05. 8.2008
365 Penguins
Imagine you receive a package in the mail. Inside? One penguin. The next day you get another. See where this is going? This easy-to-ready book has great illustrations for anyone who loves penguins, and 365 Penguins does a good job of explaining the days in a month, the number of days in a year, and many other numerical and mathematical concepts.
I don't have a large house, but I think I would be happy with ten penguins, give or take. 365? That would be a little over the line.
Posted by ben
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books/media
Tags: books math penguins
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04.22.2008
Gallop! A Scanimation Picture Book
You have your pop-pup books, your activity books, and your board books, but this is the first book I've seen that actually incorporates movement. Gallop! describes itself as a "Scanimation Picture Book," and as you turn each page, the image in the middle animates showing all sorts of things doing all sorts of things. It's hard to describe, but equally hard to put down.
I was actually shown this at a dinner party, and everyone there was entranced by it. If it's good enough for twenty-somethings, it's good enough for the under-ten crowd. Highly recommended.
Posted by ben
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books/media
Tags: animations books
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04. 4.2008
"Little Bunny on the Move" and other gems by Peter McCarty
This Easter I happened to pick up "Little Bunny on the Move" by Peter McCarty. It was one of those things where I was so struck by the gorgeous illustrations that I purchased it as much for myself as for my son, despite the fact that the story seemed a little young for him. In fact, he loves the tale of this roving rabbit, requesting it over and over (or maybe he just shares his mom's sense of aesthetic). Naturally, I began to look for other McCarty stories, and fortunately found that this NYC School of the Visual Arts alum has written and illustrated more than a few.
Simple patterns and dramatic chiaroscuro, rather that garish colors and cluttered details, define McCarty's minimalist compositions. The atmospheric effect is rather reminiscent of Asian art, transporting you to slightly magical and peaceful world. All this combined with a dash of humor and large dose of personality, sets McCarty's books up quite nicely to enter the pantheon of children's classics.
Posted by Justine
Category:
books/media
Tags: books bunny dinosaurs
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03.20.2008
William Bee: Whatever
I picked out this bright yellow hardback at the local library the other day because it looked so different from the busily-illustrated volumes around it. I was glad I did - the style of its creator, William Bee, is quite remarkable.
Now the story itself, bringing just deserts to a child who answers every situation with that ennui-laden reply, 'Whateverrr' - well, that's nothing particularly new. It's the retro-style prints that illustrate the story that really stand out.
You can get a bit of a taste at William Bee's personal website, though, I have to say, the garish colours online do him no favours - the book is much more subtle and appealing. And who is William Bee? A quintessential Brit, if the blurb on his scant site is to be believed, but that doesn't answer many questions.
Purchase Whatever on Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.
Posted by Myf
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books/media
Tags: books illustration
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02.20.2008
If you like Etsy, check out DaWanda
Our regular readers know that we at BabyG are big fans of Etsy. With so many new wonders popping up every day, one can spend hours scouring this handy source for all things home. Frankly, it's addictive. Now as other countries and regions open their own such creative congloms, we have new sources for the latest and greatest (as well as fresh sink-holes for our time). One of my favorites is DaWanda, the Euro-Etsy, if you will. Sometimes I can't even read the webpages, but the pictures speak for themselves. I was recently browsing through Bloesem's DaWanda favorites, and thought it would be an excellent way to introduce any yet-to-be-informed readers to this awesome site. Here are a few highlights. Enjoy!
Clockwise top left: bird by Marga Marina; bib by Pink Roses; artwork by Mareike Auer; bunny by berlinerfilz.
Above: Elly by Instincts
Posted by Justine
Category:
books/media
Tags: crafts handmade
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02.12.2008
Custom Made for Kids
I admit that personalized products have never made an impression on me (and I am thinking specifically of a sample personalized "Wiggles" CD that I received that particularly makes me recoil). But I decided to try a personalized book from a new company called Custom Made For Kids because, as many of you know, little kids are a bit narcissistic - in the best and most earnest way possible - and love to see themselves in photos, videos and in print.
It only takes a few minutes to answer questions that will personalize your book and the end result is pretty nice: a hardcover book with colorful illustrations that takes you and your kid on adventures to familiar places. I read the book to the Kid on her birthday, and she squealed with delight every time I read aloud a name of one of her friends, or our neighborhood park and zoo.
I hear that more stories are in the works, and the moms behind this new venture, Sarah Headrick and Sarah Rivera (who also happen to be the authors of the book), might really have a hot product on their hands.
Posted by Jenna
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books/media
Tags: books personalized
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02.11.2008
That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown
We picked up That Rabbit Belongs To Emily Brown on a whim during a visit to the bookshop, based on its collage-cum-scribble illustrational style. We were back within the week to buy another copy as a birthday present, and we've returned several times to do the same thing again. Why?
Good question. Well, to start with, it was an immediate hit with our daughter, who demanded it every night for six weeks straight as her bedtime story. Amazingly, neither parent minded, either. Unlike many books, it kept its appeal even to the adult reader (in fact, that may be the key to why our daughter latched onto it so strongly: I'm sure she picks up on our own enjoyment).
Then there's the heroine - a small girl who, with her toy rabbit, has very exciting games, like exploring the outer reaches of the Milky Way, and taking an expedition through the Amazonian Rainforest. That's right - girl. And a very feisty girl she is too: you couldn't wish for a better role-model.
Finally, there's a wonderful moral to the rather fantastical story, which wraps the whole package up rather neatly. We're still reading the book every few nights, a few months on, and my daughter now has her own toy rabbit named Stanley, after the rabbit in the book.
Often we might recommend products because they look interesting or have a novelty value, but this recommendation's from the heart. If you're looking for a book to become one of the most-beloved on the bookshelf, this might just be it.
Posted by Myf
Category:
books/media
Tags: books rabbits
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02. 8.2008
Frank and Frank
OK, I admit it. At first I was drawn to this book because it was orange. But on closer inspection I was quite taken in by the comical antics of Frank and Frank, a bear and a boy who are unlikely friends. Created by illustrator Chris Appelhans, each charming cartoon is completely text free, allowing your child to make up his own narrative.
Now, my 2-year-old has really begun imaginative play in earnest, spending hours dreaming up conversations between his trucks and animals. At the same time, he's also started "reading" books on his own, which since he's not a complete child-protégée (although Mom thinks he must be very close) involves mostly looking at the pictures. Ergo, I think this book would be perfect for him…and the whole family really.
Posted by Justine
Category:
books/media
Tags: books
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02. 8.2008
Happy New Year!
Well its been a good 4706 so far. The kids spent today celebrating at school and making dragon masks. Here are three books that can help keep the celebration going: first up, Happy New Year! / Kung-Hsi Fa-Ts'ai!
Brand new this year is Bringing in the New Year
And finally, The Year of the Rat
Posted by ben
Category:
books/media
Tags: books chinese new year
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01.25.2008
The Cute Book
I have a mum friend who I really rather admire: she always seems to be sitting down with her kids to make biscuits, or thread necklaces, or sew little finger puppets. How does she find the time? Beats me, but I knew the The Cute Book
Talk about doing exactly what it says on the label. Inside, there are instructions to help you cut out and fabricate 19 of the most undeniably cute creatures around. Apparently, you don't need much expertise, so it's the ideal book for parents and kids to work on together.
The book also has its own special brand of offbeat humour, which you can sample for yourself at the Aranzi Aronzo site. As an example, try the 'About Us' page, but don't miss clicking on the bird at the bottom to see the real truth...
Posted by Myf
Category:
books/media
Tags: books crafts soft toys
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