Kids' Home Library from Creators Syndicate

Music to Entice Kids to ‘Cut the Rug' and Then Kick Back for 02/13/2012

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

The children's music genre has exploded in recent years. Acts of impressive talent are now performing for younger people, and the result is a plethora of worthy CDs, meant for toe-tappin' relaxing and old-fashioned story listening.

"The Hero in You" by Ellis Paul; Black Wolf Records; $15.

When constant campaigning and negative national news floods the media, anything me ...

Updated: Mon Feb 13, 2012

February Honors Presidents and the History of Black Americans for 02/06/2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

These profound books pay homage to heroic slaves, African-American inventors and American presidents.

"Freedom Song: The Story of Henry 'Box' Brown" by Sally M. Walker; illustrated by Sean Qualls; HarperCollins; 32 pages; $17.99.

This true story's chronicle of a young man's daring escape from slavery is amazing and heartfelt. In 1849, Henry Brown, helped by friends, clim ...

Updated: Mon Feb 06, 2012

Black History Month Books Enlighten Young Readers for 01/23/2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

So many worthy books chronicle the strength and perseverance of African-Americans who overcame hardship. These books not only present freedom marchers and civil rights advocates, but they also introduce a pivotal baseball player, a grandmother who sang publically despite obstacles and a girl who learns about "jumping the broom."

"We've Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Childr ...

Updated: Mon Jan 23, 2012

Intriguing Non-Fiction for Kids for 01/16/2012

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Begin the winter school semester with educational books that take young readers on amazing journeys.

“How the Weather Works” by Christiane Dorion and Beverly Young; Templar Books/Candlewick Press; 16 pages; $17.99.

Kids are always intrigued by the weather. Where do hurricanes come from? Why does it snow? Are we really changing the climate? This interactive book lets kids explore t ...

Updated: Mon Jan 16, 2012

New Year's Reads for Kids for 01/09/2012

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

A new year is a great time for youngsters to be introspective and become mindfully healthy. These self-help-style books will assist young readers in becoming happier and healthier in the new year.

"Soul Searching" by Sarah Stillman; Beyond Words/Simon Pulse; 176 pages; $9.99.

Teen girls are inundated daily with images of super thin models and pictures of idealistic beaut ...

Updated: Mon Jan 09, 2012

Wintry Tales for Youngsters for 01/02/2012

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

This time of year kids, at home and in class, are interested in winter and arctic themes. These books introduce penguins, puffins, Jack Frost and sweet, snowy tales.

"Here Comes Jack Frost" by Kazuno Kohara; Square Fish/MacMillan; 32 pages; $6.99.

This magical, little book is as fresh and zesty as winter's first snowfall. A little boy is bored at home and when he venture ...

Updated: Mon Jan 02, 2012

Help Your Kids Release Their Inner Rock Stars With These Refreshing New CDs for 12/26/2011

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Children innately respond to music. Music has the ability to calm, energize, educate and motivate. It helps kids appreciate one of life's most appealing pleasures. Also included, and calm inducing, a new kid yoga DVD, starring a magnificent eagle, and LeapFrog's latest early-learning DVD.

"Scout & Friends Phonics Farm" from LeapFrog; $14.98.

LeapFrog's signature pup ...

Updated: Mon Dec 26, 2011

Last Minute Presents Deliver the Gift of Reading for 12/19/2011

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

These gift-worthy books for young readers are carefully chosen and sure to please.

"Curious Critters" by David FitzSimmons; Wild Iris Publishing; 32 pages; $19.99.

Photographer FitzSimmons knows that common animals' colors, textures, shapes and personalities are all that's needed to entrance youngsters. In "Curious Critters," FitzSimmons presents extremely clea ...

Updated: Mon Dec 19, 2011

Fun Gifts for Kids of All Ages for 12/12/2011

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

These educational and exciting gifts for kids will brighten up any holiday.

"My Own Leaptop" from LeapFrog; $24.99.

Kids can learn and play on their own "real" laptop that not only teaches the alphabet, spelling and phonics, but also lets tots discover piano, percussion and other musical sounds. They can choose from over 20 songs to make their own playlists, as ...

Updated: Mon Dec 12, 2011

Holiday Books Bring Smiles for 12/05/2011

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Give the gift of reading this holiday season. These Christmas-themed books add joy and entertainment to any young child's festivities.

"My Very Own Talking Bear and Book" by Susan Rich Brooke; illustrated by Veronica Vasylenko; from Publications International; $25.95.

This talking book and cuddly plush bear set will thrill preschoolers on Christmas and throughout the new ...

Updated: Mon Dec 05, 2011

Winter Tales for the Holiday Mood for 11/21/2011

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

With these new gift selections, kids can create their own Christmas story with festive cards, watch Caldecott award winning tales on DVD and escape to Italy with the latest Strega Nona tale from Tomie dePaola.

"StoryWorld: Christmas Tales: Create-A-Story Kit" by John and Caitlin Matthews; Templar Books/Candlewick Press; $9.99.

The innovative StoryWorld kits are the size ...

Updated: Mon Nov 21, 2011

Delving Deeper Into Disney's Magic for 11/14/2011

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

The world of Disney enthralls and entices fans of all ages. These fascinating new books present the art of Disney architecture and animation and even the art of perfecting customer service. There's also a fun new electronic reader and library starring Disney characters.

"Building a Dream: The Art of Disney Architecture" by Beth Dunlop; Disney Editions; 208 pages; $60.

Yo ...

Updated: Mon Nov 14, 2011

New Children's Books by Fan Favorites for 11/07/2011

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

A crop of new children's books — including exciting releases from Mercer Mayer, Norton Juster and Bob Dylan — round up this week's get-it-now picks.

"The Phantom Tollbooth: The 50th Anniversary Edition" and "The Annotated Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster; illustrated by Jules Feiffer; Alfred A. Knopf; $24.00 and $29.99.

Revered author Norton Jes ...

Updated: Mon Nov 07, 2011

Pop-up Books Make Smart Gifts for 10/31/2011

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Kids can't turn down an invitation to peruse a pop-up book. These new interactive books feature the latest in innovative pop-up technology.

"Out of Sight" by Francesco Pittau and Bernadette Gervais; Chronicle Books; 14 pages; $19.99.

Gloriously oversized with deep animal colors that pop out against stark white backgrounds, this lift-the-flap book is also educational and ...

Updated: Mon Oct 31, 2011

Retro-Mod Children's Books Appeal to Art-Loving Audiences for 10/24/2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Mid-century design is not only taking over the furniture and home accessories fields, its retro-modern appeal is also showing up in more and more children's books.

"Paul Thurlby's Alphabet" by Paul Thurlby; Templar books/Candlewick Press; 58 pages; $16.99.

English artist Paul Thurlby uses old books, postcards and pieces of paper from the 1940s to 1960s for the backdrops ...

Updated: Mon Oct 24, 2011

Absorbing New Novels for Tweens and Teens for 10/17/2011

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

These well-written new tomes for young readers are rich and entertaining.

"Forever" by Maggie Stiefvater; Scholastic Press; 390 pages; $16.95.

The third in a popular series by Stiefvater, "Forever" follows Sam, who used to be a wolf but is now a boy, and his love Grace, once a girl, now a wolf. The pair, and all the wolves of Mercy Falls, is in danger during a ...

Updated: Mon Oct 17, 2011

More Slightly Spooky, Silly Fun and Festive Bedtime Books for Young Readers for 10/10/2011

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Ghosts and goblins can actually help youngsters go to sleep. These picture books introduce gentle spooks and set the stage so kids can enjoy Halloween season before bedtime.

"The Sleepless Little Vampire" by Richard Egielski; Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic; 32 pages; $16.99.

This gently spooky bedtime read introduces a little vampire (with a Frankenstein doll in hand) ...

Updated: Mon Oct 10, 2011

Bony Ghost Dogs and Haunted Hamburgers Spook the Pages of These Lively, Fun Books for Halloween for 10/03/2011

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Kids love Halloween season. Capture the lighthearted zest of October's appeal with these new books.

"Bone Dog" by Eric Rohmann; Roaring Book Press; 32 pages; $16.99.

Rohmann, a Caldecott winner for "My Friend Rabbit" and "Time Flies," offers up his vast talents just in time for Halloween. With a whimsically macabre feel, "Bone Dog" sends a y ...

Updated: Mon Oct 03, 2011

New CDs and Music-Related Books for Kids for 09/26/2011

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

These brand new music releases help children reduce stress and feel happy. Also included is a piano instruction book for the littlest of players and a new storybook with a CD from uber-popular Trout Fishing in America.

"Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important" from Trout Fishing in America; illustrated by Stephane Jorisch; The Secret Mountain; 42 pages; $16.95.

Acclaimed ...

Updated: Mon Sep 26, 2011

Bold Books Introduce Kids to Gladiators, Wagon Trains, Thomas Jefferson and Pop-Up Physics Fun for 09/19/2011

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Try pushing these fantastically fun non-fiction books on your kids as an antidote to Captain Underpants and vampire tales from time to time.

"Feel the Force!" by Tom Adams and Thomas Flintham; Templar Books/Candlewick Press; 18 pages; $18.99

Why don't submarines sink? How do ice skaters use friction to grip the ice? Why do echoes travel back to your ears? This is just a ...

Updated: Mon Sep 19, 2011