leave us the link

3 entries- Add RMRV on Google +

You have until May 25th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

Audrey May 11, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS books, children, entertainment, giveaway link up, kids, learning tools

A New Friend…in a Box (Chatman Review)

Let’s just get this out there….I shelter my kids from technology. I don’t love letting them “surf the web” (does anyone say that anymore??) They are NOT aloud on YouTube, Facebook, or many other sites. I guess I want to keep them innocent as long as I possibly can. So, kids wanna chat it up and mom is kinda if-y on the whole chatting issue?? SOLUTION! Chatman!

“Chatman is the first artificially intelligent friend, designed to make chat sessions, web surfing or gaming more creative and fun. Chatman talks, moves his eyes, hands and ears and has a unique animated LED mouth. Chatman intuitively understands language, context and mood. His personality is so real it feels like he’s alive! Load the amazing feature-packed software, connect Chatman to a USB port and open a whole new dimension of activity as Chatman tells you all about what he can do. A safe friend and companion, Chatman will alert your child when inappropriate or dangerous content is encountered during a chat session. ”

This little yellow ball of fun is fantastic! My kids have loved plugging him into the computer and off they go. You can access all kinds of things from the Chatman site. Ask a question…he’ll answer or point you in the right direction to help you find the answer. There are all kinds of cool links that help kids research the question they are asking. I love his funny little LED mouth. He can talk, smile, pout, laugh and show just about any other emotion you can think of.

We had a pretty hard time setting him up because we don’t have a disk drive on the laptop, so we had to download off the website…sounds easy, right…hummmm. An hour or so later, we were all hooked up and ready to go. Now all we have to do it make sure the USB plug is in and the computer is on and whalla! At first I didn’t realize all he could do. I thought you could only sit and chat with him and I didn’t think that was all that cool, but you really keep him plugged in all the time and use him for everything. He can give hints on subjects you are searching for, give alerts of inappropriate content (LOVE that feature!), or teach you some fun games to play. Now that I have seen all of the things Chatman can do, I am extremely impressed and feel much safer with my kids roaming the internet. Don’t get me wrong, they still don’t have free reign to go where they want, after all, nothing replaces a mom!! Real Mom Approved!!

Erin May 4, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS Chatman, children, entertainment, learning tools, toys

Let it Grow {Miracle-Gro Kids Kit Review}

I love the idea of a garden. I don’t love all of the time and work that goes into it…I am secretly grateful for that pesky gopher that has been living in my backyard (preventing our garden planting) for the last two years. So when the opportunity came to have a tiny little garden in my kitchen, we went for it! Miracle-Gro sent a Disney Mickey Mouse Greenhouse for us to try out our green thumbs on.

“The Disney Mickey Mouse Greenhouse from Miracle-Gro® Kids boasts the iconic shape of the most famous mouse in the world! Kids will enjoy the fun of growing a bountiful vegetable garden with the Miracle-Gro® Gro-Pod™ system.”

I talked my kids into waiting a day or two after delivery to start the growing…that way Josh could do all of the work and I could take pictures. The instructions were very easy to follow and before long the kids had Mickey all put together and they were ready to plant the seeds. The kit came with 3 different kids of seeds, soil, and a planting sticks. Josh helped dig the holes while the kids very carefully dropped the seeds in the holes. Mia got to put the labeling sticks in the cups, so we would remember what had been planted in each cup. She was very impressed with the Mickey and Goofy ones. With one last drink of water, the lid was placed over the top and the greenhouse was placed in the kitchen window.

About 3 weeks later, we have some baby tomato plants and cucumber plants growing in our cute little terrarium. We only had to water them once or twice because the moisture collected on the top and would keep the plants moist. Every morning the kids all take a good peek at their plants and have shown them off to their friends. They can’t wait to finally have veggies on their plants…we better plan on replanting them before them.

Gardening isn’t just for Grandpa…kids can do it, too. They were thrilled as Josh taught them about how the green house worked and how the plants were going to grow. What a wonderful way to teach kids about gardening. Miracle-Gro also has all kids of other fun kids gardening kits. Real Mom Approved!!

Erin April 27, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS children, disney, DIY, eco-friendly, Family, Greenhouse, home, kids, learning tools

Watch them Glide! {Mini Glider review & giveaway}

My little guy loves to be outside. He would live outside if I let him… and he’s only 18 months right now. When he gets older, I have no doubt he is going to love being outside even more because he will be able to do ALL kinds of cool things! One thing I am super excited about for him is bike riding. I remember as a kid that was probably my favorite thing to do! I remember learning how to ride too. I remember the falls I took while learning to balance and the fear of crashing as I couldn’t stop fast enough. That is one thing I am NOT excited for my little guy to experience. But, there is a solution to all of that! A balance bike!! Balance Bikes 4 Kids motto is “just say NO to training wheels.” They believe that the balance bike is the best way to teach your child to ride a bike because it puts the focus on the most important skill first…balance! I was generously sent a mini glider to try out for my little munchkin.

The Mini Glider from Glide Bikes is a quality balance bike built for safety and fun. It’s a popular choice for parents seeking a balance bike that can accomodate very young riders because its very light (8 lbs) and has a seat that lowers to 12″. In addition to its light weight and low seat, the bike includes turn limiters, padded handlebars and stem and other safety features not seen in similar balance bikes in the same price range.

The perfect bike for kids age 2 – 5, the Mini Glider from Glide Bike weighs in at under 8 lbs making it easy to maneuver for even the youngest of riders. On the Mini Glider, your child is guaranteed to develop the motor skills and confidence to easily transition to a traditional pedal bike. The only thing that might slow that transition down is their love of the Mini Glider and the freedom it offers to roam on road and off. Unlike heavy pedal bikes, the Mini Glider is so easy to ride on grass or up hills that kids cherish it like a favored toy even after they’ve learned to ride their pedal bike.

This blue Mini Glider offers incredible stability and balance even at speeds of less than 2 mph thanks to a design that mimics the geometry of a downhill mountain bike. The 65 degree tilt of the seat puts the riders weight over the back tire, improving balance even at very low speeds.

Glide Bike’s Mini Glider has a seat that lowers down to 12″, allowing kids as young as two to firmly plant their feet on the ground and “walk” the bike as they start to learn. This activity is far more productive than pedaling around on a tricycle that does nothing to promote the mastery of balance. The Mini Glider lets kids explore their ability to balance in a way that’s safer than a bike with training wheels because they always feel in control and never have to worry that the bike will wobble or flip. Your basic pedal bike sits too high off the ground, weighs too much and complicates the learning process. For many kids, that means learning to ride a bike is more about fear than fun and that’s no good. Skip the training wheels and let your little rider experience the freedom of a balance bike.

The Mini Glider balance bike from Glide Bike offers your child a fun way to learn how to ride a bike puts the emphasis on balance and steering first.

My little guy probably won’t be ready for this bike for at least a couple more months, (I’m hoping by the end of summer!), but I am so impressed by the ideas and safety that goes into these bikes! If you don’t know how they work, just take a look at this cool video that shows a balance bike in action! This balance bike is REAL Mom Recommended and I’m so excited for my little guy to take his first ride! Balance bikes are available online!

Today Balance Bikes 4 Kids is generously giving away Mini Glider

in your color choice!

Want to win? Here’s how:

Mandatory 1st Entry- Visit Balance bikes 4 kids then come back and tell us your favorite item or something you learned from their website.

Once the mandatory entries are completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

4 entries-“Like” balance bikes 4 kids on facebook.

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on facebook

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

3 entries-Follow balance bikes 4 kids on Twitter.

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Twitter

1 entry per day-Tweet the following and leave us your tweet link:

#Enter to win a mini glider at @agiveawaydaily

5 entries- Blog about this entry and leave us the link

3 entries- Add RMRV on Google +

You have until April 20th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

Audrey April 6, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS children, exercise, giveaway link up, kids, learning tools, toys

Two of Our Favorite Pals! {Barney Movie Pack & Thomas and Friends Movie Pack Review}

None of my kids have ever really gotten into either barney or Thomas…except Mia!! She is totally differant then my other three. She loves the silly songs and dances that Barney does and the fun adventures that Thomas goes on. She was thrilled when one package came and it had a Barney 3-Movie Pack and a Thomas and Friends 3-Movie Pack in it!!

Barney brought lots of fun, music and laughs to my house with this 3 DVD set!

It includes threse 3 DVDs-

Barney: Jungle Friends

Grab your safari hat and join your best friends, Barney, BJ™, and Baby Bop™ as they laugh, dance and sing through an enchanted rainforest and learn about all of the amazing animals, plants and insects that call the rainforest their home. Watch and learn as kids play with monkeys, collect butterflies and search for the Higgledy Piggledy Pear Tree in this super-dee-duper tale of friendship and fun!

Barney: Animal ABC’s

BJ, Baby Bop and Riff™ have gathered alphabet blocks for a fun game of…. what? They wonder what game they can play with the blocks. When Megan’s dog, Gracie, picks up the D block, Barney comments that she’s a very smart dog, because D is for dog! He suggests a game of finding an animal for each letter of the alphabet, and everyone is excited to give it a try. During the game, the kids and dinos have fun coming up with animals, but BJ has a hard time with the letters, W, X, Y and Z. In the end, an animal is found for every letter, even though they have to use a make-believe animal for the letter U; Unicorn!

Barney: Let’s Go On Vacation

Pack your bags with Barney & Friends™ and come along for a musical adventure and a whole new world of fun! From exotic new foods to exciting new friends, the trip turns into a singing and dancing celebration. The gang quickly learns that the things that matter most — like family and friends — are the same all over the world. Don’t miss a magical minute!

All three of these DVDs became an instant hit in our house! Mia loved the ABC’s because that is what she is working on in school right now and thought it was fun to see all of the animals that went with the letters. Jungle Friends taught about being friends…it was a good one for Mia to share with her friends. They sometimes have a hard time sharing and getting along and this was a helpful was to remind them to be nice. The Vacation DVD made me need a vaca! Mia did like hearing about the differant kinds of food and wanted me to make them all…good luck!

Thomas the Tank Engine is not one of my favorites, but Mia really likes it! I even caught Austin watching it!

The 3 DVD pack includes-

Thomas& Friends: Hero of The Rails

Follow Thomas as he discovers Hiro, an abandoned engine from a faraway land. Fearing that Hiro will be scrapped, Thomas enlists the help of many friends, but mishaps, mistakes and one boastful engine could foil their rescue plans.

Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery

Sodor Day is coming and all the engines are busy preparing. When Thomas gets lost in the mountains, he discovers the old town of Great Waterton! Soon the whole island is buzzing with the news of Thomas’ discovery and restoring the old town in time for the big day.

Thomas & Friends: Calling All Engines

Summertime is a busy time on the Island of Sodor. When the Steam engines and Diesels can’t get along and no work is getting done, the engines are in a terrible mess! Will the new airport be ready in time? Will the bridge get built? Can the engines save the day? Find out in Calling All Engines!

This was the first time that Mia had seen Thomas, but since then has found a new love for these fun trains. We were at the dentist the other day and Mia was playing “Thomas” with the trains and cars there. I love that each episiode has a story that teaches something. I like that they are all kind of based on friendship, learning, and getting along.

Thanks to L

Erin March 2, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS Barney, children, dvd, Family, kids, learning tools, television, Thomas the Train

Gotta Go! {Potty Time DVD & Music CD Review & Giveaway}

Potty Training. Sigh. It can be a challenge and such a process. We are currently in the potty training phase with Hollis, my 2 1/2 year old. He is doing pretty well and currently we’re sitting 50/50; making it to the potty about half of the time. And, of course in that must check out every bathroom, everywhere we go phase. Yes, it’s exhausting. But the sooner we get through it, the better it will be! I’m so proud of him for doing so well!

Potty Time is a playful and positive approach to potty training. Emmy-nominated host Rachel Coleman teaches and inspires children to use the potty – and helps them sing, sign, and dance to celebrate their amazing bodies and potty time success. Potty Time is a perfect partner in potty traiing, working with any potty training method you choose. We believe children learn best by having fun, positive experiences through music, movement and fun! Try Potty Time today and we guarantee you’ll love it!

Potty Time is a darling DVD/CD combo perfect for any little one in or anywhere around the potty training phase. Hollis has loved watching it and learning the engaging songs and appropriate potty time signs ! It is a fun DVD that holds his attention and really gets him excited about using the potty like a big boy! Just what we needed during this exhausting potty training fiasco! He has even started signing when he needs to go potty! Through singing, dancing, and sign language, your child will learn about how to listen to their bodies, handle accidents, and celebrate becoming a potty expert! I love the part of the DVD that teaches children to stop what they are doing and go! I know it is so hard for kids to stop what they are doing, especially when they are having fun and go to the potty. The earlier they realize they can just go potty quickly, wash their hands and get right back into the fun, the better! The included CD is a great addition, you can dance and sing in celebration of a potty success, or just for fun around the house! If you are getting ready to head into the potty training world or maybe you’re already there and stuck, check out Potty Time! It will be a great addition to your potty training bag of tricks!

Today, you can enter to win one Potty Time DVD & Music CD!!

Want to win? Here is how to enter:

Mandatory First Entry:

Visit Potty Time and take a look around. Come back and tell us your best potty training tip!

Once the mandatory entries are completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

2 entries – Like Potty Time on Facebook. {really a fantastic potty training resource}

2 entries-Follow RMRV on Facebook

3 entries-Follow RMRV on Pinterest

2 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Twitter

2 entries – Follow Potty Time on Twitter.

1 entry per day-Tweet this giveaway and leave us your tweet url.

5 entries- Blog about this entry and leave us the link

3 entries- Add RMRV on Google +.

Potty Time is Real Mom Recommended!

You have until March 15th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

Amanda March 1, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS children, dvd, learning tools, mom

All the Pretty Horses {Music Together Lullabies Review}

My little munchkin LOVES music! He is running around the house now and I find that he is very attentive to the sounds around him. He has a favorite music player that he will bounce up and down to… yes primitive dancing, but dancing all the same! We love to listen to music together. From the tie he was a newborn I have always had music playing for him when he goes to sleep. I was recently given the opportunity to add to our collection of music with a great CD called Music Together Lullabies.

It is a fantastic collection of lullabies put together by Music Together founder/director Kenneth K. Guilmartin. He wanted to create a way for children to develop music skills naturally and joyfully and they learn to talk. He worked with music education researcher Lili M. Levinowitz, Ph. D, to develop Music Together, a pioneering music and movement program introduced to the public in 1987. This innovative program is based on the philosophy that all children are musical, that hey can achieve basic music competence, that the modeling of parents and caregivers is essential to the child’s music learning, and that this learning is best accomplished in a non-formal, developmentally appropriate setting. The curriculum includes a mix of original songs and traditional tunes from the folk, jazz, and world-music traditions. I was also sent a mini rain maker shaker, which allows baby to add to the music and also discover the world of music on their own.

I am in LOVE with this collection of lullabies. My favorite thing is that this is NOT the typical lullaby collection. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the good old standards like Twinkle, Twinkle, Rock a bye Baby, etc, but it is so very refreshing to have a collection that is new, original, and that also has a new world twist to it. I sometimes play MY relaxing music for my little guy, but now he has his very own collection. This great collection can be found along with some other great collections online. There is also information on the classes as well as a class locator. I think I may just have to look into going to a class. Music is such an important part of learning for a child and I am so excited to have discovered this world of music exploration. Thanks Music Together!

Audrey March 1, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS Baby, children, entertainment, Family, learning tools, music

What’s in a name? {Birthday Keepsakes review & giveaway}

When it comes to birthday presents, I really love to give something that has meaning. Depending on the person, that can be super hard… Dad!! Hello- does anyone actually have a Dad that is easy to shop for, except for maybe those who like to golf or other such sports! One person who is super easy to shop for is my little peanut!! I mean after all, kids like just about anything right? Depending on the toy, that may or may not hold true!

I recently came across something I am giving my little guy for his 2nd birthday. Now that is still not for many months still, but I am SO excited!! He LOVE LOVE LOVES books. And I’m hoping by the time he turns two he will appreciate this book as much as I do! I was recently generously sent a personalized birthday book from Birthday Keepsakes! Yes!! You’re child can finally be in the story! It is such a great idea! You put in your child’s name, first, middle, and last, and birthday and there is an animal and small desciption that coincides with that letter. There are even options on which animal to choose for each letter! It is customizable for boys, girls, adopted children, any situation possible! There is also a great option to add a caption on the title page with a photo as well as who it’s from and a date too! This book is REAL Mom Recommended and did I already mention I’m excited for his next birthday!!

I think he’s going to go crazy for it! I was super impressed with how quickly it arrived, and the pictures and the story itself is super cute! If you are looking for something ‘extra’ special for your little one’s next birthday (or maybe a niece or nephew), this is the perfect thing! They also have some other really great ideas for personalizing the perfect gift! Thanks birthday keepsakes!

Today Birthday Keepsakes is generously giving away a “my

name story book” to one lucky winner!

(You will recieve a GC that will cover up to 24 characters, a picture on the title page and the cost of shipping.)

Want to win? Here’s how:

Mandatory 1st Entry- Visit Birthday Keepsakes then come back and tell us your favorite item or something you learned from their website.

Once the mandatory entries are completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

4 entries-“Like” Birthday Keepsakes on facebook.

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on facebook.

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

3 entries-Follow Birthday Keepsakes on Twitter.

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Twitter

1 entry per day-Tweet the following and leave us your tweet link:

#Enter to win a ”my name story book” at @agiveawaydaily

5 entries- Blog about this entry and leave us the link

3 entries- Add RMRV on Google +

You have until February 2nd @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open toUSAonly.

Audrey January 20, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS books, children, entertainment, Gifts, giveaway link up, kids, learning tools

The World Is As Big As Your Imagination {Phaidon Press children’s books review}

I love to read! As a kid I remember some of my favorite books and looked forward to reading them over and over. I think (hopefully!) that my little munchkin may have the same love for books! He may be only 15 months, but he LOVES books! He spends loads of time everyday looking through his collection, meticulously flipping each page and looking at the pictures. It really melts my heart when he actually brings me the book and wants to crawl up into my lap so I can read it to him! We also love our story time every night before bed and have to have at least 3 or more stories before bed. (I could probably get away with only one or two but I LOVE reading to him!!) We recently had the chance to add to our library. Phaidon Press was very generous and sent us some of their new releases in their fabulous children’s collection. I have to say I am very impressed by the creativity and especially the illustrations in the books! We received some for older children as well as younger ones, so I have only been able to read the younger ones to my little guy so far. We especially loved “Bugs in the Garden,” by Beatrice Alemagna, which had illustrations using felt board characters, and also “What color is your world?”, by Bob Gill, which has very creative ideas for teaching kids about colors and what they relate to. I can’t wait for my little guy to get older so we can explore the other books we received! Thanks Phaidon Press!! A couple of the other gals had the same opportunity to try out the books as well. Here’s what they had to say.

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales” ~ Albert Einstein

I believe Albert Einstein was most definitely on to something when he said this, only I believe he could have said, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read to them.” Fairy tales, nursery rhymes, fiction, biographies, a cereal box…just read to them. Phaidon Books sent our family several of their children’s titles to read and add to our ever growing library! My children love books and the time we spend together reading them! They were overjoyed with the lot of books they received from Phaidon Books! I mean, really, they spoiled them rotten and we were all so excited! Hollis’ favorite of the bunch is What Colour is your World? By Bob Gill. It is a fun book with whimsical illustrations that is a cute read and can be used to teach colors and even color words to children! Hollis loves sitting in my lap looking at the pages and naming the colors and objects he sees! We also received the Mellops series by Tomi Ungerer including The Mellops go Diving for Treasure, The Mellops Strike Oil, and Christmas Eve at the Mellops’. Ava loves this series and has requested them many nights for her bedtime story. They keep her interested and she loves listening to the story and asking lots of questions throughout! We have had the most fun with Doodle Cook, by Herve Tullet! Ava loves sitting with me and following the instructions as I read them to her! We do a few pages at a time or until she is through! It is so cute to see what she creates on each page, and she really has created a few masterpieces! I’m sure Mr. Tullet would be proud! Phaidon has a children’s book line is full of great titles, all containing great stories and unique illustrations! We love the books we received and look forward to more time reading together!

Amanda

We love books! My kids love to read, and it has always been something (as a mom) that has been important to me for my children. The books we received from Phaidon Press were perfect for my kids! They ranged from “Nicholas” which is a great chapter book for older kids to “Bugs in the Garden” which is a sweet little book for younger children. The ones that I have read with Mia have been darling. She loved all of the pictures and thought What Color is Your World was silly. I think our very favorite book was Doodle Cook, which is an interactive book where you help create the dish according to the recipe. There are all kinds of fun directions which leads to a delightful picture on the page that your child created! April absolutely loved that book! Hailee and Austin are reading Nicholas and think Nichlas is funny and naughty, but do occasionally come to me with a question (they get confused on a few words since it is a English) All in all, we were more then thrilled with the selection of book Phaidon Press. Everyone of them was wonderful! We loved everyone of them!!

Erin

Be sure to check out the other titles in the children’s collection available through Phaidon’s website!! You won’t be disappointed! These children’s books come REAL Mom Recommended and I’m so excited to continue the adventures of reading with my little guy!

Audrey January 18, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS books, children, entertainment, kids, learning tools

‘Apps’olutely Wonderful! {Disney It’s a Small World App & JumpStart my ABC Book App Reviews}

The iPhone. An amazing invention my children may love even more than I do, if that’s even possible! They enjoy playing their games on that little phone and I am happy that most of the games or Apps I download are educational as well as entertaining! So fun to trick them into learning while they think they are just having fun! {insert mama’s evil laugh here!} Over the holidays I was able to download two new Apps for my children and let me tell you, they have had fun with both!

Disney’s new App, It’s a Small World, allows you to experience Disney’s It’s a Small World ride, song and lyrics in a new way! Through beautiful illustrations, adorable animation and creative music, your child will take an amazing adventure around the globe in their own hot air balloon! Your child will love the whimsical and colorful illustrations and will learn to say “hello” in 16 different languages! Each place your child will visit is whimsically illustrated with all sorts of quirky surprises. Simply tap on the people, musical instruments, or even stars and your child will hear words, music, or even animal sounds! Every time your child visits they are sure to discover something new to grab their attention! This app is a great addition to our selection and with it’s many wonderful features is sure to keep the kids entertained for quite some time!

The “It’s a Small World” app is available for $3.99 from the App Store on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch!

JumpStart My ABC Book teaches toddlers the abc’s through words and pictures, guaranteed to entertain any younger learner. with songs and poems, this app is sure to keep your child learning the fun way! It is a colorful alphabet-learning app for ages 2-5. Filled with engaging songs and poems, this audio-centric app is a great way for your little one to learn the alphabet.

The JumpStart my ABC Book app created by Knowledge Adventure, offers two interactive modes; Read & Learn! The first is a game where your child will match an alphabet letter with an image that starts with that letter/letter sound. A chorus of children shout the letter name and when your child chooses the correct image, a narrator speaks the image name. If you make a correct match, a checkmark appears in a box and you move on the next letter! You then continue until all of the boxes are checked practicing several different letters and letter sounds!

The second mode is more like free play. A letter is shown with a selection of images for your child to use to decorate the page. You can hear each alphabet letter , your child will add images that start with that letter and once their image is complete, they can snap a quick photo of each page and add it to their own album! Ava’s favorite part! My little photographer! You can also hear rhymes and songs for each letter all spoken, sang or chanted by children!

Features
•Simple, fun and addictive, with tons of replayability
•Audio instructions and clues make it ideal for preschoolers to play and have fun
•Helps hone skills of letter recognition, vocabulary, language development, memory
•Picture / Word association — words for each alphabet are spoken when pictures are touched, Individual words highlight and are read aloud when tapped
•Audio narration by way of poems and quotes
•Interactive learning which allows the child to decorate images and save them in an album

The JumpStart My ABC Book App is a great tool in helping children with letter recognition as well as letter/sound correspondence! Using songs, rhymes, and repetition, your child will quickly pick up on what each letter looks and sounds like!

The Jumpstart my ABC Book App is designed for both iPhone and iPad and available for only $1.99.

Amanda January 4, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS children, games, learning tools

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Today Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is VERY generously giving

away a copy of Because Your Mommy Loves You AND Because

Your Daddy Loves

You to 2 Lucky Winners!!!!

Want to win? Here’s how:

Today Balance Bikes 4 Kids is generously giving away Mini Glider

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name story book” to one lucky winner!

(You will recieve a GC that will cover up to 24 characters, a picture on the title page and the cost of shipping.)

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