This book will keep multiple kids entertained for hours.  Readers and pre-readers alike can find the objects giving them a sense of accomplishment.  It’s a great way to engage kids with a book without reading an actual story.   Sometimes kids just can’t take a long story, they want to do the talking and pointing while you listen for a change.  I SPY is a perfect excuse for kids to show what they know since many objects in the book are familiar to them. 

I SPYbooks are great vocabulary builders,  there are so many objects to name, the alphabet, numbers and more!  I love to have I SPY books in the car for the kids, they come in handy for last minute doctor visits or other waiting room situations.   

Recommended for ages 4 and up.  Be sure to visit Scholastic’s I SPY website for fantastic games and activities. 

Easy-to-read riddles by Jean Marzollo are paired with forty-six object-filled photographs by Walter Wick to create I Spy A to Z, the most engaging alphabet book ever! With more than thirty titles and 36 million books in print, the I Spy series continues to win the hearts and minds of parents and kids everywhere. 

I know you’ll enjoy the book as much as I do, so here’s your chance to win!
 
So what about the prizes?

• One (1) Grand Prize winner receives a Grand Prize Pack including:
  Wii Video Game ‘Ultimate I SPY’
  Board Game ‘I SPY Memory Game’
  I SPY A to Z: A Book of Picture Riddles
  One additional I SPY Book (Title TBD) 
  Grand Prize Pack valued at = $85.99
• Four (4) runner-up winners receive a copy of the new book
  I SPY A to Z: A Book of Picture Riddles
  Each book valued at = $13.99

Many ways to win

(ends 7/15/2009 @ 11:59 p.m. est) open to the USA only, please make a separate comment for each activity:

• leave a comment here once per day
• blog about this contest on your sites
• tweet this message on twitter once per day: 

WIN an I SPY Picture Book gift set www.pajamamom.com @blogathomemom http://tiny.cc/6yLlV  <— please leave a comment here with the time stamp (right click, copy shortcut, paste)

• follow me on twitter for one entry http://twitter.com/blogathomemom

*The prizes are supplied and fulfilled by the sponsor, 5 winners will be contacted via Twitter and/or email shortly after drawing.  Winner must respond within 5 days or another winner may be selected.  Please note, I’ve made the contact time extra long since we are in vacation season and people may be away from their computers.

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Like much of the country, we were watching a lot of news coverage at the time and I noticed boy2001 looking up a lot when they talked about Obama.  There’s no doubt in my mind that he identifies with Obama and can imagine himself being President some day.  Our girls couldn’t get enough of Mrs. Obama and the Obama girls!

The book, Obama’s Historic Journey, is an extraordinary collection of photos from President Obama’s early childhood to his family life.  The story concludes on his first day in office… January 21, 2009.  The book is geared towards young readers but people of all ages will enjoy it.

One of my favorite features of this book are the pictures and letters sent in to the President, kids are hilarious… one even suggests foods for President Obama to eat since he’s “too skinny”.

Boy2001 particularly appreciated the chapter “A Skinny Kid with a Funny Name”.  He can relate to being different than those around him.  After reading this Obama quote, “…whether people were friendly, indifferent, or occasionally hostile, I try my best to keep my mouth shut and hear what they had to say.”  He said, “I’m going to try and do that too.”

Thanks to the sponsor, Mother Talk and www.MomCentral.com  for organizing this blog tour. 

Buy Obama The Historic Journey for Young Readers @ Amazon

ISBN: 978-0-670-01208-4

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I love this book because it gives kids a different perspective on what someone else is going through.  It’s also nice to see that the Childre’ns Band kids care about eachother, instead of looking the other way when they see Dudley’s upset, they take the time and find out what the problem is. 

Every child has a voice, even if they’re deaf and mute.  Dudley’s Solo has made a big impression on all my kids but especially girl2004, she seems to feel the most ‘different’ in groups and I’ve noticed that girls are especially exlusive in their “friendships”.  I’ve read Dudley’s Solo at least 10 times a day for the last 2 weeks and there’s no sign of slowing down.  A great story book for all ages in a Christian setting.

Dudley’s Solo

written by Tiffany Alexander

illustrated by Jeremiah Carstarphen

Thanks to the http://familyreviewnetwork.com for the great review opportunity.

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I received a kit via the FRN and am thrilled with it.  I put up the circles in a passageway between the kitchen and family room.  It’s great because I can keep tabs on the kids while I’m cleaning, cooking, doing laundry without them really feeling watched.  This is especially important with the girls since they’re often up to something naughty!

We got the chalk circles - a very interactive, fun product for the kids… they’ve been a lifesaver for me on a couple of occasions when I want to talk on the phone I point to the chalk and tissue.  Girl2004 works on her spelling and girl2006 produces wonderful works of scribble but both have a great time!

I placed the chalk circles uncentered onto the colored circles, I like things a bit off. I’ve also tested peeling them off the wall and was able to without incident!  I can’t guarantee that for everyone though and our paint has been on for a year and is glossy for reference.

Bright Star Kids is in Australia so shipping can take 2 -3 weeks.  What I like about their site is you can change the price to dollars no problem.  The chalkboard products are great for the summer time when the kids start getting cabin fever.  Check out Bright Star Kids’ photo gallery for more ideas.

Bright Star Kids has made it into 3 categories… Home & Garden, Children AND toys!

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The story of the good Samaritan is a family favorite so I knew I was going to enjoy this African twist!  I didn’t mention anything before I sat down to read Sikulu & Harambe to the girls, I LOVE when they get things themselves.  Boy 2001 was in the room playing with legos and when I started reading I could see a sense of knowing rush over him.  He hustled over to see the pictures.

After reading the story we talked about it for a while, the kids loved that the heroes were animals, especially the spider with the bangles!  This is a story that gently gets kids thinking about service to other people.  It’s not preachy but gets the point across!  Most kids know what it feels like to need help and not get it so they can immediately relate to the lady’s unanswered cries.

There are wonderful elements of African culture and life weaved into the story.  Girl2004 was fascinated that people do their laundry in the river and at the same time they play hide-and-seek!  Books are a great way to take your kids to a far away land… Sikulu and Harambe are sure to become favorites so be sure to check out the plush animals available at the website.  The illustrations and writing, simply put, is excellent!  The drawings are gentle and the story is simple but powerful making it a great choice for all children.

Sikulu and Harambe has great info for kids!  Topics include:

• Zambia and Africa more generally
• animals like elephants, spiders, hippopatamus, yellow-billed stork
• Ku-omboka ceremony
• Lozi people
• Zambezi River

Sikulu & Harambe by Kunle Oguneye.  Illustrations by Bruce McCorkindale.

I have a really cute vid of girl2006 putting this book on our bookshelves! I need to get it on the web, sooo cute.  She loves putting her books on her shelf, sometimes if she’s lost interest in a book while I’m reading she’ll try to close it in my hands to put it away.  I guess it’s a habit only a mother could find cute.  I should note that she does not do that when I’m reading Sikulu and Harambe, she likes me to define all the words in the glossary!

Enjoy this book with the special children in your life.

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Thoughts on Journal Buddies by Jill Schoenberg

What I like about you?!  The most important job as a parent is to give your child a feeling of self worth.  Kids need to know they’re worth the trouble and that parents don’t expect everything to go right all of the time. 

Kids pick up on that when you spend time with them.  Engaging in activities together is a sure fire way to bond and get an insight into each others life.

Journaling is a great way to chronicle events, share thoughts and reflect on life BUT… it’s often easier said then done.  When I was a little girl, I often started journals left and right.  Writing the first thing that came to mind.  My inspiration was Laura Ingalls Wilder’s remembrance books, remember that?  I was convinced someone, someday would base a television show on them… I wrote feverishly for a few days and then would toss the journal in the corner until the next attempt. 

Looking at all those blank pages got overwhelming, I would run out of things to write.  Focusing on the day’s events I didn’t take the chance to weave in other activities.  For me, journaling was all about putting the pen to the paper so I didn’t incorporate any other type of expression.

Journal Buddies brings home the point that to be successful, most kids will need to bring in other forms of expression… poetry, sketches, drawings, stickers, stamps, printing out things from the web, etc…  and guess what!?  there’s nothing wrong with that.

There’s no reason to limit kids’ expression and effort.  Collages from newspaper clipping are wonderful living history moments.  But the best part about Journal Buddies is the encouragement Jill Schoenberg gives to buddy up!  Kids can buddy up with a parent, sibling, teacher or anyone else willing to answer and participate. 

Primarily targeted to kids 8 – 12 years old, there are Journal Buddies for Girls and Boys.  You can start any day of the week.  There are 30 numbered entries in the journal, each day there’ll be a short Q & A then there are two blank pages and one lined page.  The book also comes with an embellishment kit to decorate those pages.  It’s a lot of fun, filled with positive affirmations which will build your kid’s self esteem.

I almost forgot to mention that the book came personally signed by the author herself… very nice touch!  There’s something concrete about writing things down, makes it more important I think.  If it’s written it can’t be taken away, seems permanent.  What a great gift for Valentine’s Day or any other occassion for the little one in your life.  Let me know your thoughts on Journal Buddies.  Happy writing!

The journal buddies books are fun, interactive journals intended to help adults (parents, teachers, mentors…) build and strengthen a child’s self-esteem.

 Thanks to the FRN on the chance to review this journal.

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Using products that are all-natural and organic is a great way to start the New Year.  The scents are fresh and invigorating – I’m loving that they are not synthetic. 

The Nature’s Baby Conditioner & Detangler is the best I’ve ever tried.  I LOVE this for girl2004′s hair which is the most unmanageable hair ever. 

Her hair is very dull and gets matted up every night, except when I use this.  My method is to wash her hair, comb through as best as I can, apply a very liberal helping of this leave-in conditioner and finish combing through. 

Her hair takes a long time to dry but it’s not stiff, still very soft and guess what? lasts for a solid three days without losing the spring in her curls and without getting matted overnight! this is such a winner I cannot even tell you.  When I wash it next there’s still a difference which makes the job progressively easier. 

All the products I’ve tried are really good, so good in fact that they’re being carried in Target.  The second thing I HIGHLY recommend is the Nature’s Baby Ah-Choo! Chest Rub.  I am a big fan of chest rubs in the winter, at the first sign of sickness kids go in a warm shower or bath, get a rub down, comfy pajamas and a chest rub. I’ve been using Vick’s Vapo Rub for decades but I am a total convert to Ah-Choo! It feels safer and better for my kids and it spreads like room temperature butter (am I in baking mode or what?!).  Make sure you stock up, the containers are 2 oz!

Keep these facts in mind about the entire Nature’s Baby Organics line:

• NO Parabens
• NO Phthalates
• NO Propylene Glycol
• NO DEA
• NO Synthetic Fragrances
• NO Sulfates (SLS)

Be sure to check out Nature’s Baby Organics, they have fabulous products, it’s worth getting things that will keep your family looking good in a safe way.

Look up a store online

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Just in time for your holiday!  Polliwalks has something fishy on your kids feet this Spring/Summer season.  Show off your darlings pedicure with these adorable sandals. You already know about the darling shoes but I thought this would be timely for all the people living in warm climates or those lucky folks that are traveling to somewhere very warm.

The summer line includes Polliwalks Fish Lips and Polliwalks Firefly.  The firefly pair are sure to light up your kids life.  Be sure to give these pairs a try.  These would make a fun and functional gift.

The fish lip change colors in the sun! I love that these sandals have nice comfy straps.  Often times sandals have too thin straps.  These are comfortable for kids and are incredibly cute at the same time.

The two spring/summer styles are available exclusively through select Dillard’s stores and online at zappos.com  In addition to www.polliwalks.com

Check out the FRN for more family friendly reviews.

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Thanks to the FRN we had the amazing pleasure of trying out the cutest shoes ever – Polliwalks! Girl2004 was the lucky recipient and she has REFUSED to wear anything else but the pink kitty shoes. I call her kitten as a nickname so she’s sure they are personally made for her!

There are all different types of characters and animals so have fun, look them in the eye and your’re sure to smile. Living in New England calls for the Polliwalks‘ furry clog but there are also non-lined shoes available for boys and girls.

The furry clogs are wonderfully warm and can take a beating. They’ve been to the park multiple times and preschool every single day since we got them and still look great.

Polliwalks add a little touch of fun to any outfit.

Just in case you didn’t know, pink is a neutral and girl2004 and girl2006 are convinced pink goes with anything!  Who am I to argue with a fun look?!

Another thing that’s nice with Polliwalks is the ‘footprinting bottom’.  We’ve experiemented a bit with the pawprints on the bottoms of the kitty shoes.  Make your mark with the bottoms of your shoes, everyone will know you were there.  Go through mudd, snow, wet sand with your animal side in a 100% vegan way.

That’s right no animal products are used to make Polliwalks! All that aside, any woman will tell you, cute shoes are one thing but what about the fit?  Polliwalks are comfortable for her which makes me feel good because they fit her so well! Unlike other molded shoes, Polliwalks have built-in arch support and a deep heel cup for stability. My little darling LOVES to run and jump, I want her to look cute and be safe! Poliiwalks delivers on both demands.

We’re having a great time with these and for you parents out there that are looking for summer sandals for vacation (or you just live like that) make sure to check out my next post on the Polliwalks Summer Line!

 WIN!

In the meantime YOU get the chance to WIN your very own pair of Polliwalks!  that’s right, just visit www.polliwalks.com pick out a pair of shoes you’d like for a little one in your life!

Get extra entries by:

• 1 entry for visiting polliwalks and mentioning the pair you’d like to win (as mentioned above)
• 3 extra entries for stumbling this post, make three seperate comments
• 3 extra entries for posting about this contest and linking here

ENDS 12/12/2008 @ 11:59 p.m.

Find Polliwalks @ a retailer near you or buy online.

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The First Adventures of Incredible You

written by Sarah Riley Headrick and Sarah Foreman Rivera

illustrated by Jill Dryer Bartolucci

Three kids, seven years of motherhood and this is my first custom book! We’re very fond of reading in this house, granted the reading time seems to get squeezed tight lately but nonetheless, we do make our daily time to read.

Storybooks figure prominently but there’s nothing like a book that has your very own name, your siblings names, places you go and things you like to eat and see. Girl2004 was thrilled to see her name in lights and boy2001 and girl2006 were just as excited at the mention of their name in the story.

On top of that the illustrations are amazing, vibrant and colorful.  The thing I most like is the multicultural aspect of the book.  Most of the characters are colorful animals but there are human figures that cleverly appear in shadow, or with backs turned making this the perfect gift for any family you know.

The process @ Custom Made Kids is simple, just go to the website and carefully answer the questions about siblings, parents, dates of birth, etc… We received our book within days of order but that might not always be the case.

The First Adventures of Incredible You is carried at Pottery Barn Kids and at Custom Made for Kids.

Deliveries to the Continental U.S. must be placed by Sunday 12/14/08 for arrival by Christmas (Canada/Hawaii/Alaska orders should be placed by 12/07/08)!

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