Friday, June 28, 2013

Now Available on DVD -- Babar Adventure Pack, 3 DVD Set -- Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  the views shared are mine and mine alone.


DISCOVER THE WONDER OF THE BELOVED AND
TIMELESS ELEPHANT KING WITH A SPECIALLY-PRICED,
FUN-FILLED 3-DVD SET!



PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 

Discover the wonder of Babar, the Elephant King, in this adventure-packed 3-disc collection. Based on the beloved children's books by Jean and Laurent de Brunhoff, this set offers three times the fun as Babar and his jungle pals have adventures galore and non-stop fun, all while learning important lessons of cooperation, teamwork, honesty and patience! Included are the following DVDs: 
  • BABAR: THE MOVIE - It's high comedy and non-stop fun with Babr and his jungle friends in this spectacular feature-length animated motion picture adventure. Also included is a bonus episode from the classic Babar series.
  • BEST FRIENDS FOREVER - This DVD features four classic Babar episodes from the popular HBO series: "Between Friends", "Friendly Agreement", "An Elephant's Best Friend", and "City Ways".
  • SCHOOL DAYS - Episodes include "School Days', "Peer Pressure", Every Basket Has a Silver Lining" and "Kings of the Castle"


-----

My Thoughts:

If you follow my blog, then you know that not only am I am fan of of Babar from childhood to now, but now my girls love Babar, too!  Can you believe that Babar has been around for over 80 years?  

"First appearing in Histoire de Babar, Jean de Brunhoff’s 1931 storybook classic based on a tale that his wife Cecile had invented for their children, Babar the Elephant has, for 80 years, captivated millions around the globe.  The story of the little elephant who leaves the jungle, visits a big city and returns to bring the benefits of civilization to his fellow elephants has been captured in a multitude of best-selling books (tens of million sold worldwide, and more than 1000 titles in print), motion pictures and animated series, including “Classic Babar,” which currently airs on Qubo, as well as a new hit series, “Babar and the Adventures of Badou,” which airs on Disney Junior."



Just the other day, the folks at Entertainment One released another Babar DVD -- this time the "Babar Adventure Pack" which consists of the following 3 DVDs:

  • Babar: The Movie
  • Babar: Best Friends Forever
  • Babar: School Days
Having been working with Entertainment One for quite some time, I have had the opportunity to review each of these movies in the past, and have shared reviews on my site with you.  If you missed my posts, here they are again --

http://www.inspiredbysavannah.com/2011/09/dvd-review-babar-school-days-and-best.html 

http://www.inspiredbysavannah.com/2013/02/arriving-on-dvd-february-12th-babar.html

http://www.inspiredbysavannah.com/2012/06/now-available-on-dvd-babar-classic.html

Even though I reviewed the 3 DVDs that make up this new DVD set, I was excited to receive this box set, as I knew it would be a great addition to our car DVD collection, or to leave at Nana and Papa's house.  Right now, whenever we go for long car rides or visit and stay with Nana and Papa, I have the girls bring along a few DVDs to watch.  Babar is usually one of the DVDs, as are the girls' Babar plush toys that they put in their backpacks or carry with them. :-)

When we received the 3-DVD set the other day, the girls were so excited.  You would have thought that they had never seen these movies before!  I have lost count on how many times we have watched them.  I can tell you that on a few occasions the girls have asked to watch this on our Friday night movie night, and have fallen asleep midway through, leaving my husband and I to finish watching the movies, as they are so enjoyable.  If you are a true fan of Babar, then you know why Babar is considered a classic!  

  

Were you a fan of Babar growing up?  Or, does your child watch the new Babar on television? Either way, this is one DVD set worth picking and up and watching as a family.  And, at under $15.00, you can't go wrong for the price.  This would also make for a great end of school gift, or gift to give one of your child's friends for their birthday!  



For the latest breaking news on BABAR ADVENTURE PACK and other releases, follow Entertainment One on Twitter: http://twitter.com/eOneHomeVideo


---GIVEAWAY---

Want to win a copy of this new 3-DVD set?  Well, thanks to the folks at Entertainment One, three (3) lucky readers will do just that! To enter this giveaway, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

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Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  the views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Now in Theaters -- MY LITTLE PONY EQUESTRIA GIRLS!! (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent a family four pack of tickets to see this new release in theaters from Shout! Factory.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.




"Join Twilight Sparkle on her adventure to rescue the stolen crown from the Crystal Empire as she pursues the thief into an alternate world where she transforms into a teenage girl who must survive her biggest challenge yet…high school!

Starting June 16th, Screenvision has joined up with Shout! Factory & Hasbro Studios to deliver the full-length feature of My Little Pony Equestria Girls to the big screen near you!! For more information regarding nationwide screenings, including ticket information and participating theaters, please visit MLPEG.com!"

In case you haven't seen the trailer for this new My Little Pony movie, here it is:


Looks good, huh?  Well, we saw this movie this past weekend, and have plans to take Savannah again on Saturday to see it again.  As soon as the movie finished the other day and we were walking out of the theater, Savannah kept asking to see it again.  So, we told her if she behaved all week, helped pick up her toys and was nice to her sister, that Daddy or I would take her to see it again.  And, low and behold, she has been an angel all week.  I wonder why? :-)

Can you recall the first movie you ever saw in theaters.  Well, when my girls ask me what their first movie was, I can say it was "My Little Pony Equestria Girls." :-)  Last year, Savannah was crazy about Toy Story films, and now this year, her attention has turned to My Little Pony.  While she watches this popular animated series on television or on one of her many Shout! Factory DVDs, or even on Netflix, she can't go a day without getting her My Little Pony fix.  And, when she is not watching this show, she is toting around one of her 50+ ponies, which we had picked up, or my mother had kept from my pony stash growing up.  I love spending an afternoon with the girls brushing the ponies' hair and pretending to bring each of the pony's to life, as Savannah educates me on the special powers and what their patches mean.

It really is nice when you can share with your children one of your favorite childhood likes.  It means a lot when you see shows like My Little Pony still around today -- and being just as popular with kids, who continue to collect the ponies, accessories and other show memorabilia.  Who knew that I would be watching a My Little Pony movie on the big screen with my girls?  But, I have to say, we had a blast!  It truly was a nice day out with the girls, who were also in awe of the big screen and sound quality.  :-)

Do you have a My Little Pony fan in your house?  If you are lucky enough to have daughters or even nieces, and were a fan yourself of My Little Pony growing up, this movie is a great "Mommy and Me" or "Girls Day Out" movie, with lunch to follow!  Not only with your children or relatives enjoy this new animated full-length film, but you will also get your My Little Pony fix, as you reminisce about your childhood, brushing your ponies hair, and collecting all the different ponies big and small.  

Even though the My Little Pony series which airs on the Hub TV Network is different from what we watched back in the day, it really is a great reprise of this childhood classic, not to be missed, especially right now on the big screen! :-)

See you at the movies!!!!

Click Communications: BLOGGER BUTTONS &emdash;

Disclosure: I was sent a family four pack of tickets to see this new release in theaters from Shout! Factory. The views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Arriving on DVD, July 9th from Anchorbay Entertainment -- Wow! Wow! Wybbzy!: Best of Daizy -- Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.


 

Synopsis:

"Join Wubbzy’s best friend Daizy in 6 spunky and fun-filled episodes… plus one bonus episode for extra fairy tale fun! Watch Daizy as she moves in next door to Wubbzy, grows her own flower-shaped house from a seed, opens a pet salon, battles leaf-blower windstorms, and becomes Wubbzy’s sidekick Flower Power. Share in the kooky adventures of Wuzzleburg as Daizy, Wubbzy and friends learn the positive values of honesty, tolerance, fairness, and cooperation. "

My Thoughts:

It is no denying that we are huge Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! fans. From our growing collection of DVDs to the new apps available for mobile devices, we are always getting our fix for this fun animated series seen on Nick Jr.  If you have not see this show and have little ones, it is one worth checking out.  Like many other popular series on television networks like Nick Jr. geared toward toddlers and preschoolers, this show does a great job in not only entertaining little ones with short episodes, but also teaches them important lessons and core values including friendship, teamwork, perseverance, tolerance, honesty, and cooperation.

This is the fourth "Best Off" DVD released from Anchorbay Entertainment, with the other two being "Best of Wubbzy!", "Best of Widget" and "Best of Walden" --- all of which my girls have and love.  In this new release, fans of the show and Daizy, will enjoy the following seven episodes:

  • Who's That Girl?
  • Welcome to the Dollhouse
  • Daizy's Hair Salon
  • Daizy's Favorite Place
  • Wonder Wubbzy
  • Daizy's Purple Thumb
  • And, Bonus Episode: Once Upon a Wubbzy
This DVD also includes bonus music videos and coloring and activity sheets to print out and let the kids enjoy.  Each of the above seven episodes are about 10 minutes in length, making them great for even the youngest of children to sit and enjoy watching.  I also love how I can choose different episodes for the girls to watch, and not have to worry about them not knowing what is going on, if I don't play them in order.  Please don't ask me to choose a favorite for each of the girls, as they have had me play the DVD in its entirety at times, or ask for each episodes equally.  I will say that while Savannah is a fan of Wubbzy, I can see Arabella taking a liking to Daizy.  She got really excited when I showed her this new DVD, and wouldn't put it down. :-)

So, if you have a Daizy or fan of the Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! show in your house, this is one DVD worth picking up.  It would even make for a great DVD to bring along for summer car rides. :-)


--GIVEAWAY--

Thanks to the folks at Anchorbay Entertainment, one lucky reader will win a copy of this new DVD.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Win a $21 Gift Card to kidecals to Get FREE Waterproof Labels for the Whole Family #Giveaway




This past Monday, I introduced you all to Hilary Chandler, creator of waterproof labels calls kidecals.  If you missed my Spotlight Mom post, click here to read it now -- http://www.inspiredbysavannah.com/2013/06/spotlight-on-mom-hilary-chandler-of.html.

Like I shared in my review post, I am loving Hilary's labels and am finally able to get organized again.  Hilary has graciously offered to give one lucky reader a $21 gift card to use in her online store.  With this credit you can get the "everyday" set of labels FREE.  Or, use the credit towards camper stickers, chalkboard labels or even funny mustache stickers (Savannah's favorite).


mustache decals2Chalkboardlabels4



To enter this giveaway, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

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Now Available from Walt Disney Records:Minnie’s Favorites (Songs from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse") Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a copy from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.



WALT DISNEY RECORDS RECENTLY RELEASES
MINNIE’S FAVORITES (SONGS FROM “MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE”) FEATURING 18 TRACKS, INCLUDING TWO FROM
GRAMMY-WINNING® DUO THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS


 
"Walt Disney Records releases Minnie’s Favorites, the new collection from Disney Junior’s hit TV series “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.”  The soundtrack features three new songs performed by Minnie plus beloved classics from the series such as “I’m A Friend, You’re A Friend,” “Mickey’s Countdown,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Hot Dog” performed by the Grammy Award®-winning duo They Might Be Giants.  Minnie’s Favorites is now available for purchase in stores and online.

“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” introduces preschoolers to the characters their parents and grandparents before them knew and loved, like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto, as the characters entertain and educate kids with a math-based curriculum. Each episode of “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” begins in the clubhouse and introduces children to the story and some type of problem that they must help the characters solve. From there, the story could take kids anywhere – around the clubhouse, into space, to a fairytale setting, or some other far away place. The problem and story are designed to introduce kids to problem solving and mathematical skills. Ending each episode, the characters dance along to the congratulatory song “Hot Dog!”

Minnie’s Favorites track listing:

  1. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse* – They Might Be Giants
  2. Mickey’s Mousekedoer – Mickey
  3. Minnie’s Bowtique – Minnie
  4. Glow Bow – Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, Clarabelle, Goofy, Pete, CoCo the Monkey, Donald, Pluto, and Figaro
  5. Floatin’ Bubble Day – Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy
  6. Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle – Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy
  7. I’m a Friend, You’re a Friend – Cast
  8. Choo Choo Express* – They Might Be Giants
  9. Hibiscus Hula – Minnie
  10. Sprinkle Sprinkle Little Rose – Minnie
  11. Mickey’s Countdown – Mickey
  12. Friendship Team – Cast
  13. Rainbow Colors – Cast
  14. Minnie’s Minuet (Extended) – Minnie, Mickey, Ludwig Von Drake and Goofy
  15. Happy Thanks a Bunch Days – Cast
  16. So Many Pets Cast
  17. Minnie’s Days of the Week – Minnie
  18. Hot Dog! * – They Might Be Giants 


----

My Thoughts:
 
What child is not a fan of Mickey Mouse?  And, if you have little ones at home who watch Disney Junior, then, you are probably tuning into to watch the ever popular animated series, "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse."  We can't miss any episode!  If by chance we do, which is not often, then the girls have the Disney Junior app on Daddy's iPad, which lets them see missed episodes. :-)

Because Mickey and his friends, my daughters can't get enough of the catchy music of this show, especially the theme song, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, which kicks off each show, and the Hot Dog song played at the end of each episode.  Coincidentally, these were the first two songs Savannah learned to sing word for word, when she started talking.  

We have not taken the girls to Disneyland yet, but know that when we do, they will fall in love with this magical place, as they get to meet their favorite characters.  But, in the meantime, they will continue to enjoy tuning in daily to Disney Junior to catch the latest episode of "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and will continue to have living room dance parties to this fun CD, filled with popular songs from this series.  We have recently brought it in the car for summer day trips, and by the end of the CD the first time we listened to it, my husband had learned all the words and was ready to sing along for the car ride home -- which usually never happens!

---GIVEAWAY---

Thanks to the folks at Walt Disney Records, three (3) lucky readers will have a chance to win a copy of "Minnie's Favorite" to share with their Minnie Mouse or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fan!  To enter, please complete the entries on the  Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!


DISNEY JUNIOR
Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior's series blend Disney's unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. Disney Junior launched in February 2011 with a daily programming block on Disney Channel. In its first year, Disney Junior posted the network's biggest yearly audience in the day part in Total Viewers, Kids 2-5, Boys 2-5 and Women 18-49, increasing by double-digit margins among preschooler demographics over year-ago levels.  The magic continues in2013, with the block currently home to the Top 3 cable TV series in Kids 2-5 and Top 4 preschool cable TV series in Total Viewers. On March 23, 2012 Disney Junior added a cable and satellite channel in the U.S.  Disney Junior channels in Japan, India and Disney Junior Portugal launched in fall 2012, bringing the total number of channels to 33 worldwide. 

For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.  


Disclosure: I was sent a copy from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Win a SleepBuddy System to Help Teach Your Child When to Wake - #MomInvented #Giveaway

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This past Monday, I introduced you all to Laura Swartz, creator of the SleepBuddy Complete Sleep System.  If you missed my Spotlight Mom interview and review, click here now to read my post -- http://www.inspiredbysavannah.com/2013/06/spotlight-on-mom-laura-swartz-creator.html. Today, I wanted to give one lucky a chance to win a SleepBuddy Sleep System to use with their little one, thanks to Laura.  Since I began using this sleep system a couple of weeks ago, Savannah is finally back on a proper sleep schedule, where she goes to bed at a reasonable hour and wakes no earlier than 7:30AM -- a big difference from the 2AM and 5AM wake up calls we were dealing with after her sleep schedule was thrown off from being sick.

The SleepBuddy device is easy to use and program, and kids will love how it will help them to know when they should be getting up, or staying in bed.  At under $40, you can't go wrong for this mom-invented product, which really does work!  It worked for us, and so many other families who have shared their positive experiences about this product through product reviews. 

SleepBuddy is a complete sleep system to teach your kids when to stay in bed

Do you have a child who is having issues with knowing when to rise in the AM?  Then, you will want to visit the SleepBuddy website and check out this complete sleep system -- www.sleepbuddy.com.

Today, one lucky reader will have a chance to win a SleepBuddy, thanks to Laura.  To enter this giveaway, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!


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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Savannah's Summer Reading List -- Week 2 -- UnpOppable by Tim Hopgood (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

Unpoppable

JUVENILE FICTION
32 Pages, 8.5 x 10.5
Formats: Paperback Picture Book
Paperback Picture Book, $8.99 (US $8.99)
Publication Date: April 2013
ISBN 9780330517409

Synopsis:

"One boy, one balloon, and one great big universe! "It's unPOPpable!" said the boy, as he stood on his big yellow balloon. The magical story of an unPOPpable, unSTOPpable yellow balloon and an extraordinary journey beyond the stars. But what goes up must come down—and with a big bang!"

My Thoughts:


Have you or your child ever wondered what happens when you release a balloon either by accident or on purpose into the air?  Where does it go? Does it pop along the way?  "UnpOppable" by Tim Hopgood, who also wrote "A Dog Called Rod" and "Here Come Frankie," will take you and your child on a balloon ride into the air to see what happens when a little boy's balloon floats away.  

In this storybook, which is beautifully illustrated with amazing colors that make the pages come alive and POP, will have you traveling high up into the air past the moon and stars, and even past the Milky Way.  The little boy is so sad that his balloon floated away, and wonders if he will ever see it again.  He believed that his yellow balloon was unPOPable and unStopable...so the sky's the limit to how far it would travel in the universe.  

Having read many books recently as part of this summer reading feature, I have to say personally that this is my favorite book so far.  I have been a fan of Tim Hopgood's since I shared his book, "A Dog Called Rod," which has sparkly glitter, that my girls love to touch and feel, so I knew what an exceptional children's author he was.  But, Tim Hopgood has outdone himself in this book, which follows an unPOPable yellow balloon.

Will this balloon eventually pop?  And, how far will it travel into the air?  You will be surprised when your reach the last couple of pages to find out the outcome.  It truly is a sight to see! :-)  This is one book I will be pulling from the shelf to share with my girls when they ask for a good book. 


About the Author:

Tim Hopgood worked as a graphic designer and freelance illustrator for 20 years before turning his hand to children's books. He is the author of Wow! Said the Owl.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Savannah's Summer Reading List -- Week 2 -- Princess Pearl: A Birthday Ball by Emma Thomson (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

A Birthday Ball


JUVENILE FICTION
24 Pages, 6.5 x 6.5
Formats: Hardcover Picture Book
Hardcover Picture Book, $8.99 (US $8.99)
Publication Date: June 2013
ISBN 9781444905878

Synopsis:

"It's Pearl's birthday! But could her beautiful gift cause problems among the sea the princesses?When Pearl receives a birthday party invitation to the Underwater Kingdom, she dives down to the bottom of the ocean. Her friends the other sea princesses give her a beautiful pearl necklace, but jealous Princess Amethyst takes the necklace for herself! Will Pearl ever see her treasured present again?"

My Thoughts:

The first thing that caught my eye with this book was the front color.  Not only was it whimsical and had a fun princessy feel to it, but it also contained a glistening pearl-like ball under the crown at the top of the book cover.  Once Savannah saw this new book, her eyes and fingers were also drawn to this ball.  But, once we opened the book and began reading, we learned that the main character Pearl is not just an average girl -- nope...she is a sea princess.  

This cute story tells of Pearls' birthday and how the mean and jealous Princess Amethyst steals the pearl necklace the other sea princesses have given to Pearl for a birthday gift. Will Pearl and her friends be able to get her beautiful necklace back.  Don't worry, I will not spoil the ending.  What I will say is that little girls will love the book, not only for the cute story, but also for the beautiful illustrations, that really bring the story to life, and make you wish you could meet a sea princess like Pearl. 

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author, to pick up and add to our collection.  But, in the meantime, will continue to read this book to my daughters, who just love Pearl, and touching the pearl on the front cover. :-)

About the Author:

Emma Thomson is the author of Dandelion's Christmas and the Felicity Wishes series.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Savannah's Summer Reading List -- Week 2 -- A Doodle Book and Board Book from Candlewick Press Books (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

Candlewick Press 

Farm


  • Board book: 16 pages
  • Publisher: Candlewick; Brdbk Rep edition (April 9, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0763659312
  • ISBN-13: 978-0763659318
  • Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches 
Synopsis:

"Introduce babies to the animal residents of a farm in a bright, graphic, nearly wordless board book that will grab their attention as it fosters developing visual skills. Each right-hand page features a simple white shape of a pig, sheep, dog, horse, goose, or cow against a vivid background, while the facing page features the same shape in a charming, folk-art-style pattern. "

My Thoughts:

Already proud owners of James Brown's other two books, "Ocean" and "Zoo," I couldn't wait to share his recent release "Farm" with my daughters.  Like the title suggests, this book introduces young children to all the different types of animals one would find on a farm.  From a pig, to a horse, and and even a dog, little ones will sit on the edge of their seat eagerly waiting for you to turn the page to see which animal is next.

What my girls loved most about this book is how each animal illustrated is raised on one page, so that they can rub the page and feel the outline of the animal.  And, on the opposite page, illustrated in bold colors, the animals appears like a kaleidoscope image, filling up the entire.  Savannah loved helping me count the number of each animal as we filled through the pages of this book. 

While there is not much of a story here, as the pages only have 1 word -- the type of animal -- on a page, parents can use this board book to introduce colors, numbers animals and so much more.  The first time I shared this book with the girls, I asked then what sound each animal made.  I couldn't believe how many sounds Savannah knew.  And, the ones she didn't, I taught her, and now she knows.  And, when this book is pulled from the shelf, the girls can either sit and enjoy flipping through the pages themselves and marveling at the different colorful farm animals, or snuggle up next to me, as we count, name colors and even made the different animals sounds.  This is definitely one of my favorite board books to share with them, as it can be used in a variety of ways to teach new things. :-)

---

Doodle with Maisy


  • Age Range: 3 - 7 years
  • Paperback: 80 pages
  • Publisher: Candlewick (April 9, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0763664901
  • ISBN-13: 978-0763664909
  • Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 0.4 x 11.4 inches

Synopsis:

"Can you help Maisy put spots on a leopard or stripes on a zebra? What patterns would you like to make inside the first letter of your name? Wouldn’t it be fun to finish a picture of an octupus, starting with just its head? What do you imagine Maisy sees in the ocean, and what if you finished the picture for her? There’re hours of fun -- and activities for everyone -- in this hands-on Maisy doodle-fest!
Creative Maisy fans, it’s time to make your mark! Take your crayons on a doodling adventure in this irresistible Maisy activity book created by Lucy Cousins!"

My Thoughts:

Let me start by saying that this doodle book has been a lifesaver on so many occasions.  From needy a fun, entertaining rainy day activity, to keeping the girls occupied when they have been sick and laid up on the coach, to even dining out at a restaurant and needing an activity to do to keep the girls busy while they wait for their food, this doodle book, along with bag of crayons, will provide hours of enjoyment for children of all ages. 

While the age recommendation for this book is ages 3-7 yrs. old, I can say that my 10 and 12 year old niece and nephew had a blast doodling and showing off their creative sides recently when they came to visit and saw Savannah and Arabella doodling with Maisy. :-)  I can't tell you how many "Maisy" books we own, from storybooks to sticker and pop up books, they are all so entertaining, and read time and again in our house.  But, this is the first time I saw a doodle book.  I am so glad I was able to receive a review copy, as I would have never imagined how much use it would get from my girls, including my 18 month old daughter, Arabella.

This doodle book is filled with many interactive activities -- from pointing out the letters in your name, to simply drawing whiskers on a rabbit, children will love completing each task only to see what is on the next page.  The pages of this doodle book are bright and colorful, which seems to keep my girls' attention.  And, the instructions are simply, with only one sentence, like "Put spots on these things..."  The simple instructions come in handy when you have young toddlers who don't have the patience to wait for Mommy or Daddy to read lengthy directions on what to do.  

Even though this book asks doodlers to do different things, doesn't mean that your children can divert and do what they want.  Savannah loves coloring in the different animals and objects that don't have color.  She even gave an octopus curly hair like her Daddy.  Silly girl! :-)  I could go on and on about the different doodling activities that fill the pages of this recent release, but I would suggest you pick up a copy for yourself, to share with your little one.  You, too, will be thanking yourself, once you see the use your children get out of it.  While my kid's don't doodle in the car, I can see this doodle book coming in handy for long summer car rides, to keep the "Are we there yet?" to a minimum. :-)


To learn more about these and other wonderful children's (includes ones for tweens and teens), head on over to the Candlewick Press website to browse their selection -- http://www.candlewick.com/.  We have never been disappointed with the titles I have received from Candlewick Press, and continue to purchase their titles time and again, as have my family and friends. :-)


 
Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.
 
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Arriving on DVD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment on 7/16/13 -- LeapFrog: The Complete Scout & Friends Collection #Giveaway




Includes 4 DVDs That Make Learning Math & Reading Fun!


Street Date: 7/16/13

SRP: $29.98

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
"Just in time for back-to-school shopping, LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., the leader in educational entertainment, and Lionsgate Home Entertainment will join together once again to release the new LeapFrog: The Complete Scout & Friends Collection DVD set arriving July 16.  Considered by moms to be the #1 educational toy brand, LeapFrog’s affordable new set features four DVDs, all geared to introduce children to math and early reading skills such as word building, the alphabet, number recognition, counting and more.  The collection includes LeapFrog: Scout & Friends Phonics Farm, LeapFrog: Scout & Friends Numberland, LeapFrog: Scout & Friends The Magnificent Museum of Opposite Words and LeapFrog: Scout & Friends Adventures in Shapeville Park.  LeapFrog: The Complete Scout & Friends Collection will be available for the suggested retail price of $29.98.

LeapFrog’s award-winning product portfolio is designed to help children achieve their potential by delivering best-in-class educational curriculum through age-appropriate technology-based platforms, fun toys and engaging content.

LEAPFROG: SCOUT & FRIENDS PHONICS FARM SYNOPSIS
Join Scout and his friends as they learn letter sounds with the help of some amazing animals!  Scout, Violet, Eli and Penny long to learn about new animals. When their magical toy car, Axle, whisks them away to a farm, they discover a remarkable alphabet collection and ABC antics ensue! As the friends get in shape with an athletic alligator, console a sad seal, converse with a high-pitched horse and more, they make their way through the entire alphabet!

LEAPFROG: SCOUT & FRIENDS NUMBERLAND SYNOPSIS
Count on your child having fun while learning about numbers! Join Scout & Friends for another exciting LeapFrog learning adventure! When the pets long to learn about numbers, their magical car, Axle, whisks them away to Numberland. With the help of their new friend Max, they meet all of the residents and build early number skills. Throw in a surprise birthday party and it all adds up to plenty of fun on this sing-along counting adventure!

LEAPFROG: Scout & Friends THE MAGNIFICENT MUSEUM OF OPPOSITE WORDS SYNOPSIS
Learn new words at a fun and interactive museum full of opposites! Join Scout & Friends as they use their vocabulary word-building skills in an adventure that explores loud/quiet, fast/slow and more! The new Museum of Opposite Words is opening, and the pets, enjoying a new wordplay game, are eager to learn about words and their opposites. But when they arrive and see the Beaver Brothers need help finishing the exhibits, the friends put their word skills to work and unlock the exhibit clues just in time for the opening gala!

LEAPFROG: Scout & Friends ADVENTURES IN SHAPEVILLE PARK SYNOPSIS
Help build your child’s math skills as Scout & Friends construct a playground with shapes! Scout & Friends head over to Shapeville Park in this delightful skill-building adventure that shows what a circle, square and triangle can really do! A new playground is being built at the park by the Beaver Brothers, and soon the pets have their hands full helping with the construction. The pets learn how to measure out all the various shapes, sizes and dimensions needed to build the perfect parts of a perfect playground!

DVD COLLECTION BONUS FEATURES
·         Sing-along songs with Scout & Friends
·         Sing along with LeapFrog’s Us! The Band
·         Curriculum commentary for parents
·         “Being a Puppy (The Scout Song)” music video
·         A Surprise For Scout Storybook

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production:
LeapFrog: Scout & Friends Phonics Farm: 2011
LeapFrog: Scout & Friends Numberland: 2011
LeapFrog: Scout & Friends The Magnificent Museum of Opposite Words: 2012
LeapFrog: Scout & Friends Adventures in Shapeville Park:  2012


DVD Running Time: 140 minutes total
LeapFrog: Scout & Friends Phonics Farm: 38 minutes
LeapFrog: Scout & Friends Numberland: 36 minutes
LeapFrog: Scout & Friends The Magnificent Museum of Opposite Words: 35 Minutes
LeapFrog: Scout & Friends Adventures in Shapeville Park: 35 Minutes

--GIVEAWAY--

Thanks to the folks at Lionsgate Home Entertainment, one lucky reader will win a copy of LeapFrog: The Complete Scout & Friends Collection to share with their children.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!


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