Filed under 'Books'
Book Review: Danica McKellar's 'Hot X: Algebra Exposed!'
| Jul 29, 2010 by JENNY SCHAFER |
The Wonder Years alum Danica McKellar is not only making headlines with her gorgeous baby bump, the 35 year old mom-to-be is also launching a new book!
Danica has already authored two New York Times bestselling books, Math Doesn't Suck and Kiss My Math, which challenge us to look at the way we socialize our young girls: "Society teaches girls that they have to choose between being smart and being attractive," Danica told Celebrity Baby Scoop. Her upcoming book, Hot X: Algebra Exposed!, hits the shelves on August 3rd and encourages girls aged 13-15 to excel at - and enjoy! - math.
As a female who has struggled with math my entire life, I was intrigued to peek through Danica's books. Am I just not cut out for math? Surely a series of books written by my beloved Winnie could help?!
Little Pim: iPhone Application Teaches Tots Foreign Language
| Jul 12, 2010 by FRANCOISE SHIRLEY |
Want your little tot to speak a second language? A new iPhone application by Little Pim has made this easier than ever. Have your little munchkin learning French, Spanish, Hebrew, Mandarin Chinese, Italian and more in no time with this handy educational tool. The application, “Little Pim Word Bag,” is designed for children ages 1-4, and is the first children’s iPhone application tied directly to an educational DVD language learning series.
Hip Hop Baby DVD Series: Help Children Learn Faster
| Jul 8, 2010 by FRANCOISE SHIRLEY |
"It's Hip Hop, Baby?" DVDs are new, innovative videos that have educational content set to music and energizing dance numbers, which enables children to learn and hit developmental milestones much faster. "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" includes original songs, as well as the traditional toddler classics we all know and love, just spiced up with fresh beats and rhythms.
Mo's Nose: A Scent-sational Children's Book Series
| Jun 24, 2010 by FRANCOISE SHIRLEY |
Most of us are familiar with reading a book. But what about smelling a book? Now you can engage your kids in reading by using both their eyes and their nose. The Mo's Nose series of children's books take readers of all ages on a scentsational adventure through vibrant scents and hues, each emphasizing a different theme such as Love (Red), the environment (Green), Charity (Holidays) and Blue (Freedom).
When we asked actress and one of our favorite celebrity moms, Liv Tyler, about Mo's Nose, she told us, "I love this book especially for how it includes aromatherapy". Other Hollywood moms like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner and Gabby Reese have become enthusiasts as well.
Think Then Jump: Teaching Kids to Live Mindfully
| Jun 21, 2010 by FRANCOISE SHIRLEY |
Living thoughtfully and mindfully is something that many of us parents are striving to do. But how about our kids? How can we help them to do the same? Meet author Dana Perri and her Think Then Jump children's book series and t-shirt collection designed to help kids do just that.
Little Ditties for Itty Bitties: Activity & Music CD
| Mar 25, 2010 by FRANCOISE SHIRLEY |
Babies learn best by seeing, doing and hearing, and music is a great way to enhance the active learning process. Little Ditties for Itty Bitties, a new CD by Grammy nominated performer Michele Valeri, offers up a fresh serving of 15 original songs designed for play and learning.
Mitzi's World: Children's Picture Book by Actress Deborah Raffin
| Feb 12, 2010 by FRANCOISE SHIRLEY |
Actress Deborah Raffin, best known for her role in the series 7th Heaven, and appearances on popular shows such as Law & Order SVU and ER, recently sent CBS her adorable children's book, Mitzi's World. The busy actress, author and mom, who currently stars in The Secret Life of the American Teenager, sat down to chat with us about the book, the transition from actress to author, her friendship with folk artist Jane Wooster Scott, and being a mom to 9-year old Taylor Rose.
CBS: You're well known for your role on 7th Heaven as Aunt Julie. How did you make the transition from actress to author? Or were you always doing both?
DR: I was an audio book and book publisher for almost 20 years (through Dove Audio/Books/Entertainment) and I ran a childrens' inprint, "Dove Kids" for about 18 years.
CBS: Why did you decide to write a children's book? What was the inspiration behind this story?
DR: I have collected my friend, Jane Wooster Scott's art for close to 30 years. Her work to me was perfect for a childrens' book, so it was a joy and great fun to create and write Mitzi's World.
CBS: Part of the proceeds of the book goes to Friends of Animal Rescue. Is this a personal cause of yours? Is the main character, Mitzi based on a rescue dog?
DR: I have always had a soft spot for animals, since my childhood with all my cats, dogs and even a monkey, which my brother had as a pet! Mitzi was a childhood dog of Jane's, whom she placed in most of her paintings and since I was working backwards, writing and creating a book around existing art, it was wonderful that we had an adorable dog to headline our book!
CBS: What do you want kids to get out of the reading the book?
DR: Reading is a very important way for people of all ages to exercise their imaginations. Also, through this book, kids can learn about different cultures, place themselves in different worlds and stimulate their joy of writing and creating.
CBS: Do you have a favorite children's book from when you were a child?
DR: Soooo many, however my nine year old daughter has re-introduced Nancy Drew to me. What fun and a great role model for girls!
CBS: You have a daughter, Taylor-Rose. How old is she and what is she into?
DR: Taylor-Rose loves to read, draw, write, sing and play numerous sports such as tennis, Karate, hand ball and swimming. She was also a great editor for the book!
CBS: How do you balance being a mom and having a successful career?
DR: Taylor-Rose is my number one priority. Everything else comes after her needs which is not always an easy balance!
CBS: Are you working on other books?
DR: Yes, I am in the process of creating a new childrens book/series and working on Mitzi's World Book 2.
CBS: Are you still acting as well? If so, what are some current projects?
DR: Yes, I currently play a doctor on the hit TV show "The Secret Life Of The American Teenager".
Mitzi's World main character is Mitzi, a white dog with black spots and a red collar, who explores towns, farms, and the countryside of America. Mitzi loves to discover new things and searches for them throughout the year in villages nestled in the snows of New England, in towns amid rolling fields and hills, at the beaches along the eastern coastline, and by the harbors and bays of the West coast.
Follow Mitzi as she appears in each amazing painting, created by folkartist Jane Wooster Scott, along with plenty of other details to spy as well. Kids will enjoy traveling through the country, looking at the beautiful paintings and making a game out of finding all kinds of fun details such as: a white kitty, nine flags, 5 seagulls, 6 children, 10 pine trees, 4 sailboats and many more "I Spy" types of objects.
Mitzi's world is available at Amazon.com and other bookstores.
Cheers To The New Mom!/Cheers To The New Dad!: Tips & Tricks To Help You Ace The First Months Of Parenthood
| Nov 9, 2009 by NADIA |
There is nothing like welcoming a new baby into the world. Whether you are a first-time parent or if you already have a child, having a baby is one of the most exciting and wonderful times in a person's life.
Parenthood can be daunting however due to the countless books, articles and magazines on the subject. Family and friends who have been through this are often more than willing to offer their different (and usually opposite) opinions or pieces of advice. It can certainly get overwhelming!
Jenna McCarthy's clever flip-cover book Cheers to the New Mom!/Cheers to the New Dad!: Tips and Tricks to Help You Ace the First Months of Parenthood is not a thick baby encyclopedia. This cute little hardcover reads like a chat with your best friend. Half is dedicated to moms and when you flip it over, the second half is for the dads. Filled with helpful tips, tricks and inspirational quotes, Jenna covers all the basics without becoming a bore. Her warmth, wit and wisdom shines throughout.
Cheers to the New Mom!/Cheers to the New Dad! would be a great gift for new parents. I know I would have appreciated it after my first daughter was born! Sometimes all you need is a few helpful tips and a bit of encouragement and Jenna delivers on both counts.
To purchase this book check out Amazon.com.
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