By Nina Schuyler, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 28, 2011

A Kiss For You!

By Joan Holub; illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church

Reading level: Ages 0 and up

Board book: 14 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk edition (September 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

I started reading to my infant son from the moment he could keep his eyes open. For selfish reasons, really. I love to read. I even read magazine advertisements (usually looking for typos). One day, coming out of my fog of selfishness, I saw my son really liked books. His whole body surged with energy, limbs stiffening, eyes opening, a big grin spreading on his pink bow lips when I picked up a book.

Now he’s seven months and has a deep and profound relationship with books, so deep that he wants to grab the book, hug it, bring it to his mouth and chew on it. A Kiss For You! By Joan Holub and Caroline Jayne Church Is the perfect board book if you’ve got a kid who’s formed such a relationship with books. A large hand wraps from the back of the book to the cover. To begin reading, you lift the cardboard hand and open the book and then a whole world of magic begins. You can move the cardboard hand to pat a puppy, wave hello and good-bye, blow a kiss, hold a teddy, and play peek-a-boo. I swear by the end of this book, my little guy was waving to me, the book, the world.

Add this book to your collection: A Kiss For You!

Have you read this book? Rate it:
[ratings]

Nina Schuyler‘s first novel, The Painting, (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill/2004), was a finalist for the Northern California Book Awards. It was also selected by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the Best Books for 2004 and a “Great Debut from 2004″ by the Rocky Mountain News. She currently teaches creative writing at the University of San Francisco and is working on a third novel.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 27, 2011

Monster Comics

By Mike Herrod

Doodlers and fans of monsters and comics, unite! From freaked-out moms to thirsty vampires, using clean lines and minimal color, the talented children’s book author and illustrator Mike Herrod offers kids over 30 spook-tacular monster-pieces to finish off with their own drawings. However, it’s the “Magic Monster Pen” that steals the limelight. Kids can use the pen to compose their own secret messages or design their own hidden drawings; it also magically reveals 16 invisible ink picture pages throughout the book. This is an activity book that fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid are bound to enjoy. (Ages 7 and up)

Make a Mummy, Shrink a Head and Other Useful Skills

By Pat Murphy

Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs have put together a very unique book of activities for fearless explorers. Kids that enjoy experiments can make their very own mummy from a hot dog and a few other household items, such as toilet paper. Kids that really enjoy art and have a little patience will love turning an apple into a creepy, shrunken head. The well organized book includes fun facts and amusing photographs every step of the way. (Ages 8 and up)

PomPom Monster Salon: Create, Cut & Style Your Own Monsters

By April Chorba

This is an activity that really brings out creativity and personal style. Easy to follow instructions and simple tools make it really easy to customize homemade pompoms. Although the publisher (Klutz) recommends this activity book for 8-year-olds and up, parent or guardian participation makes it a great choice for younger children, too. (Ages 8 and up)

Wicked Cool Friendship Bracelets

By Karen Phillips

This Klutz activity book offers a spooky take on the classic friendship bracelet. Including cord, charms and beads, kids are introduced to the basics of the bracelet making process before taking on the task of creating bracelets with names such as Bitten and Cobweb. And, even when the provided supplies are all used up, you can easily buy more supplies at your local craft store. (Ages 8 and up)

You can add any of these books to your collection by clicking on the images or book titles.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Publisher’s synopsis: This hilarious and inventive drawing book by animator Chris McDonnell features page after page of off-the-wall gags and fillin doodle prompts. McDonnell’s infectious humor recalls MAD magazine at its finest. Ideal for an instant laugh or for anyone looking to spark their creative side, this interactive volume is the ultimate resource for fun with pen and paper.

Add this book to your collection: Sasquatch’s Big, Hairy Drawing Book

Have you read this book? Rate it:
[ratings]

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: July 28, 2011

Rain, hail or shine, summer, winter, fall or spring, activity books are fantastic boredom busters. They also make wonderful birthday gifts that are budget savvy. From doodles to stickers to making your own animation movies, this list of activity books showcases some of our favorites. We’ve also included a great resource for parents that is all about building your child’s self-esteem through reading, crafting and cooking.

Pinkalicious: Pinkadoodles

By Victoria Kann

Reading level: Ages 3-12

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival (May 31, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Get Ready to Think Outside the Lines!

Drawing and coloring is doodlicious!

Over 100 pages of pinkatastic pictures for you to complete.

• Includes coloring, drawing, and activities to inspire creativity
• Perfect for Pinkalicious fans of all ages

Add this book to your collection: Pinkalicious: Pinkadoodles

____________________________________________________________

Vacation Doodle Book

By Scholastic

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 64 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (May 1, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: This is a doodle book, a journal, and a scrap book – the perfect buy for any child going away on summer vacation! Includes more than 50 vacation-themed doodles to complete, it doesn’t require any drawing skills, just a little bit of imagination!

More doodles and activities include:

* Design your own sandcastle.

* Draw your vacation home.

* How much money are you spending?

* Which was your favorite day on vacation?

* What is dad cooking on the campfire?

* Design a flag for your family.

* Fill the beach with seashells.

* Draw the twists and turns of a rollercoaster.

Add this book to your collection: Vacation Doodle Book

____________________________________________________________

Junie B.’s These Puzzles Hurt My Brain!

By Barbara Park (Author), Denise Brunkus (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Paperback: 240 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (May 24, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Dear People Who Are Puzzled . . .

Ha! That was a little puzzle joke by me! JUNIE B. JONES! On account of this is my very own PUZZLE BOOK! And it is full of games and puzzles about me, me, me . . . for Y-O-U! I am excellent at games and puzzles. But some of these are stumpers, I tell you! And stumpers make my brain explode (kaboom!). This book has: * mazes (starring me!) * connect-the-dots * triangle puzzles * tangles * secret codes * coloring activities *creative-writing activities * word games *  and YAY! . . . . even STICKERS!!!!! And so quick! Grab a pencil and start puzzling yourself! Have fun!
Your friend, Junie B., Puzzler

Add this book to your collection: Junie B.’s These Puzzles Hurt My Brain!

____________________________________________________________

Dinosaurs on the Move: Movable Paper Figures to Cut, Color, and Assemble

By Cathy Diez-Luckie

Reading level: Ages 6-12

Paperback: 48 pages

Publisher: Figures In Motion; 1st edition (April 15, 2010)

Source: Publicist

Publisher’s synopsis: Educators and parents introduce the wonder of natural history and inspire a love of paleontology (ages 6-12) with this creative learning tool, featuring easy-to-assemble dinosaurs in pre-colored and colorable versions. Now children can make movable dinosaur action figures! Move their jaws, clash their teeth, make their powerful legs run, as children act out their own dinosaur battles. Includes Allosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, plus dinosaur facts for hours of creative play.

Add this book to your collection: Dinosaurs on the Move: Movable Paper Figures to Cut, Color, and Assemble

____________________________________________________________

Famous Figures of Ancient Times: Movable Paper Figures to Cut, Color, and Assemble

By Cathy Diez-Luckie

Reading level: Ages 6-12

Paperback: 96 pages

Publisher: Figures In Motion; 1st Edition edition (February 24, 2009)

Source: Publicist

Publisher’s synopsis: Make Your Own Action Figures From Ancient History! Make history come alive in Ancient Egypt, Greece, China, Rome, and Jerusalem! Cut-and-color or pre-coloered action figures really move ans you play out the lives of Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, King David, Jesus, Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, Hannibal (and his elephant!) and other – or make up your own stories about these powerful men whose fame has lasted for thousands of years. Yes, they really move! Move their arms and legs, use their swords and shields, and act out their stories at home or at school – over and over again. History has never been so much fun! Emperors! Conquerors! Philosophers! These 20 people shaped history – and our world today. Yes, you can also read about their amazing lives, right in this book. Attention Teachers and Parents: use this book to reinforce the wonder of history and to support any ancient history curriculum through hands-on activities. Note: Your child will need a hole punch and inexpensive fasteners (available at stationary or craft stores-please see resources page).

Add this book to your collection: Famous Figures of Ancient Times: Movable Paper Figures to Cut, Color, and Assemble

____________________________________________________________

Sticker Design Studio: Create Your Own Custom Stickers

By Karen Phillips

Reading level: Ages 8 and up

Spiral-bound: 54 pages

Publisher: Klutz; Spi edition (January 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Girls stick stickers on everything: binders, birthday cards, diaries, door signs, love notes, lunch bags whatever needs a little coolification. It’s like putting your personal mark on the world. But to make your mark truly personal, stick with Sticker Design Studio. The book is packed with over 500 cute die-cut designs you mix, match, color, and layer to create your own unique stickers. Glittery accents provide that all-important sparkle, while light gray linework gives just the right amount of artistic help. Once they are inked over, the lines become nearly invisible so only your creative genius shows. Since each design can be completed in countless ways, each finished sticker can be completely unique. In addition to ready-to-color stickers, the book features colorful pages of tips, inspiration, and guided creativity to encourage the artistically un-gifted. Even if you can’t draw a heart, you can still ink one in your own unique style. And when you’re done, it’s not just a doodle in a page, it’s a one-of-a-kind sparkly seal. Your heart is sticker art!

Add this book to your collection: Sticker Design Studio: Create Your Own Custom Stickers

____________________________________________________________

Stamp Art (Klutz)

By Kaitlyn Nichols

Reading level: Ages 8 and up

Hardcover: 56 pages

Publisher: Klutz; Spi Har/to edition (September 15, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Stamp Art makes stamping simpler – and more creative – than ever. Stick the included shapes on the see-through acrylic block to create your own one-of-a-kind stamp design. Full of inspirational artwork and instruction, this stamp-right-in-it book shows how to create animals, flowers, houses, aliens… anything you can dream up.

Add this book to your collection: Stamp Art (Klutz)

____________________________________________________________

The Klutz Book of Animation: Make Your Own Stop Motion Movies

By Nicholas Berger (Author), John Cassiday (Editor)

Reading level: Ages 9 and up

Hardcover: 72 pages

Publisher: Klutz; Spi edition (March 15, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Welcome to the wide-open world of animation. It used to take an empire the size of the Magic Kingdom to make an animated film. And to get viewers, you’d need access to cineplexes or television networks. In other words, you were either in the industry or in the audience. That was then. Today, creating animation for a potential audience of 600 million requires a laptop, a camera, and an internet connection. That’s it. The barriers have come down, the people have taken over, and the results are amazing. The Klutz Book of Animation is a complete how-to treatment of this newly accessible art form. It combines practical instruction and ready-to-shoot scripts. Real-life samples of all the projects are viewable online — the perfect marriage of book and web. Speaking of web, the software you’ll need is available as a free download. It’s plug and play on any computer (PC or Mac). Attached to the book is a piece of low-tech, non-toxic clay, ready to be molded into a million different heroes starring in a million different films — all of them animatedly yours.

Add this book to your collection: The Klutz Book of Animation: Make Your Own Stop Motion Movies

____________________________________________________________

Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking

By Vivian Kirkfield

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: MoneyPenny Press, Ltd.; 1ST edition (2010)

Source: Author

Publisher’s synopsis: This reality-based program provides fun-filled educational activities that parents and children will enjoy. “Using this book with children will not only help build their self-esteem, it’ll also turn them into life-long readers and lovers of books! I wish SHOW ME HOW! had existed when my own children were young.”—Suzanne Williams, author of over 27 children’s books. “A wonderful resource for people who care about their children and hope to better their reading and learning experience”—Norman Bridwell, author of Clifford the Big Red Dog. With keen insight and proven experience, Ms. Kirkfield empowers parents with simple and effective strategies to help their children develop a positive self-image. Chapter One, “I CAN DO IT MYSELF”, focuses on mastering tasks and skills. Chapter Four, “I AM REALLY MAD RIGHT NOW!”, shows how important it is to be able to express our feelings. This book is the answer to a busy parent’s prayer. With the turn of every page, you will build self-esteem, develop pre-reading skills and create a life-long parent-child bond.

Add this book to your collection: Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking

____________________________________________________________

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Add this book to your collection: Pat the Bunny

Have you read this book? Rate it:
[ratings]

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Wild About Books Devices: iPad Price: $4.99* Introductory Price Released: December 16th, 2010

The award-winning picture book now roars to life in sixteen animated and interactive scenes where kids can tilt, swipe, and tap their way through Judy Sierra’s rollicking rhymed story and Marc Brown’s gorgeous illustrations. Readers can choose to listen or turn off the narration and read at their own pace. Whether they’re making monkeys flip, beach balls bounce, animals stampede, or bears burp, parents and kids are sure to laugh, learn, and get wild about books together.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 9, 2010

This year, many people are predicting that Apple’s iPad will be the number one gift found under the Christmas tree. Assuming that you’ve embraced the notion of e-books—and you’re happy with the saying: “Any reading is good reading!”—we’re certain that you’ll be looking for a couple of book apps to get your iPad recipient started.

From the more traditional pieces of literature to the fun, book-related games; these apps are a great way to kick-start a new iPad library or add to an existing one. Hopefully this list makes your job of sifting through the hundreds or available apps just a little bit easier.

The Traditional

From Ruckus Media

Tom Thumb and the Knights of the Round Table
Told by John Cleese, illustrated by Tim Gabor, music by Elvis Costello

Price: $3.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad

Publisher’s synopsis: John Cleese tells the tale of tiny Tom Thumb and his larger-than-life adventures in the land of King Arthur. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!

Features:

• READ the classic story!
• SEE the enchanting video!
• HEAR Emmy-Award winner John Cleese tell the story with an original score by recording artist Elvis Costello!
• RECORD your voice reading to your child!

Add this app to your collection: Tom Thumb and the Knights of the Round Table

The Velveteen Rabbit

Told by Meryl Streep, illustrated by Dave Jorgenson, music by George Winston

Price: $3.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad

Publisher’s synopsis: Meryl Streep shares the tale of love so powerful it can turn a toy bunny into a real rabbit. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!

Features:
• READ the classic story!
• SEE the award-winning video!
• HEAR acclaimed actress Meryl Streep tell the story accompanied by pianist George Winston!
• RECORD your voice reading to your child!

Add this app to your collection: The Velveteen Rabbit

Johnny Appleseed

Told by Garrison Keillor, illustrated by Stan Olson, music by Mark O’Connor

Price: $3.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad

Publisher’s synopsis: Garrison Keillor tells the story of gentle Johnny Appleseed who roamed the frontier planting apple trees and spreading goodwill. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!

Features:
• READ the classic story!
• SEE the award-winning video!
• HEAR acclaimed actress Meryl Streep tell the story accompanied by pianist George Winston!
• RECORD your voice reading to your child!

Add this app to your collection: Johnny Appleseed

Familiar Characters

From Oceanhouse Media

How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
By Dr. Seuss

Price: $3.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad

Publisher’s synopsis: The Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” one of the top selling children’s books of all time, is now available for your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.

Features:

• “Read to Me” — listen to the narrated story with words highlighted as they are read
• “Read it Myself” — read the book in its traditional form
• “Auto Play” — plays like a movie, automatically reading and turning pages. Great for younger children!
• Picture / Word association — words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched
• Professional audio narration
• Custom background audio for each scene
• Pages pan & zoom to accentuate the beautiful, original art of Dr. Seuss
• This ‘Universal App’ is optimized for both iPhone and iPad

Add this app to your collection: How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Publisher’s synopsis: POOR RUDOLPH! All the other reindeer make fun of his bright red nose and won’t let him play in their reindeer games. But when Christmas is almost canceled because of a huge snowstorm, Rudolph comes to Santa’s rescue!

Features:

• “Read to Me” — listen to the narrated story with words highlighted as they are read
• “Read it Myself” — read the book in its traditional form
• “Auto Play” — plays like a movie, automatically reading and turning pages. Great for younger children!
• Find hidden sounds by tapping within the pictures
• Professional audio narration
• Custom background audio for each scene
• Pages pan & zoom to accentuate the colorful, original artwork

Add this app to your collection: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Just Grandma and Me

By Mercer Mayer

Price: $1.99 on iPhone / $1.99 on iPad

Publisher’s synopsis: Little Critter and his grandmother decide to spend a day at the beach! Little Critter is a good helper, even at the beach. When his grandmother’s hot dog falls in the sand, he washes it off in the ocean. He promises to blow up the inflatable sea horse but needs a little help in the end. The joys and mishaps of a special summer day with Grandma are all brightened by Little Critter’s sunny disposition!

Features:

• “Read to Me” — listen to the narrated story with words highlighted as they are read
• “Read it Myself” — read the book in its traditional form
• “Auto Play” — plays like a movie, automatically reading and turning pages. Great for younger children!
• Picture / Word association — words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched
• Find the creature mini-game
• Professional audio narration
• Custom background audio for each scene
• Pages pan & zoom to accentuate the beautiful, original art of Mercer Mayer

Add this app to your collection: Just Grandma and Me

By Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain

Price: Coming soon

Publisher’s synopsis: In “The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree,” finding the perfect tree is very important for Papa Bear and his cubs. While hunting for that one special tree the family meets up with the animals that live in the trees and all learn an important lesson.

As the story unfolds Papa, Brother, and Sister Bear realize that the trees are perfect homes for the animals and show kindness and love for their fellow Bear Country friends by not cutting them down. In the end the animals from the forest work together to thank the Bear Family in a wonderful and unique way.

Features:

• “Read to Me” — listen to the narrated story with words highlighted as they are read
• “Read it Myself” — read the book in its traditional form
• “Auto Play” — plays like a movie, automatically reading and turning pages. Great for younger children!
• Picture / Word association — words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched
• Professional audio narration
• Custom background audio for each scene
• Pages pan & zoom to accentuate the beautiful, original art of the Berenstains

Add this app to your collection: The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree

Tacky’s Christmas

By Helen Lester

Price: Coming soon

Publisher’s synopsis: Tacky, Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect are celebrating the holiday with good cheer, singing, and lots of presents. Tacky’s present is a little bit different, and not exactly what his friends had in mind, but when the Christmas merrymaking is interrupted by hunters in search of pretty penguins, it’s Tacky’s gift that helps to save the day…

Features:

• “Read to Me” — listen to the narrated story with words highlighted as they are read
• “Read it Myself” — read the book in its traditional form
• “Auto Play” — plays like a movie, automatically reading and turning pages. Great for younger children!
• Picture / Word association — words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched
• Professional audio narration
• Custom background audio for each scene
• Pages pan & zoom to accentuate the colorful, original artwork

Add this app to your collection: Tacky’s Christmas

Book-Related Games & Puzzles

From Scholastic

I SPY Spooky Mansion

Price: $0.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad

Publisher’s synopsis: The overwhelmingly popular, search and find game makes a splash on the iPhone™ and iPod touch®! Play the hidden object adventure based on Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick’s best-selling I SPY Spooky Night book.

Features:

• Adventure Themed Gameplay: Unlock areas of the mansion by solving riddles. To make your escape, explore the spooky and creepy grounds in search of seven keys that open the front gate.
• 21 I SPY Riddles: Use the map to find and unlock the 21 I SPY riddles lurking on the estate. To solve the riddles, look for the objects listed in the I SPY riddle.
• Zoom Function: Zoom functionality allows for up to 300% magnification to help find the most cleverly hidden objects.
• Riddles Read Aloud: Voiceovers read all of the I SPY riddles aloud to help younger players just learning how to read.

Add this app to your collection: I SPY Spooky Mansion

I SPY Riddle Race

Publisher’s synopsis: I SPY Riddle Race combines the signature hidden object play of I SPY with the fun appeal of board games and fast-paced challenges. Based on the best-selling books from Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick, I SPY Riddle Race boasts 60 I SPY puzzles, two play modes and numerous bonus challenges!

Features:

• Two Ways to Play: Solve riddles at your own pace in Practice Mode without the stress or pressure of the clock. This mode is great for younger players, allowing them to solve riddles one after another. Or, select Riddle Race Mode to enter a game board with three riddle areas, a bonus round and added challenges. Race against the clock while solving riddles to earn as many points as you can.
• 60 I SPY Riddles: Search and find hundreds of objects in 60 I SPY riddles. To solve the riddles, look for the objects listed in the I SPY riddle.
• Game Boards: 20 game boards—each featuring three unique I SPY riddles. Solve all three before time runs out to advance to the bonus round.
• Bonus Challenges: Test your memory in the bonus round that challenges players to find objects across a set of riddles. Find as many objects as you can before time runs out to rack up points.
• Zoom Function: Zoom functionality allows for up to 300% magnification to help find the most cleverly hidden objects.
• Riddles Read Aloud: Voiceovers read all of the I SPY riddles aloud to help younger players just learning how to read.
• High Scores: Earn as many points as you can, and then play again and again to see if you can beat it. The game tracks the best 100 scores.

Add this app to your collection: I SPY Riddle Race

Clifford’s BE BIG with Words

Publisher’s synopsis: Clifford the Big Red Dog™ and friends share their BIG adventures for kids on the iPhone™ and iPod ®touch!

Help Clifford, Cleo and T-Bone give Jetta ideas of things to paint by spelling words. As they play, kids will experiment with letters and letter sounds as they learn to spell three-letter words. Kids are guided toward spelling the words by choosing from a selection of letters from Jetta’s painter’s palette. Once a word is spelled, watch as a picture is painted of the word to show its meaning!

Features:

• Characters from the beloved book series and the hit TV series that airs daily on PBS Kids. Clifford, Cleo, T-Bone, Emily Elizabeth and Jetta have lots of word-building fun for kids.
• Over 100 Words: Build a child’s vocabulary with 115 three-letter words that are age-appropriate and found in everyday life.
• Word-Building, Spelling & Vocabulary: Kids will learn how to use letters to build words in an engaging way along with their beloved friend, Clifford. Additionally, kids will learn to associate words with the objects they represent, an essential still for language development.
• Phonics: Once a word is completed, each letter that spells the word is read out loud. Additionally, each word is pronounced showing kids the connection between sounds, words and their spellings. Building an understanding of words through alphabetic and phonemic awareness is critical in cultivating reading skills in young children.
• Builds Confidence: Vocabulary words are pre-selected, so kids will always be able to spell a word and become familiar with its meaning.
• Fun Rewards: Watch as Jetta paints a picture of the word and Emily Elizabeth, Clifford, Cleo and T-Bone show its meaning.

Add this app to your collection: Clifford’s BE BIG with Words

The 39 Clues Madrigal Maze

Publisher’s synopsis: Solve a mystery that spans the world and history!

Every family has its secrets and the Cahill family is searching for one that leads to unimaginable power. To reveal it, the Cahills must embark on a dangerous hunt for 39 Clues hidden around the world. The Cahills aren’t the only ones looking for the clues—a group called the Madrigals secretly has been in the hunt for the clues leading to ultimate power and world domination!

Features:

• 39 Puzzles: Navigate a labyrinth of passageways as you solve 39 mazes. Move your character through the mazes with the touch of your finger.
• Strategy and Leveled Gameplay: The mazes increase in difficulty with each passing level. Learn to evade guards, manage gats and switches, and dodge deadly traps.
• Unlock a Secret Madrigal Encryption Key: Successfully navigate mazes to receive exclusive access to a secret Madrigal Encryption Key. Unlock the Key directly from your iPhone or iPod touch.
• The 39 Clues Mythology: Get an inside look at the Cahills. Discover which famous historical figures belong to the Janus, Lucian, Ekaterina and Tomas branches along with how they shaped the world we know today.

Add this app to your collection: The 39 Clues Madrigal Maze

Goosebumps PhotoShock

Publisher’s synopsis: Turn your photographs into fright-ographs and give your friends a real scare! Customize photos of you into an ever so ghastly Goosebumps fright! Or “PhotoShock” pictures of friends with over 100 horrifying and creepy icons, objects and frames. Add googly eyes, spiders or slime to photos—or even add messages.

Features:

• Over 100 scary stickers to customize any photo
• Add shocking messages like “You look delicious!” and body parts like googly eyes, bat ears or horns
• Edit by moving, resizing or rotating your photos and stickers
• Save your ghastly photos to your iPhone or iPod Touch
• Share your ghoulish photos—email to friends or select your photo from your iPhone or iPod Touch album and post to your social networks

Add this app to your collection: Goosebumps PhotoShock

Learning to Read

From Learning Touch

Bob Books #1 – Reading Magic

Price: $2.99 on iPhone / $2.99 on iPad

Publisher’s synopsis: Millions of kids have learned to read with Bob Books. Now Bob Books is coming to the iPhone with Bob Books Reading Magic!

Features:

• Bob Books Reading Magic will show your child how to:
  • Make the connection between letters and sounds.
  • Sound out simple words.
  • Spell the words they’ve read.

• The game includes twelve scenes for a total of 32 words. Four game levels provide increasing challenges to children as they play.

Add this app to your collection: Bob Books #1 – Reading Magic

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 7, 2010

The holiday season can bring out the “Martha” in all of us. Unfortunately, ’tis the season to zap away the time required to be a “Martha.” So … this book list (or book-ish, at least) can be used a few different ways:

• The obvious: You are shopping for a budding artist or crafting enthusiast.
• The handy: Use some of these books to entertain your children while you get busy baking cookies, writing Christmas cards, or putting your feet up while you sip on some spiked hot apple cider.
• The clever: You like to give books, but the kids you are buying for can’t sit still long enough to read or be read to. Art and craft books are like reading trickery: The craft keeps fingers busy while the instructions keep minds reading.

MoMA Make Art Mistakes: An Inspired Sketchbook for Everyone

by Museum of Modern Art New York

Reading level: All Ages

Diary: 128 pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 27, 2010)

Publisher’s synopsis: With eye-catching interiors and playful activities, this open-ended sketchbook encourages would-be artists of all ages to look at the world around them and take chances expressing what they see. Inspiring and colorful graphic design will unleash the artist in anyone.

Add this book to your collection: MoMA Make Art Mistakes: An Inspired Sketchbook for Everyone

Play All Day

by Taro Gomi

Reading level: All Ages

Paperback: 116 pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 1, 2010)

Publisher’s synopsis: Taro Gomi invites children to punch out more than 60 fantastic playthings, including ring-toss games, finger puppets, boxes, picture frames, a zoo’s worth of animals, and more! Packed with Gomi’s fun, accessible artwork and a delightful variety of games and toys, this book will appeal to children of all ages, engaging their imaginations and entertaining them all day long.

Add this book to your collection: Play All Day

MoMA Modern Shapes Lacing Cards: 10 Cards & 11 Laces

by Museum of Modern Art New York

Reading level: Ages 3 and up

Misc. Supplies: 10 pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books (May 5, 2010)

Publisher’s synopsis: These unique lacing cards teach shapes, colors, and textures and develop hand-eye coordination with striking design and photography. Bright, colorful cards with die-cut shapes can be laced alone or laced together into a book or a piece of hanging art. Fundamental concepts have never been so versatile to use or fun to look at!

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Add this book to your collection: MoMA Modern Shapes Lacing Cards: 10 Cards & 11 Laces

Monster Comics

by Mike Herrod

Reading level: Ages 7 and up

Spiral-bound: 64 pages

Publisher: Blue Apple Books; Spi edition (October 20, 2010)

Publisher’s synopsis: Drawing monsters is fiendishly fun in Mike Herrod’s newest addition to his bestselling Comics to Go! series. The “invisible ink” pen and light reveal both the hidden images printed within the pages and the drawings and doodles kids create themselves. Fans of monsters can complete the comics or make up their own stories and will delight in the ghosts, goblins, witches, and vampires that fill the pages of this creepy collection.

Add this book to your collection: Monster Comics

Window Art (Klutz)

Reading level: Ages 8 and up

Spiral-bound: 58 pages

Publisher: Klutz; Spi edition (March 1, 2009)

Publisher’s synopsis: When we first came across these amazing window colors, we were impressed with how gorgeous the finished products looked. But we couldn’t help wondering whether real kids could get such fantastic results. So we did what we always do: We rounded up some real kids and let them try it out. Turns out making beautiful window art is about as simple as squirting mustard on a hot dog – and about sixty million times more fun. This classic edition of Window Art features tried-and-true, ready-to-trace designs, and six bottles of squirt-on, peel-off colors. Here’s how it works: Pick a design. Put one of the included plastic sleeves over the page. Trace the outline of your design using the black squeeze bottle, and use the remaining five Window Colors to color it in as you please. Once it’s dry, peel your design off the plastic and stick it on a window, shower door, mirror, or any other glass surface you like. If you change your mind about where you want it, just peel and stick it again and again. With Window Art, every room in the house gets a terrific view.

Add this book to your collection: Window Art (Klutz)

Fancy Friendship Bracelets (Klutz)

Reading level: Ages 8 and up

Spiral-bound: 60 pages

Publisher: Klutz; Spi Pap/to edition (October 1, 2009)

Publisher’s synopsis: Friendship Bracelets [was published] in 1996. Thirteen years and 2.3 million copies later, it has clearly established itself as a Klutz classic. A best-selling classic, in fact. It’s a hard act to follow—only a fool would even attempt it. So, of course, we couldn’t resist. Introducing Fancy Friendship Bracelets, the original Friendship Bracelet’s new best friend. We started with super-simple instructions for a flock of all-new bracelet designs. We added five different colors of cord and more than 200 sparkling beads. Then we threw in some stylish charms for good measure. The result is even better than we hoped. Fans of the first book will love this new one. With the how-to know-how of Anne Akers Johnson, the sparkle of beads and charms, and the novelty of all-new bracelet designs, Fancy Friendship Bracelets compliments the original book without duplicating it. So we’re keeping both books in print. This is the start of a beautiful friendship.

Add this book to your collection: Fancy Friendship Bracelets (Klutz)

Create Your Own Enchanted Storybook

By Creativity for Kids

Reading level: Ages 5-9

Publisher: Creativity for Kids

Publisher’s synopsis: Adorable castle-shaped book comes ready to decorate with markers, glitter stickers, color-in stickers and rhinestones. Write your story on the lined pages then use the blank pages for your illustrations. Open the drawbridge door and personalize the story with your name ? add your picture to the tower window too.

Add this book to your collection: Create Your Own Enchanted Storybook

Pinkalicious: The Perfectly Pink Collection

by Victoria Kann

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover

Publisher: HarperFestival; Pap/Pstr edition (October 26, 2010)

Publisher’s synopsis: This box of totally collectible Pinkalicious treasures contains three books (Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink, School Rules!, and Tickled Pink), a color-it-yourself poster, dozens of stickers, and three double-sided crayons.

Add this book to your collection: Pinkalicious: The Perfectly Pink Collection

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.