11.13.2009
ABC Oddity iPhone app for toddlers
When I first received my iPod Touch, I viewed it as very much an adult gadget. However, I soon found that the much-praised intuitive interface means that even the youngest of kids can get to grip with it (probably faster than the adults can, if we're brutally honest).
Seems the app designers understand, too, that the iPod/iPhone can be a brilliant way to keep your kids happy for a while. Here, for example, is an app specifically designed for aged 2-5: ABC Oddity.
You needn't feel like a bad parent, either, for fobbing them off with 'computer games' - not only does this teach the alphabet, but it also has an admirable illustrational style that will doubtless fine-tune your child's aesthetic appreciation.
My daughter being the contrary little creature we've come to love, dismissed it pretty quickly - but if I know her, she'll pick it up again on another day and love it. And actually, even if she never does, I might just keep it on for myself, to admire the illustrations every now and again.
Seen first, as so often, on SwissMiss.
Posted by Myf
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books/media
Tags: alphabet games iphone technology
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09. 2.2009
In My Nest
Little fingers will love to explore the ridged pages of In My Nest - and when they realise the little bird is a finger-puppet that they can wiggle about, joy will know no bounds.
I always enjoy books when it looks like the illustrator has enjoyed herself, too: the various backgrounds on each page certainly give that impression. They are glorious, and the finished works are lovely examples of pattern-making within limited palettes.
Posted by Myf
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books/media
Tags: birds books pop-up books
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08.17.2009
There Are Cats In This Book
It's really rare to find a children's picture book that speaks directly to the child. I don't mean that figuratively: I mean that the text uses the second person. There Are Cats In This Book, by Vivianne Schwarz, begins with one of those promised cats asking, "Are you nice?" The page cannot be turned until your child replies.
The book is deceptively simple: leafing through it, with its flaps, bright colours and simple sentences, you might think it was most suitable for a two-year-old. But I remember picking it up when my daughter was two at the local library: she showed little interest. Revisiting at aged four, she finds it hilarious - and can almost read the sentences herself.
Should your child also fall hard for Andre, Moonpie and Tiny, the three eponymous heroes, the great news is that Schwarz keeps a blog where the real-life cats these loose-lined characters were based on can be seen. You can even download the pattern to knit your own cats! Find out more about Schwarz's other work - on her own website, too.
Find There Are Cats in This Book at Amazon.
Posted by Myf
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books/media
Tags: books cats
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06.19.2009
Madeleine Floyd
The Captain's Purr by Madeleine Floyd is not a new picture book: it was published in 2003. But when I picked up a second-hand copy the other day, I was reminded of her exquisite illustrations and I felt I ought to remind Babygadget readers, too.
As parents, we all run the risk of our kids getting fixated by books which bore us, or which we even find aesthetically repellent. Bedtime stories are a much more pleasant prospect when both child and adult are happily absorbed in the tale, and we can only increase our chances by stocking up on the books that we admire most. The Captain's Purr is a simple but surprising tale, and if you are like me, you'll enjoy looking at the pictures long after you know the story off by heart.
I was surprised to see that since this book's publication, Floyd has only put out one other, Cold Paws, Warm Heart in 2005. Perhaps that reflects how long it takes to make illustrations in such detail?
Posted by Myf
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Tags: books cats illustration pictures
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06.11.2009
Charley Harper Coloring Book
All of us at babygadget can't get enough of Charley Harper. Today, I'm traveling to Central America to visit family with all of my kids and I really wish I had tucked a copy of this book in their travel packs. Here's an excerpt form a quote, "When I look at wildlife or nature...I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior an endless possibilities for making interesting pictures..."--delightful! Hoping to inspire the kiddos on our adventure; lot's to see and take in.
Posted by Gabriela
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Tags: books coloring books nature
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03.30.2009
Personalized bookplates from Oiseaux
Looking for an unusual present for the baby who has everything? How about these lovely, personalized bookplates? The beautiful, vintage-style plate above is taken from a very old children's hymn book, but the folks at Oiseaux also have nearly 50 other fabulous styles for you to choose from. A match set includes 24, 3" x 3 3/4" bookplates, printed on high-quality, matte paper. Or you can also get a mixed set of blank plates. Here are some more of my favorites.
Posted by Justine
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Tags: books Etsy paper
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03. 4.2009
Lollipop birth announcement cards
Designer Rachel Le Mesurier has a history in packaging design: hence, perhaps, the ingenious construction of her birth announcement cards, which are made up of 4 panels that 'pop' open when pulled from the envelope. There's also a place to add your baby's photo.
Apparently the designs are printed on thick, luxurious card, just right for conveying one of the happiest messages you'll ever send. Learn more at Lollipop Designs.
Posted by Myf
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Tags: birth announcements cards letterpress
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03. 2.2009
Okido, illustrated science magazine
School often divides children at an early age into those with an affinity for science, and those who are better at the arts. I certainly experienced this myself, and still struggle with the sciences to this day.
The children's magazine Okido, then, comes as a real breath of fresh air. Exploring the interesting subjects in science that affect our day-to-day lives, it employs a stable of talented illustrators and designers that will surely appeal to all children, cutting across the arts/science spectrum. It's meant for 3-7 year olds.
Sometimes, it takes a child's eye view to remind us that science isn't just a dry subject; it's what helps explain some of the more remarkable and beautiful phenomena all around us. I wish there had something like this when I was sitting, bored, at the back of my Chemistry classes - but maybe it's not too late. If I subscribe to this publication for my daughter, might I reawaken my science nous? Worth a try, surely.
Posted by Myf
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Tags: educational magazines
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01.23.2009
Little Rabbit Lost by Harry Horse
We picked up Little Rabbit Lost by Harry Horse in a charity shop, just by chance, because I liked the look of the illustrations. It was one of those serendipitous finds that has since turned into a firm bedtime favourite.
Bucking the modern trend for graphic shapes and an arch, knowing style, Horse portrays a detailed and beguiling world with plenty of detail for both kids and their parents to point out. A couple of the double-page spreads in this book are truly marvellous, showing the tree-root home of an extensive bunny family, and later, a theme park, complete with carrot speedboats, big wheel and such a rich selection of delights that every child will wish they could be there.
Appealing, also, is the strong moral of the story, which gently tells children not to wander off in busy places, no matter how big they might feel they are. This is one of a series: sadly, it seems Horse died in unusual and extreme circumstances (unlike his stories, utterly unsuitable for your child's ears) in 2007, so what exists of his work is all there is. It's a shocking background to a series of books that portray a beautiful and innocent world, but it hasn't quite put me off buying the rest.
Posted by Myf
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Tags: books illustration rabbits
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01.22.2009
Sukie travel journal
It's not that long since I highlighted their calendar, but I couldn't let the discovery of Sukie's Junior travel journal go without mention.
Anyone who has been on holiday with children will know how they love to collect postcards, unusual labels, napkins - you name it. If they are also keen diarists, this beautifully-designed volume allows them to collect both their souvenirs, and their impressions, in one place.
Strong pockets are included for the ephemera, while pages alternate between plain and lined, for both drawing and writing. There are even postcards to send to friends, if you don't happen to find any at your destination. For a certain type of kid, this could give you hours of peace and quiet, and it also rather neatly keeps all the souvenirs in one place after your return.
Posted by Myf
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Tags: design letterpress notebooks travel
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