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

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©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

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Tina Vasquez, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 24, 2011

The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book

By Jeff Kinney

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Amulet Books (May 2011)

Source: Publisher

Children’s author Jeff Kinney continues to pump out his Wimpy Kid—related books—and for good reason. To date, there are five books in the series with a sixth in the works and each installment is as charming, fun, and engaging as the last.

Kinney’s latest effort, The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book, isn’t really a continuation of the series. Rather, it’s an interesting take on a children’s journal with page after page of fun fill-in questions, comics, and drawing opportunities. Sure to tide enthusiastic Kinney fans over until the November release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid 6, The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book will also prove to be valuable keepsake for parents. This is because the series of prompts featured in the journal encourages kids to record information about who they are now, often cheekily referencing the fact that children will want to remember these things when they’re “old,” which is 30-years-old in Greg Heffley’s world.

The book opens up with a prompt about desert island picks, featuring spaces for children to write in their favorite video games, songs, books, and movies, but this is just the beginning. Though many of the journal’s 224 pages are left blank with the intention of being used for actual journaling, there are dozens of fun writing opportunities that will enable parents to get to know their kids better (if they’re allowed to read the journal), while also enabling kids to get to know themselves better. It’s rare that children are encouraged to write outside of school and chances are that they wouldn’t have the opportunity to illustrate what’s in their brain, record their finest moments, write five things nobody knows about them, or make their own comics if it weren’t for Kinney’s journal.

Though some prompts are framed in a way that seems sort of trivial, like having kids design their dream house, practice their autograph, or create a sandwich to be named after them—all for when they become “rich and famous” (which is referenced several times throughout the journal), it’s all in good fun and, if actually followed through with, children and parents alike will be happy to have this keepsake when the little ones aren’t so little anymore.

Add this book to your collection: The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book

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©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 25, 2011

From seeing the stars to taking a tour of the moon, The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy is an educational, entertaining, intergalactic treat. The book comes with 6 tools, including a build-it-yourself telescope and a no-batteries-required sundial, to help kids ages 8 and up navigate their way through outer space. The design and layout is kid-friendly, making it easy for galactic explorers to digest information and ponder some of the greatest scientific discoveries of our universe, right from their backyards.

Is it possible you have a young galactic explorer at your house? If so, reach for the stars and enter to win one of two copies of The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy. Giveaway begins April 25, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends May 23, 2011, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

Reading Level: 8 and up

Paperback: 67 pages

Book overview: THE KLUTZ GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs

Isn’t it time you discovered your place in the galaxy?

Explore the universe without leaving the comfort of your backyard. When the scientists at Klutz Labs tackle outer space, we not only ask questions like “Where’s the Big Dipper” but also “If I lived on planet Mercury, am I already old enough to drive?” Use the included telescope, red light for night use, sundial, and astrolab to start exploring our great galaxy.

Visit the product page!
Learn more about the galaxy!

Click to enlarge.

How to enter:

• Leave a comment in the comments field below

• An extra entry will be given for each time you twitter about the giveaway and/or blog about it. You will need to paste the link in a separate comment to make this entry valid. Click here to follow us on Twitter.

• Maximum entries: Three (3)

Giveaway Rules:

• Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States or Canadian address.

• Giveaway begins April 25, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends May 23, 2011, at 11:59 P.M. PST, when all entries must be received. No purchase necessary. See official rules for details. View our privacy policy.

Sponsored by Klutz.

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©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.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 12, 2010

This is a book list for sports enthusiasts, young Einsteins-in-the-making, myth busters, restless minds and grown men! From Potato Chip Science to The World’s Most Amazing Facts and Records, there is seriously something for everyone. And, while I would recommend most of these books to the most reluctant of readers—particularly boys—I would suggest that you don’t rule these suggestions out for girls. Young girls in particular have very curious minds and very much enjoy a good hands-on experiment—there’s also a beautiful and energetic baseball book which tells the inspiring story of Effa Manley.

The Science Books

Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments

by Allen Kurzweil (Author), Max Kurzweil (Collaborator)

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Paperback: 96 pages

Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 1, 2010)

Source: Author

The packaging of this kit (a “book & stuff”) alone has a ton of kid-appeal—it looks and feels like a bag of potato chips—but it’s not the cover from which we judge, it’s what is on the inside. Judge for yourself …

Add this book (and stuff) to your collection: Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments

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The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists

by Sean Connolly

Reading level: Ages 9 and up

Hardcover: 205 pages

Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 24, 2008)

Source: Personal collection

This is one that dad’s cannot resist working on with their kids.

Add this book to your collection: The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists

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Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You

by Catherine Rondina (Author), Kevin Sylvester
(Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 7-10

Hardcover: 96 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2010)

Source: Publicist

It offers entertaining explanations of why adults say the things they do. This is a very fun book for stuffing into a stocking. Why? Because I said so, that’s why.

Add this book to your collection: Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You

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The Klutz Book of Inventions

by editors of Klutz

Reading level: Ages 8 and up

Hardcover-spiral: 197 pages

Publisher: Klutz; Spi edition (October 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Full color pages with photographs and pictures on every page. The hardcover makes this a nice choice for a gift, and the spiral binding makes it easy to flip and work through.

Add this book to your collection: The Klutz Book of Inventions

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The Inside Series

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Sterling (October 5, 2010)

Source: Publisher

This is a brand new series: The Inside Series, published by Sterling Books. Each book has a focus: the human body, dinosaurs, hurricanes, etc.. The books are factual and have a great visual layout which helps with easier digestion of information.

Add this book to your collection: Inside: Human Body by Dr. Aron M. Bruhn MD

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The Sports Books

Sports Illustrated Kids All Access: Your Pass to Behind the Scenes Photos of Athletes, Locker Rooms, and More

by Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Sports Illustrated (October 26, 2010)

Source: Publicist

This books offers a brief-but-great look at some of the biggest names in sport and inside their locker rooms. Unique, clear page overlays offer quality visual effects of things such as basketball player Shaquille O’Neal’s hand measured over Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson’s.

Add this book to your collection: Sports Illustrated Kids All Access: Your Pass to Behind the Scenes Photos of Athletes, Locker Rooms, and More

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Roy Morelli Steps Up to the Plate

by Thatcher Heldring

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 240 pages

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (March 9, 2010)

Source: Publisher

It’s the classic tale of keeping up good grades to make it to the big leagues. An engaging story for baseball fans.

Add this book to your collection: Roy Morelli Steps Up to the Plate

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She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story

by Audrey Vernick
(Author), Don Tate (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 5-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Collins (October 19, 2010)

Source: Publisher

An inspiring and well-written biography with lively painted illustrations—wonderfully executed.

Add this book to your collection: She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story

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TIME For Kids That’s Awesome: The World’s Most Amazing Facts and Records

by Editors of Time for Kids Magazine

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 208 pages

Publisher: Time For Kids (October 5, 2010)

Source: Publicist

A pick-up-and-read-anytime kind of book that will interest both the science and sports enthusiasts. A menagerie of conversation starting facts.

Add this book to your collection: TIME For Kids That’s Awesome: The World’s Most Amazing Facts and Records

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Extras

Moon In My Room

Company’s description: Turn your room into an authentically detailed 3-D lunar landscape. After your child is all tucked in for the night, Moon in My Room creates a peaceful, glowing effect for a night full of sweet dreams. Its whimsical effect is fun for adults, too! Ages 6 and up.

Add this to your shopping basket: Moon In My Room

Thames & Kosmos Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Wind Power

Company’s description: Renewable Energy Science Kit. Build a working wind turbine. Harness mechanical energy to lift weights. Generate electricity to light an LED and charge a battery. Learn the physics of wind turbines. Discover how wind occurs and why it is such a good energy source. Includes full-color, 32 page experiment manual. Ages 8 and up.

Add this to your shopping basket: Thames & Kosmos Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Wind Power

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 3, 2010

In honor of my husband’s birthday, I just have to share with you these two go-to books that provide (almost) instant, fool-proof birthday party action. Actually, I’ve been known to bring out these books just for kicks.

Face Painting

by Klutz

Spiral-bound: 58 pages

Publisher: Klutz (August 1, 2007)

Source: Purchased

Pubisher’s synopsis: Face Painting has become a touchstone of Klutz appeal and quality. With 1.5 million copies sold, we thought nothing could surpass it — until now. This new edition has been completely revitalized, including new paints in bold, bright colors and easy-to-use tear-out cheat sheets. It’s the book that will launch a zillion more faces.

Add this book to your collection: Face Painting

Balloon Twisting

by Klutz

Spiral-bound: 58 pages

Publisher: Klutz (September 1, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Balloon twisting is one of those impossible skills that turn out to be not so impossible after all. It’s downright easy, as a matter of fact. You just need the right materials, the right projects and the right teacher. Who better than the folks that brought you Face Painting? We consulted with several balloon twisting professionals (a bunch of clowns, if you want the truth) and narrowed their repertoires down to the ten coolest projects ever. These aren’t the same old static sculptures everyone’s seen a million times, but rather toys, hats, props and costume pieces that inspire imaginative play. Fairy wings, Viking helmets, magic wands… they’re all here, and they are all amazingly simple to make. 40 balloons in 8 colors give you plenty of practice material, and the included balloon pump is a life-saver. Like painting faces, twisting balloons makes you a hero, at least for an afternoon. There’s nothing more gratifying than hearing a kid breathe “”…awesome…”" while watching you do something. It’s a rare thrill, and it’s your free gift with every purchase of Balloon Twisting.

Add this book to your collection: Balloon Twisting

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 18, 2009

Super Simple Sewing

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 20 pages

Publisher: Chicken Socks; Pap/Toy edition (August 19, 2009)

Source: Publisher

I love activity books for many reasons. They often keep children busy, inspire creativity, refine different motor and cognitive skills, but the most clever of all is that they are the best form of reading trickery. In other words, kids who prefer to be busy with their hands will not even realize they are reading — provided the activity is one that they enjoy and that the instructions are not too difficult. This is where Chicken Socks, a collection of younger books by the Klutz team, comes in handy. The activities in the Chicken Socks collection are usually designed for 4 & up, and are well suited to less refined motor-skills and reading levels. Often with a little parental help, a 3-year-old will also have a lot of fun with these projects — I know from experience.

“Ready, Set, Sew!

…Soon you’ll be able to sew like a pro!”

Super Simple Sewing is a neat little set of 4 sewing activities: purse, bracelet, bird, and a door tag. Each project comes with precut fabrics that have nicely sized perforations that are well spaced. The needle is large, plastic, and not sharp — perfect for small hands. The string is a good weight and thickness for beginning sewers, it threads easily and comes with snap together cord-catchers that cinch the string together, eliminating the need for any knot tieing. The instructions were brief and well illustrated. My daughter and I had a lot of fun working together, and the neat part was that everything we made (minus the door tag) fit right inside the little purse. Great for hand and eye co-ordination, plus lots of fun! Also works as a good travel activity.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.