Bob the Builder: Call in the Crew

Lionsgate & HIT Entertainment
$14.98

This is another one of those DVDs that contains that magical phrase "featuring never before seen episodes." Not only that, but this also includes a bonus collectible toy vehicle, tucked in right at the top. These are really sturdy little toys, with full metal bodies and moving parts. I would be very surprised if kids weren't clamoring for more to add to their collections.

Watch as Bob and his crew build a house, open a new cafe, fix an old gate and help a family of ducks. Parents know their children are learning about teamwork, positive thinking and problem solving when they watch Bob and his Can-Do Crew.

Inside the package, you will find a coupon for a free child's admission to Legoland (California or Chicago) with the purchase of an adult's admission. This offer expires 12/31/10.

Five episodes: Massive Muck, Roley's Moleys, Scoop Slips Up, Scrambler's Seaweed Delivery and Muck's Convoy

Special features: Lofty the Painter game and Skip's Chute Rescue game

Pet Shop Lullaby

Boyds Mills Press
Mary Ann Fraser

At the end of a long day, the pet shop owner clicks off the lights and closes up his shop. Most of the animals sigh deeply and snuggle into their respective beds. The bunnies make their nests in the sweet straw, the puppy curls into a ball in his bedding and the turtle retracts into his shell.

Only one little hamster remains wide eyed and bushy tailed. Unable to sleep, he hops on his exercise wheel. Squeak, squeak, squeak! Now all the animals are awake. They crowd around the hamster cage, curious to see who is making the commotion. Shhhhh - doesn't he know the darkness signals bedtime?

The little hamster hops off his wheel, but doesn't settle down. Instead, he runs amok in his cage, rooting around in his seed dish to find the best bits before munching and crunching as loudly as can be. The other animals have had enough! They hold a group conference to decide which actions to take.

The dog fill us up his water dish and gives the small hamster a soothing bath (complete with tiny rubber duck and a pink plastic shower cap). After the white rabbit family helps to brush his teeth, the parrot sings him a song while swinging together. Fed, clean and relaxed, the guinea pig reads him a bedtime book and the cat tucks him gently into the cedar shavings. Mission accomplished!


With very few words and a simple plot, this is a good book for young children. It's a cute little story that shows the animals pulling together as a group to get their problem solved, demonstrating that even animals have to work to live in harmony. Kids will giggle at how the animals manage human actions such as the cat propping its head on his paw, turning on the light switch, reading a book, etc. They will also likely get a kick out of how the hamster's bedtime routine closely (bath, brushing teeth, reading a story) resembles theirs.

Sun and Star

Kane Miller
Natalie Jane Prior; Illustrations by Anna Pignataro

I think it can be a bit of a struggle to find beautiful board books. Typically, these chunky books made expressly for toddlers lean towards humorous text, often with bright colors set against plain backgrounds. I do enjoy those type of board books, but also welcome the softer tones and quiet words of Sun and Star. They offer the great indestructible board book format we all love, but with a slightly more traditional, old-fashioned appearance.


Sun is about all the places and animals affected as the sun rises in the morning. It wakes the birds and the grazing cow in the sweet meadow and shines straight through the wax-filled hives to rouse the bees. The barn mice are greeted good morning by the sun's warm rays in their cozy nests each morning. And of course, children worldwide can feel the sun streaming through their windows, signaling them to hop out of bed and start their day!


The companion book, Star, takes a similar approach to the night sky. Just as the sun wakes us for the day, the star's soft light lets us know when bedtime is drawing near. The little star looks out over the clear water and sees everything on the ocean, even the sailor's little black cat nestled in the bottom of the sailor's boat. The star shines down on lambs in the pasture, their eyes heavy with sleep. The star shines over the houses, and spies the baby sleeping in his crib. Night time has come for everyone.


Both books are beautifully illustrated with muted colors and flowing lines. The watercolors by Anna Pignataro are completely magical - it's like having a tiny set of paintings created just for you. Repetitive, rhythmic text make these the perfect books to reach for at bedtime or before the afternoon nap. Sun encourages the world awake with its bright rays, while Star settles the world back to sleep with its soft gleam. Two truly lovely board books that would make a great gift for new parents.

Sunday Chutney

Front Street/Boyds Mills Press
Aaron Blabey

One of the first things you'll notice about Sunday Chutney is her slightly unusual name. The second thing you'll notice is her broad, sunny smile. Sunday admits she's a bit off the beaten path, but she's happiest that way.

Because of her dad's job, Sunday Chutney has lived all over the world. She's quite accustomed to being new in school. So everyone thinks the new girl is weird - who cares? Sunday enjoys her own company and has learned to create her own fun. She has a vivid imagination and tons of interests.


Among others, Sunday loves big breakfasts with her parents, drum solos, marine biology and sticking up for a good cause. She does not love grumpy people, creamed corn (eh, can't blame her there) or bullies. Even though Sunday really enjoys making new friends and finds traveling to be wonderfully glamorous, she does sometimes wish her family would settle down and stay in one town. But she has big dreams and a great big imagination to rely on until that happens!


It's very enjoyable to read a book centered around a female character with a lot of self confidence. Sunday wears glasses, enjoys athletics and never tries to downplay her intelligence. She has loads of interests and doesn't seem to care what people think of her. Sunday Chutney is being her own person and having a great time doing it. Consequently, this is an awesome book for helping children appreciate their own talents and gifts. Fun and interesting people stand up for what they like, even if that means they stand out from the crowd.

This is Aaron Blabey's second book. Check out his first: Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley.

Fireman Sam: Help is Here

Lionsgate & HIT Entertainment
$14.98

Fireman Sam has gone all CGI on us! Following in the footsteps of Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam is trying out the new technology and we're loving his fresh new look.

Join Fireman Sam, Norman, Mandy and Radar in all new adventures from the pleasant Welsh village of Pontypandy. Just typical days in the life of a firefighter, but very exciting for small viewers. Fireman Sam is a pillar of the community and the hero of every rescue, saving the supermarket on Fire Prevention Day and making a daring helicopter rescue in the midst of a forest fire. He also helps rescue dogs find missing people, and shares important safety tips with village people. Fireman Sam somehow finds the time to do it all!

It's amazing to me that Fireman Sam is the only children's firefighter-themed show. I guess when you have a program as entertaining as this one, who needs anything else? Originally launched in the UK before making it's way to the US, this continues to thrill children on a daily basis. And now even better with the new CGI format!

Episodes: Paper Plane Down, Hot & Cold Running Sniffer Dog, Hearts on Fire, Perilous Path and The New Hero Next Door.

Where Else in the Wild?

Tricycle Press
David M. Schwartz and Yael Schy; Photos by Dwight Kuhn

Being able to disappear into their surroundings is a necessary skill for many animals. Sometimes camouflage helps them find prey or keeps them from becoming another predator's dinner. Whatever the reason, their ability to blend into their surrounding is downright amazing.

Each page consists of a clever or elegant poem paired with a beautiful photograph. The rhyme offers clues to help the readers locate which animal is being cleverly camouflaged by the flowers and foliage. And I do mean cleverly! You'll have to look very closely, as these guys are masters of disguise. Luckily for clueless parents, the photo page lifts up, revealing an identical photo beneath with the backgrounds grayed out, so the hidden animal is instantly revealed. Thank goodness for the answer key, as I stared at the Leaf Insect photo for several minutes without making any progress at all.

In addition to providing the answer to the puzzle, the lift of the page folds out to reveal fascinating facts about each animal's natural history and how it relies on camouflage to survive. The Orchid Mantis so closely mimics its namesake that it can just stand next to a flower and be nearly impossible to see. The Lined Leaf Tailed Gecko (on the book's cover) is such an expert at hiding that the people of Madagascar think these lizards are possessed by evil spirits.

Several paragraphs of information on eleven different animals makes this a fairly substantial read. Beautiful photography, fun rhymes and a game of hide and seek combine to become an incredibly enjoyable book of nature. Younger children will enjoy finding the animals, while older kids will be more apt to learn more about these animals that are able to hide in plain sight.

Subtitled More Camouflaged Creatures Concealed ... and Revealed, check out the preceding book of the same concept Where in the Wild:

Funny Face

Kane Miller
Anna Walker

Anna Walker writes and illustrates some of the very best toddler books. Full of bright colors and sweet faces, they also present simple concepts in a new light. Just what the doctor ordered to get your young children hooked on books!

Funny Face is about just that - all the different and humorous faces that we make on a daily basis. From happy to sad, surprised to angry, humans are capable of conveying a wide array of emotions without saying a word.


Following the same pattern as her previous book, Froggy Green, Anna layers the colors by offering a new one with the turn of each page. As an added bit of fun, these children have been dipping into the costume box. Olive shows off perfect pink in a full ballerina dress, while Lucy makes orange roar as a tiger. Millie (below) lets her angry face rip when a rascal runs off with her shoe. That's a very really ferocious angry face, Millie!

The last three pages are a wild melange of color, with the group gathered around the costume box. All the dress-up players make their wildest faces and the party begins, complete with balloons and party hats. A terrific board books for those little toddler minds. This is full of great colors and patterns that will easily hold their attention. The very best part will be encouraging your little ones to make their funny faces!

Be sure to check out Anna Walker's equally wonderful Froggy Green:

Aunt Matilda's Almost Boring Party

Front Street/Boyds Mills Press
Jane Morris Udovic; Illustrations by David Udovic

Aunt Matilda throws the most perfect parties ... for adults, that is. Grown-ups are the only people who could enjoy dressing up in uncomfortable clothes, eating fancy foods and standing around talking, talking, talking. For children, Aunt Matilda's parties are perfectly boring!

But when Aunt Matilda requests you stay for her party, there is no choice but to slip into your stiff blue suit and fasten that red bow tie around your neck, like a tiny noose. Aunt Matilda wants to introduce you to her friends and show off what wonderful manners her little nephew has. You know you're in for a long night. Just grin and bear it, then find a comfy armchair in which to slouch down into. Just be careful not to choose an armchair that's too comfy, or you'll be snoozing before you know it ....


The dull party suddenly picks up some speed. Through a series of mishaps, lemon custard pie is flying through the air - right at Auntie! Not being the sort of person who takes things lying down, Auntie fires back a missive. She misses her target, but draws in more participants. Soon, all the party guests are wearing big smiles and cream pies are zooming through the air. Now this is a party!

There's no such thing as a dull get together when you put your mind to making it a wild affair. This is a story that capitalizes on the power of a child's imagination. The realistic illustrations are beautiful, easily bringing life to the party. Children and adults alike (hey, we've all been to a stuffy event or two, right?) can relate to being stuck in this type of a situation and will enjoy the crazy turn of events.

Big Wolf & Little Wolf

Enchanted Lion Books
Nadine Brun-Cosme; Illustrations by Olivier Tallec

I just can't say enough good things about this book. I fell in love immediately and found myself wanting more at the end. The illustrations, the story - lovely, wonderful, excellent! A stunning book with a simple message reminding us of the beauty of friendship.

Big Wolf quite contentedly lives alone under his tree at the top of a grassy hill. Each morning, he climbs the tree to perform his exercises, which is followed by freshly picked fruit for breakfast. After eating, he takes a long walk and enjoys the solitude. When darkness approaches, he snuggles up under his leaf blanket and settles in for the night. It has always been this way and Big Wolf has always felt satisfied.

Until one day, Big Wolf spots a blue wolf coming towards him in the distance, looking no bigger than a dot. He worries that this wolf will be bigger than him, but is reassured to discover this new wolf is indeed very small (and very blue). The wolves do not speak to each other, but are certainly aware of each other, sneaking sidelong glances. When night time approaches,Little Wolf remains, and Big Wolf shares a teeny tiny corner of his leaf blanket.


In the morning, Big Wolf resumes his typical morning routine, this time with Little Wolf copying his every move. He is careful to pick extra fruit to share for breakfast and finds himself enjoying the company. But when Big Wolf returns from his daily walk, there is no sign of his new friend. Immediately, Big Wolf feels uneasy and searches everywhere. When he can't find Little Wolf, he feels very sad. How is it possible that small a small wolf has taken up so much room in his heart?

When Little Wolf does return, Big Wolf's heart nearly leaps from his body with happiness. Both Little Wolf and Big Wolf realize how lonely they were without the other. They mutually decide that from that moment on, they will live together under the tree. And that's how it will always be.


It's all the small details that make this book so wonderful. On the page where they meet, the wolves are trying so hard to look casual, but you can see the sideways glances they cast. Gorgeous illustrations convey real emotion, with just a tiny bit of humor. It is terribly difficult to explain what a perfect match the writing style and illustrations are. Really and truly, this is one of my very favorite books of the year.

Another little detail that makes us terribly happy? The sequel Big Wolf & Little Wolf, The Leaf That Wouldn't Fall will be coming out this October! The same great wolves, this time wearing winter gear ....

Spanish for Beginners

Whistlefritz - Inspiring Young Minds

The easiest way to teach kids a foreign language? Make it fun! Just like name implies, Whistlefritz is whimsical and engaging, which will make learning Spanish literally seem like child's play. This series uses stories, funny characters, and lively music to become an interactive teaching tool with which to stimulate and educate kids.

The series uses Spanish immersion, meaning children learn by hearing and speaking only Spanish. No English is spoken. Whistlefritz Spanish DVDs and CDs are designed to captivate kids with animals, puppets, dance, music, and play. The children love the programs and, with repetition, learn Spanish without even realizing it. I love a tricky learning tool! It's just as satisfying as feeding them healthy food and passing it off as a treat.


Spanish for Beginners is non-stop fun as teacher Maria and the Whistlefritz kids search for the mischievous mouse Fritzi. Together, they explore their world inside and out, having a huge amount of fun with animation, puppets and music.

Learning to understand and speak Spanish (the world’s third most spoken language) opens a whole new cultural world to your children. This series leads the way to ensure that learning the language is an enjoyable experience. The CDs and DVDs are a wonderful way sneak that Spanish right into their heads and have fun at the same time.

Dear President Obama

The Beckham Publications Group, Inc.
Bruce Kluger and David Tabatsky

Picking up this book is akin to being able to look directly into the minds of children and teens across the country, which is a pretty amazing thing. Some of the letters are touching, some are funny and some are downright sad. Nearly all of them are fascinating and there is no way of predicting what thoughts will be revealed with the turn of each page.

Almost as interesting as the book itself is the way the project came to life. On the day following Obama's win, Bruce Kluger and David Tabasky simply emailed their friends, asking what their children would say to our newest President, given the chance. Their inquiry spread by email from friend to friend (as forwards tend to do), until the duo had received nearly one thousand responses. Their little project had snowballed into a major one! We have David's daughter, Stella, to thank for inspiring the project with her letter, which you can read on page five.

Ultimately, 179 of the very best entries were chosen for inclusion in the final product. The authors were careful to represent a range of ages from nearly every region of the country. The result is a very real and wonderful sampling of the concerns and ideas of American children. We read letters from teens who are worried about the state of our economy as well as random thoughts that occupy the minds of younger children.

Four year old Madeline tells Obama that she "would like a real chihuahua and the sick people not to get sick." Hunter, age eight, would like to see a law "that you must eat the meat if you hunt and kill it." Eleven year old Claire requests help for "me and my mom, who is now single, to keep money in our pocket to buy food." Patrick, age 12, state "We have to work together to solve these problems. You need to count on us kids to help because we are the future." Kids are the future, which is exactly why this book is so riveting.


This is a fabulous project, both informative and entertaining. Each submission is interesting in its own right. The children selected their own presentation, which means they have an individual style. There are all types of fonts, paper styles and colors - some are typed, while others are written in cursive or printed . In addition to the letters, there is plenty of artwork, ranging from a gorgeous realistic portrait of Obama to some less realistic (but no less enjoyable) stick figures.



Click here to flip through the book and get a taste for its style. A clever idea paired with enthusiastic participants and great presentation makes this an incredibly neat read for adults and children alike. It's rare to be able to get such different perspectives on a singular event. The book is a humorous and inspiring read and will become a wonderful piece of history!

Thomas & Friends: Percy and the Bandstand

Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment
$14.98

Introducing four new stories of adventure and celebration staring Thomas and his friends! Best of all, this disc contains never before televised content that can only be seen on this DVD. We all love that kind!

Get ready for a party with freightloads of fun! We ride along with Thomas to a special birthday party, a hot air balloon ride and a special surprise at the bandstand. The host is Mr. Arkwright, who engages the viewers with interactive dialogue and plenty of fun.

It's all here - excitement, adventure and valuable teachings. Thomas & Friends are always careful to teach timeless life lessons that parents will appreciate. Children worldwide are infatuated by these trains that convey terrific attributes of friendship and cooperation.

Episodes include Toby's Special Surprise, Duncan and the Hot Air Balloon, The Man in the Hills and Percy and the Bandstand. DVD special features: Songs of Sodor game and three read-alongs.

Monsters Don't Eat Broccoli

Random House
Barbara Jean Hicks; Illustrations by Sue Hendra

The book jacket truly sets the tone for this book - funky monsters in vivid colors cavort wildly across the pages. Add to that a fun rhyming text, and you have yourself a royally great selection! Not to mention the little lesson on nutrition that is slyly tucked in around the fun. Really, you don't need to mention that part to your kids.

These monsters enjoy all sorts of snacks, from tractors to rocket ships. They gobble up cars by the dozen and have trailers for dessert. Alfalfa spouts, lima beans and broccoli, you say? No way! They cringe and cower when they see a plate piled up with green vegetables. Fum, foe, fie, fee ... monsters don't eat broccoli!


They are crazy for construction, chomping on rock boulders and licking stop signs like they were lollipops. They munch on cars, boats, ships and sharks. But the closest they come to eating anything from the backyard is the garden gate. These monsters do, however, eat giant redwoods and maple trees, which look suspiciously like ... the dreaded broccoli. Could there be a bit of a tricky end to this monster tale?

The clever, rhyming text is the perfect match for these eye-popping illustrations. I love that the monsters come in such a pleasing rainbow of color and pattern. The book offers great humor - both in written word and illustrations. Monsters plucking down spaceships with forks, burping wildly in the trailer park after a big meal, and cavorting in the park fountain. A very funny, wonderful book that really hits the mark.

The Little Red Elf

Charlesbridge
Barbara Barbieri McGrath; Illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet

I think most people are aware of the story of the Little Red Hen. A classic tale where the hen does all the work to make a loaf of bread, from planting the wheat to baking the bread. None of the animals have the time to help her ... until it comes to eating the bread. Suddenly, the busy parties have all the time in the world to help with the tasty part. To the readers' satisfaction, the hen declares that only those who helped with the work shall enjoy the spoils.


Little Red Elf is the adorable Christmas adaptation of this classic story. Little red elf lives in a cozy workshop at the North Pole with a reindeer, a penguin and a hare. While the elf toils in the workshop, the reindeer prefers to snooze, the penguin enjoys long bubble baths and the hare slumbers by the fireplace. Little red elf has a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. While the others loaf, she cleans the workshop, fetches the mail and polishes the sleigh.

One day little red elf stumbles upon some pinecones that she knows would make beautiful Christmas decorations. Unsurprisingly, none of the others have the time to help plant or water the pinecones. They certainly couldn't be bothered to help cut down the tree and haul it into the workshop, nor festoon it with festive lights and sparkly decorations. Little red elf does all of this herself. The others only show interest in the tree project when the presents appear! They are practically falling over themselves to lend a hand then. Little red elf takes the opportunity to teach the others a lesson, in a nice way.

The illustrations by Rosalinde Bonnet are just too darn precious! By far, the most adorable interpretation of this story that I have ever seen. The woodland creatures are just bursting with cuteness. Even the mice have their own underground city with a tiny stove and miniature four poster beds in their mouse house. The book's adorable factor is tempered by the humor, reaching a fine balance. The animals toss off snide one-liners, such as the hare claiming to be allergic to helping. The end result is a great Christmas book to add to your collection.