Charlie and Lola

Image Credit: http://1-2khps.wikispaces.com/1.+Read

 Care to transport your children to a whimsical, colorful world in which pink milk is the cat's meow, video games are never played, TV factors nowhere (unless you're the ones watching them in action), imagination reigns supreme, and imaginary friends like Soren Lorenson are there for you, and provide what seems like sound advice to complex questions and insecurities? A world in which childhood innocence is captured both through language and pictures, pictures that evoke or bring to the life the vivid images that children so frequently conjure? Oh, and did I mention, in this place, sibling rivalry--generally--is at a minimum? Then you're overdue to meet Charlie and Lola, two siblings created by Lauren Child.

Lauren Child, Creator of the series
Image Credit to: www.marlborgoughlifefest.org

Meet Charlie:

Image Credit goes to BBC Press Office

Charlie is seven, though his maturity and patience make his seem older. When my now-seven-year-old was two, I always envisioned him, despite his speaking mannerisms, as ten or eleven: he demonstrates incredible tolerance and patience when interacting with his adorable, absolutely adverb-loving, sincerely curious little sister Lola, unless, of course, she goes overboard, which she often does. Lauren Child invented him as "the" ideal brother, so to speak. So, here's Charlie, the narrator of this successful series of books, who always begins his stories in this way:

"I have this little sister, Lola.

She is small and very funny."

And from those two sentences, we find ourselves launched into a tale that features Lola's latest foible, adventure, or aversion. Each story is different, and yet comfortingly similar, in that the focus remains on the small things that govern the life of so many younger children: fear of starting school, having fun, food aversions...I think you get the picture! So...

Meet Lola:

Image Credit to Lauren Child from:
I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato

Lola, fabulously four, is especially curious and sometimes judging about anything that happens to come into her world. In an interview, Lauren Child admitted that a little Danish girl whom she spotted on a train, inspired the creation of little Lola. Like Lola, that little girl hounded her parents (Lola turns to Charlie for her answers--remember how irregularly parent and adults figure in the lives of Schultz's beloved Charlie Brown?) with countless questions and observations about her surroundings.

On the left, witness Lola's determined aversion to and dismissal of the "pea."

This aversion to particular forms of food is spotlighted in Lauren Child's Award Winning (Kate Greenaway Award): I Will Never Not Ever Eat A Tomato, which you can purchase from Amazon in Hardcover for $11.55, or in softcover, for $6.99.


Yes, in this book, tomatoes are despised unless dressed up in imaginary language that takes these readily available, rudely red, foul-tasting specimens to a realm in which tomatoes totally titulate the tongue, for they are NO LONGER simply tomatoes, but moonsquirters. You may want to try some cloud fluff, orange twiglets, green drops, and ocean nibbles while you're at it!


Lauren Child also wrote I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed (Charlie and Lola) and I Am Too Absolutely Small for School (Charlie and Lola) (these links take you to Amazon's website). There have been many book tie-ins to her beloved series, but recently, Child has published a fourth Charlie and Lola book, called: Slightly Invisible (Charlie and Lola).

From: I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go To Bed.

Apart from the actual story lines, I love the typographical dance of the words, and how they relate to both the story as well as the perspective of the characters at a precise moment of time. Sentences wriggle on or across the pages, sentences encase themselves on shelves, actually mingling with the illustrations. Their position feels interlocked with the respective moods of the characters and help to indicate whether we're getting glimpses of an emotional outburst or a dose of Lola's logic versus Charlie's stance. There's the swirling, roller-coaster-like print that's a bit visually assaulting, but serves to emphasize the whirl-wind conversation between older brother and determined sister.


While I definitely think each book is worthwhile reading, you may want to consider watching the acclaimed TV series, too (it'll also give you a sense of the retro, imaginative perspective that the books offer). Here's a "sneak-peak" at the intro:

Have fun with this delightful series! I've been reading, and re-reading these books to my kids (and watching the videos, too) for years, and I still find the characters enchanting. Now my seven-year-old sometimes reads them to me!

A Couple of Musical Toys and an Intro to FAT BRAIN TOYS

Okay, first I have to say that Fat Brain Toys (Click the name to go to their site) is one of my favorite online toy stores. I can't believe I haven't yet mentioned them!

Unlike most toy stores that may bring out that "ho-hum: my children have seen this and done that--for five minutes before they got bored"--impulse/reaction, this family-owned and operated business strives to introduce children to toys that will stimulate growth (with your guidance). Fat Brain Toys focuses on connecting you and your children with toys that invigorate the imagination, cultivate coordination, nurture problem-solving skills, and maximize mind-enhancing play-time experiences.

Apart from the company's dedication to this philosophy, they offer incredible customer service. For example, via email, I queried them about one of their products, and I received a polite yet concise response within three hours. (You can get additional examples by visiting their website.) They offer free shipping, if you order more than $99.00 worth of toys, and they do ship to APO addresses.

One other thing that I really appreciate about Fat Brain Toys: they take the time to create an Age/Gender Usage and a Toy Value Index (IQ) about each of their toys.

Recently, Fat Brain Toys won the "Big Break" for Small Business Award, for 2011. Here is a video they put out prior to receiving the award. The video also captures the essence of what they are out to achieve.

 So, without further ado, onto some of their products, some of which can be found for less elsewhere (I do mention a few alternatives--yes, Amazon, for now), and others that are so hard to find that you simply must--if the toy appeals to you/your children--buy, whether now or sometime in the future.
                                   

Image Credit to Fat Brain Toys: today's price is $22.95 

Naturally, when I saw this musical product, I had to spotlight it! A lollipop drum. What better toy to feature on a site called Lollipops and Lattes? Well, there are many more important reasons highlight it.
The parents who have purchased this item appear to enjoy it almost as much as do their toddlers and pre-toddlers. The reviews I read have mentioned everything from its crisp sound/deep range in tones, depending upon how and where the drum is struck, to the durability of the rubber mallet. A number of parents also mentioned that they had first seen this in their children's Kinder-music classes. This festive drum seems to be the most popular with parents who have children aged 12 months-28 months. Note: one parent mentioned that the colors of the lollipop appear on but one side.
The Remo Lollipop Drum comes in a variety of sizes--the one shown here is 10 inches. This drum has won the coveted Oppenheim Best Toy Award, which attests to its quality.

Click Image to go to Amazon

But I do like to price compare: The same product, with the same diameter is also being sold on Amazon (and, yes, Fat Brain Toys is an associate of Amazon--many independent toy sellers are these days) by another company for $16.76. On Amazon, the drum has also received rave reviews, including one that mentions that this product is pretty much indestructible, and makes an incredible outdoor drum.

Image from Fat Brain Toys

Another musical toy that has gotten rave reviews both at Fat Brain Toys and Amazon. Fat Brain Toys definitely provides you with more details about the product, and why it could be just the right toy for your child. Amazon, for now, has the better price (but that could change any day). At Fat Brain Toys, the Mozart Magic Cube is selling for $32.95--that is the price for the day). At Amazon, see link below, the same item is selling for $15.00. On both sites, you get incredible reviews (between the two sites, you get a total about 600 reviews, of which 496--about--rank the product between 4-5 stars. Those who hate it, seem to have issues with it sounding a bit electronic. I have also purchased and reviewed this product, so I shall share my review with you (below). To go to Amazon's link for the $15.00 (on sale) version, please hit the following: Magic Mozart Cube from Amazon.



My Review of the Magic Mozart Cube, published in October, 2011:
I purchased this for my daughter when she was seven months old, and it was an instant success, and so it remains (she shall be two in late December). While it is true that the music has a slightly computerized feel to it, it doesn't grate on the nerves, and more importantly seems to be (at least for my little one) attractive to the ear. An added plus: you have music without the addition of character voices narrating what instrument is being played, etc.

You can choose from hearing a small selection of Mozart's pieces on the piano, violin, french horn, harp, flute. You/your little one can combine these instruments as you wish, or, if you want to go all out, you can employ the orchestra mode. The instrument tabs are very large, making it easy for little hands to manipulate the cube. The cube is made of highly durable plastic: ours has endured being dropped endless times from various heights and doesn't have a single crack. Also, though the cube was played daily (multiple times) for months on end, the battery did not need to be changed until about 6 months ago.

Other nice features: Bright, vibrant colors on each of the cube's sides that attract the eye. This feature allows you (as your little one gets older) to ask "could you push the blue button," etc. This helps, to an extent, teach colors and their names. Something else that is nice: each of the instruments is illustrated and the name labelled. So, as your little one pushes into the toddler years, you can teach them the names of various musical instruments while having them listen to that instrument.

All in all, I have to say that this is one of the best purchases, in terms of play value, that I have made. She adores listening to and dancing to the music. The only negative is that the cube is light enough to be fairly easily lifted, but heavy enough to give your little one a little clack on the head unless you're there to supervise. But once they're a little older and gain better finger/hand dexterity and control, you can feel pretty confident about leaving them unattended (in a play area!), as there are no small parts and the cube is very well constructed.

I would certainly buy this for a little one, especially if I noticed an interest in music. Highly recommend!


While I'm at it, I thought I'd also share another musical toy that you won't see on Fat Brain Toys.



I'm only spotlighting it because my little one simply adores it! My review of the product follows:
I bought this piano for my daughter last year, shortly after she turned one. At one, the toy did not get much use, unless her older sister (7), my husband or I initiated contact with it. At one, my little one was still captivated by the Mozart Cube. However, once my little one approached 18 months, this toy became a favorite (though she still plays with the Cube). This piano is almost always on. My little one has learned which buttons play her favorite songs, and she plays her favorites ALL the time and dances to them!

It is true, as one reviewer noted, that older babies and young toddlers will find it nearly impossible to "learn to play" the music by Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, and Schubert provided on the piano. The format for learning is not particularly engaging: my seven-year-old can follow the blinking lights with no problem, but she's restricted to using her pointer fingers unless she had actually memorized the piece. Ultimately, you play the piece off-time. But if you're using the piano for exposure to classical music and terms, and exposure encased in a VERY durable piece of plastic that can get dropped and clunked without breaking, this piano is quite phenomenal (and the batteries last).

The piano also has a quiz mode, which works a bit like a memory game. My little one never uses this feature. She's about choosing the music and listening to it, and she loves that she can turn her piano on and off according to her desires. She totes this around the playroom, placing it on tables, on the floor, or sits down and puts it on her lap, all the while listening to "her" music. She's particularly fond of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and she gets fired up with hilarious dance moves when she listens to the cancan. Essentially, this toy enchants her, which is all I can ask of it!

While she rarely tries to play the piano, preferring its music to her own, she often picks up her tambourine, or her maracas and accompanies a piece. So, though I'm a little tired of the limited number of musical selections and the voices of Quincy, June, etc., I have to rate this as a wonderful purchase. She loves this piano so much that she becomes downright offended if any one else tries to play it--we'll be working on the concept of sharing once she turns two!

I highly recommend this for little ones who seem interested in music: it gets them up and dancing; it gives them a sense of control, as they get to choose the piece that will be played!


BUT BACK TO FAT BRAIN TOYS:

As I mentioned earlier, some products can be found for less money (and with the economy as it is, this is something about which we all care about), but other times, you do need to go to a speciality toy store to get products that are simply not readily available elsewhere (or, as on a site like Amazon, are not likely to be found--UNLESS you are aware of the particular brand for which you are looking). Fat Brain Toys should certainly, in my humble opinion, be one of the first stores towards which you look if you're searching for something chosen to optimize the play-time experience--do check elsewhere, as well, in case you can get the same product for less. But irrespective of from where you choose to buy, this site definitely provides you with an alternative perspective to the world of toys! You may find yourself so captivated by their products and their philosophy that you opt to spend an extra dollar or two (for similarly priced items that are also found elsewhere) simply to support their cause: a world of toys that teach and entertain, a world in which toys have substance.  Now, that is rare indeed.


NOTE: I am working on the Charlie and Lola/Lauren Child post, but am disappointed to see that many of her books have gone out of print and that some Amazon sellers are letting their imaginations (and possibly greed) run away from them, leading to higher than necessary prices for some lovely books. So I am working on the post, working on reviews, etc., but also researching where you might find some of the books at better prices (yes, I am visiting my preferred list of used and remainder bookstores to see if I can find some of her out-of-print wonders for you to bring home to your family). Should have that post up by Monday.

I'm also working on a post on the Kimmidoll's rival. Yes, she has one!

Finally, I will be working on my page, currently under construction (about sales, stores, etc.,) and adding new content to it (like, for instance, Fat Brain Toys)--you'll be seeing more on that page once the holidays are over.

Oh, and I should mention that I am learning HTML (gradually), and will do my best to make this site amazing for you by learning how to incorporate all different kinds of features, but as I am not particularly computer-literate, please bare with me as I go through the learning process!

Thanks in advance for your understanding. Should have a post ready for you by tomorrow or Friday, and Charlie and Lola should be ready by this weekend.

Arts and Crafts

I'm someone very much interested in altered art and collage, but these are not generally projects I undertake with my little ones. Once the holidays are over, I intend to share some of the pieces that I've created over the years, and provide you with a list of incredible books and websites that focus on and teach about this form, but for now, it's back to our lollipops, that is, the children in our lives. So I give you, Arts and Crafts... the fun, the joy of creation, along with its messes!

Image Credit: http://crayola-crayon-maker-sale.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-cites-crayola-study.html

As parents, we all know about the importance of coloring, and exposing our children to art. Don't we all pull out some crayons and a pad of paper at around the time our little ones turn 12-18 months, and encourage them to scribble? Their scribbles are delicious, and it's fascinating to watch our little ones learn how to use something as alien (to them) as a pencil or crayon.

Crayons are definitely an essential for any kid, and there are many varieties out there, from the jumbo size, to the standard slim-sized crayon. For the very young ones, there's also the "Crayola Washable Taboodles Buddies" (contains three). These crayons have gotten some of the worst reviews I have ever seen for any product, and I also have personal experience with them. My assessment: the crayons crack easily (choking hazard alert!), slip out of that jumbo plastic holder as if they have an aversion to it, and the large grip-hold doesn't enhance the experience of coloring at all. Really, they are not worth the money. Give your tiny ones jumbo crayons instead, for the jumbos are not nearly as dainty and are easier to grasp. I also added the beeswax crayons because some people find the quality to be superior.

Naturally, to color, paper is also needed. You might opt for single sheets of paper nabbed out of your printer's tray, or you may decide to buy a paper pad. I've used both, though I do like using Easel paper, since the size is that much larger, making it easier for my little one, with her large, uncontrolled enthusiastic scribbles, to keep her art on the page and off the floor or table!

Once your little ones are a wee bit older, you might choose the slim version of the crayon (image below), which also allows for more creatively colorful combinations. I, for one, am awed by the colors young children combine: they are intrepid about their color choices, and their coloring.
 
I don't know why, but for some reason most young children have a fascination with scissors, and with cutting things--hopefully it's paper, rather than their hair. I've included a few pairs of scissors that have gotten excellent reviews, AND are specifically made for little ones: the blades are not nearly as sharp. Out of the three I mention, the Fiskars brand has gotten the most rave reviews, and are also recommended by teachers.

Image Credit to my daughter
From Fairy Fashion

Image Credit to my daughter from
Fairy Fashion

At about the time that our young ones venture into explosions of color/expression, they are ready for coloring books. Some people prefer not to use them, which I do understand, for then the vision presented is in some way formed by the illustrator who drew the picture, but for those parents who do like using coloring books, there are many out there that also teach your children about other cultures, other eras, imaginary worlds, etc. I've listed a few below:




I have to admit that I bought the Charlie and Lola coloring book for my Isabelle, now seven going on eight, when she was three years old. If you have a little one and don't know about Charlie and Lola (or Lauren Child, their creator), then you should really consider looking over the books, etc. My next post will be devoted to the Charlie and Lola series (which was bought by Disney) and to some of Lauren Child's other books--truly phenomenal on so many levels. I also purchased Fairy Fashion for Isabelle when she was about four or five years old. As for the other coloring books that I've just featured, I can't say much about them other than that Dover makes high-quality coloring books that include relevant information about each of the topics they feature, so while your children color, they have the chance to learn something too (only problem is if your children are using markers--sometimes the colors bleed onto the next page). And the coloring book about The Very Hungry Caterpillar, seems like a diamond mine since so many children are familiar with the story!

For those of you who have older children, ages six and up, there are delightful kits out there. Djeco makes some of the most gorgeous paint/color kits I have ever seen, all of which are designed by artists, and the company also makes kits suitable for younger children. I have to admit that I love the richness of their color palettes, and the presentation of the kits. Faber Castell also has some interesting kits out there. With these kits, you get one piece of canvas on which the image to be painted is lightly illustrated, a sheet of paper that has the image on it along with the numbered color codes, and the necessary tools for painting/coloring the kit.



Kits are not for everyone, though! Sometimes you want to give your children paints, canvas, an easel, and have them express themselves unfettered by the "paint by number" requirements. One of the most popular standing easels out there is made by Melissa and Doug. I received one as a present for my Isabelle when she was three, and she loved it. It's soon going to be traded down to her little sister, so the forecast for me is that I'll be cleaning up a lot of artistic explosions. The positive? I'll get to build a portfolio that showcases my tiny tot's artistic side. If you don't have room for a standing easel, try the desk top version.


Coming up later this week: Charlie and Lola--the books and DVDs, and other works by their creator, Lauren Child!

How to send your Hermione or Harry to Hogwarts for the Holidays

Image credit:  CatPurple111 for the "Pottermore Insider"

NOTE: REPOSTING THIS BECAUSE I'VE ADDED QUITE A BIT. (Sorry!)
So many children wish to go to this wonderful imaginary world, and not just the one at Universal Studies. Quick list of how, IF your children are readers or enjoy being read to (and yes, I will mention J.K. Rowlings' books and mention the movies, but not until the end of the post!) you can provide them with some potential course work as well as with a few novelty items that may make their virtual Hogwart's experience that much more fulfilling.

Generally, I would write detailed reviews about what I'm about to showcase, but these books are all so popular that it hardly seems necessary. I've decided to group the list that follows because I have yet to see a syllabus, and a school supply list made for kids focussed on this very special world. Your kids are about to get one, and you, as Dumbledore (or Professor McGonagall), ultimately decide what they shall learn this season.

Draco dormiens numquam titillandus, or NEVER tickle a sleeping dragon. If you recall, dragons do factor in Rowling's world, and dear Hagrid has a sincere love for them (and all other strange, magical--sometimes dangerous--creatures). Charlie, Ron's brother, worked at a dragon sanctuary, and Harry bested a Hungarian Horntail, a dragon as fierce as the image the name conjures, during the Triwizard Tournament. There are many other mentions of dragons in the series, so with that, I thought the following book very appropriate for the syllabus:

1) Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, or/and 2) Dragonology Code Writing Kit  
I gave this book to my seven-year-old a month ago, and she seemed to lose all of her hearing abilities until she had read it from start to finish. Since then, she's come back to the book at least two-three times for a fresh reading. She absolutely adores the tactile samples of "dragon skins" and all the other little surprises, like envelopes that need to be opened, etc. Also, the paper is durable, a necessity considering its interactive components, and the illustrations are drawn with great care. I highly recommend it. Although it's aimed at children eight and older, many parents who have reviewed this book have purchased it for their younger wizards, who are equally pleased! Amazon hosts additional photos of this book on their site so you can catch a glimpse of what your kids are in for. :)


Note: Retail value is about $20.00 for the Dragonology Book, and $10.00 for the code-writing kit, which is stationary.
Sababa Dragonlogy: The Game
Well, it's not Wizard Chess, but it is a game of knowledge mastery (with a bit of luck and strategy thrown it). Had Harry discovered this treasure, he would have nabbed his egg in no time at all, but alas, muggles everywhere immersed in the excitement and danger of that moment, would have felt a bit cheated by his instant mastery! I've been contemplating this purchase for quite some time, and may yet succumb.
Direct description from the manufacturer (have not yet found anything said about the game other than that it was fun!): "Who will become the Master Dragonologist? This high-adventure board game is based on the NY Times best-selling title, Dragonology. Players travel around [...]by air, land [&} sea collecting Dragons and knowledge. Learn about the nine different species of dragons on your quest by using ancient spells and dragon charms to help in your pursuit. The object...: master any three of the nine dragons and be the first to advance to the dragon's eye. This game is beautifully crafted [&] the pieces and board are intricately detailed. With the same authentic look and feel as the book, Dragonology: The Game includes a game board that is also an ancient map, nine [...] detailed 3D sculpted dragons, six well-acclaimed Dragonologist figures, knowledge cards, transportation tickets and a 12-sided die. Dragon figures are of the European, American Amphithere, Cockatrice, Frost Dragon, Gargouille, Asian Lung, Knucker, Wyvern [&] the Marsupial Dragon. This game takes [about] 60 minutes to play."  

Image credit: Harry Potter Wiki

3) Monsterology: The Complete Book of Monstrous Beasts, or/and 4) The Monsterology Handbook
Before I comment on my book recommendation, I will say that to Hagrid, Harry, and especially Neville whom the book attacked, the book I'm suggesting is tame. Remember the book from Hagrid's syllabus?  A belt was used to restrain it, and to open it without being attacked, well, one had to stroke it: even monsters (and monstrous books) like good manners, I suppose!
This Monsterology does feature the Hippogriff, the phoenix (with an encased specimen of the ashes left in its nest after it burst into flames), as well as information on unicorns and centaurs (and other fabulous creatures). Again, the book is laden with interactive components and has lovely illustrations. Am giving this (and the Handbook) beauty to my daughter for Christmas, along with some other items from my version of the Hogwart's syllabus.


Note: Retail value is about $20.00 for Monsterology and $12.99 for the Handbook.
5) Wizardology: The Book of the Secrets of Merlin and/or, 6) Wizardology Code-Writing Kit   

taken from Amazon.

Alas, Dumbledore is not featured, though his preferred robes are. That said, the book has great features. And I did like a few of the opening lines: "Wizardology is not a subject to be pottered with." Couldn't help but think of Harry! There are chapters on integrity for wizards, appropriate familiars for wizards (naturally the owl is featured, as is the cat, and the toad). Everything from divination, to appropriate flying gear are mentioned (enhanced by fabulous illustrations or mini pamphlets, etc.,) and a challenge is given at the start of the book. Another enchanting introduction to "Magical Studies" (since, as "muggles," we (hopefully) understand our own world, at least a bit) for your little wizard.


Note: Retail Value is about $20.00 for Wizardology, and $10.00 for the code-writing kit, which consists of stationary and some BASIC codes.
7) Harry Potter Schoolbooks: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them/ Quidditch through the Ages and 8) The Tales of Beetle the Bard
Yes, these two classics (and they do look used, in a very clean way!) are found in the Hogwarts Library. Wonder if they would go in the restricted section? I must ask my daughter her thoughts once she has read them, but my assumption is no, as Harry and Ron have added their own comments alongside of the margins. Yes, real text books! The books are written by no other than J.K. Rowling, though she does adopt pseudonyms to further secure you in the Hogwarts world. Added bonus: proceeds from the sale of this book go to help "muggle" children, that is, children from our world.
The Tales of Beetle the Bard, are fairy tales for wizards, and the beloved Dumbledore provides commentary on each of the stories. Nice touch!






ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL: If you're going to send your kids to Hogwarts, they need to know the storyline. That said, please remember that J.K. Rowlings published one book per every year or two, and (unlike some writers), made the assumption that her readers would be at least one year older, and thus a bit more mature, when they read her subsequent book. If you have young wizards on hand, I recommend making them wait to read the entire series... you know your children, and what will haunt them. I've let my seven-year-old read through The Goblet of Fire. I've explained to her that many of Harry's beloved friends/protectors die as the series continue (without mentioning the specifics). But with each passing book, Harry and his friends face more threatening scenarios, and lose people for whom they care. It all depends on what you think your child can handle: some will be undaunted, while others will cringe with fear (depending upon their ages and perspective, and attachment to the characters). My daughter gets to read the next book (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) at the start of her holidays. Then she'll wait another year to read the following book. The positive: She's tremendously excited about getting to read a "new" Harry Potter book--the year of waiting has made her anticipate this forthcoming moment, and I think she'll relish the experience all the more. Also, since she so adores the series, she has re-read each of the books she knows at least twice, and thus gotten a better understanding of the plot-line, vocabulary, etc. and understands the reasons why I haven't handed her the entire set. Just something to think about. :)

Recommended Reading (so much more on the way):
1)Harry Potter Page to Screen, or, 2) Harry Potter Film Wizardry:

Image credit: JM from Amazon

Recently published, the former book is sure to amaze your older and/or fervent Harry Potter fan. Currently, it's rated at # 36 in books. Wow. But with over 500 pages that include never-before-seen photographs, most of which were taken on-set in the midst of the filming of each of these movies, and detailed information regarding the creation of props and costumes, as well as quotes by those who starred in the films and those who created the world we have come to recognize as Harry's (and naturally Rowling's perspective), it is no wonder that this tome is so popular--even with the muggle set. :)
The Film Wizardry book came out in 2010. Loaded with interactive components, like a marauder's map that you can unfold, glimpses of the Weasley brothers Christmas catalogue, to detailed photos that capture the essence of some of the more remarkable scenes in each of movies, this book looks like a keeper. I suppose, this might be our version of The History of Hogwarts.


Many schools and universities have stores that sell more than the required books and school supplies. At these stores, we find banners, tee-shirts, mugs--everything that emphasizes the school's brand and name. So, going with the theme, I thought I'd highlight some items that might be available at the school store, if Hogwarts had one. If you can't find it at Hogwarts, try Diagon Alley.

School supplies:
More Forthcoming, but for now....
Snowy Owl Cuddlekins: Out of all of the white owls I saw (apart from the puppets, image of one is below), this is the one that seems to Harry Potter devotees to be the most authentic in look and the best in quality of materials. If your little one does not require a white one, then I recommend the Aurora World 9" Barney owl--he is truly darling, but not much one for cuddling (I wrote a review of him on Amazon's site).
As we all know, Hogwarts encourages its students to bring an owl, a cat, a rat, or a toad along with them. Here are a few owls!



The Harry Potter Gryffindor House Scarf: Who doesn't want one? Most obvious answer would be the students from Slytherin. This one, made of 100% lambswool has gotten rave reviews concerning its warmth, and overall quality. Hey, it even has a crest! The criticisms are that the wool is a bit itchy, so keep that in mind if your kids have sensitive skin, AND that color is more purple than burgundy. I've actually seen a gorgeous scarf at Whole Foods--of all places--that comes in Burgundy and Gold and looks incredibly authentic. Will check out the maker the next time I head over that may. That scarf sells (at Whole Foods) for about $33.00


Yes, it's the Harry Potter Divination Sticker Kit: Get set for Professor Trelawny's class, by building a crystal gazing miniature globe, which comes with a "magical, mysterious" ball as well as stickers to help design it, and a plastic platform to support it. If, like Hermione, your child is a sceptic of divination, you might provide the more random and "conclusive" Magic Eight Ball. Maybe the Weasley Brothers snuck it in as a gag. :)


Scientific Explorer's The Magic Science for Wizards Only: Hopefully Professor Snape will have a substitute teacher on the day that your wizard engages in this science/potions lesson. Make magical potions and transfigure one color to another. The one complaint made by parents of wizards is regarding the difficulty in creating the wand. Apart from that, this Wizard/potions class kit seems quite popular. Glad to see it's finally on the Prime List. :)


Goodies and Gores:

Credit goes to my little girl.

Wondrous Wizards Coloring Book AND The Magical Wizards Stained Glass Coloring Book:
This coloring book, filled with 30 magnificently detailed illustrations, may very well appeal to your younger wizards. I purchased this two years ago for my daughter (when she was five), and she spent hours coloring the pages. Her sole critique was that there weren't enough depictions of "lady" wizards. Truthfully, the book dedicates half of its pages to "lady" wizards. Still, once my little one finished coloring and further embellishing her preferred wizards, she decided that the male wizards warranted being colored as well. I've always loved the coloring books created by Dover, for the paper isn't of that flimsy quality, and their books focus on a wide range of topics.
As for the stained glass coloring book, I haven't purchased this one, but the two reviewers simply adored it, and I have purchased other "stained glass coloring books" for my daughter. She loves them! One such book that I purchased features Mermaids, and since, in "The Goblet of Fire", Harry interacts with the Merpeople, I thought I'd share that one as well.


Harry Potter Bertie Botts Every Flavour Jelly Beans (2 boxes):
Apart from traditional flavors like cinnamon, blueberry, or cherry, your children can also experience the delightful taste of the earthworm, the booger, some earwax, vomit, or even a rotten egg! But your kids have an advantage that Harry did not--they get to look at the back of the box, which identifies each differently colored bean with the flavor it suggests, so no unexpected foul flavors for your little ones.


Harry Potter Crest Peel and Stick Giant Wall Decal; Harry Potter Peel and Stick Wall Decals (small):
Everyone wants to decorate the dorm rooms, and make things feel a little more personal. Here are some wall decals that may do just that. I ordered the character details for my older daughter, and like the look of them, though have yet to see her expression when she sees them!

Bored, try a board game, or Bingo, or a book! Just a handful of suggestions.

There are thousands of games out there, and obviously I can feature but a handful of them, though I will be working--albeit slowly--at expanding this list (and transferring them to my page dedicated to board games). I wish to highlight some popular games, but most of the games that I find appealing (as fun and, therefore, subtle learning tools for my children) are not always readily available.

The games that I play with my older daughter always have a feature of some kind that appeals to me (if the game is cooperative, or based on history, or has a certain level of strategy, and enables us to imagine scenarios and chat, then I'm enthused about playing, too!). I'm not yet playing board games with my younger daughter, though she does excel at sweeping into the room as we're playing a game and then swaggering off with the necessary pieces, applauding herself for her incredible sniper techniques--she's fast and accurate in aim. This can be frustrating!

HORSE BINGO and other BINGO GAMES by Lucy Hammett (only the Bird Bingo is Prime Eligible)

Here, I am speaking specifically about horse bingo, but as you see, there are many variations. So, without further ado, if you have a child in your family who absolutely adores horses, then this game is likely to be a hit. I purchased this for my daughter shortly before she turned six; she is now closing in on eight, and we are still playing it.

The game is meant for 2-6 players. It comes with plastic chips, 42 information/bingo calling cards, which arrive on a few sheets of a light-weight card stock and have perforated edges that need to be carefully ripped apart, and six picture bingo boards, also made of a light card stock. So, the quality of the materials is not first-rate, but it's not a terribly expensive game either.

The plus side: you do learn a great deal about horses. The front side of each bingo playing card portrays a different breed of horse, or depicts an act or piece associated with horseback riding (like the Western Saddle, or show jumping), while the back of each card gives a brief history of the horse and its attributes, or a definition of an item associated with whatever aspect of horsemanship is being shown. Example: "The Lipizzaner is a breed renowned for its association with the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria. They are intelligent and have docile temperaments. Lipizzaners are usually gray, though some families produce browns and bays."

The game is fast to play, and easy to learn. You can make it as educational as you want: pore over the cards and learn what you can about the horses--even use them as quiz decks, if you so choose--or just have a rollicking horse-themed bingo game.

The colored illustrations (real photography--no cartoon imagery) make it easy for children to learn to distinguish horse breeds even if you don't spend much time discussing the history, etc.

Final note: Lucy Hammett Games have received at least three Parents' Choice Awards over the years, and she has bingo games on many, many topics, including Space Bingo, Reptile Bingo, etc. Lots of choices!



Geo TOYS WORLD GEO BINGO GAME (and a bit more):
As a family, we're all about educational games that are also fun to play. This one is a definite hit with my seven-year-old (and my husband and I enjoy playing it as well). In this game, you receive 50 country cards (constructed of a fairly durable and laminated cardstock), wooden bingo chips, and eight bingo boards. You also have the option of playing more than one bingo board at a time.

As for the chips: they are made of wood--won't break! The boards are fairly durable, but should do well if returned to the box after playing the game. The country cards are sturdy and can be shuffled with ease without them instantly developing creases, etc. A few nice features of the cards, apart from the vivid colors that illustrate the country (and those surrounding it): they mention the capital as well as the general population of the designated country; the top of each card, which labels the country you're searching for, is highlighted in purple, pink, green, or orange--this color categorization "illustrates" the continent on which the country belongs.

The game DOES have some problems, but as we know, we only have 50 country cards, so not every country out there is depicted. One example of an issue that I had with this game: the Americas are designated as one continent, though in English speaking countries (since post World War II), one distinguishes between North and South America. There are similar issues with some of the other countries with respect to their continent associations.

From Worldglobes.com (with free shipping)

SOLUTION (potential): Pull out a map or a globe while playing the game and use it to enhance game play and allow you/your child to get a more definite sense of where each of the countries found in this game are located. While the cards themselves are visually descriptive, the nature of the game does not give you a sense of where you really are. Having a map on hand solves this issue. We actually pulled out another one of our games (the map is decent, but not spectacular on this game, since everything is made small-scale so as to fit on the board) called Name That Country (mentioned below) so that our daughter could get a better sense of where the country was truly located. We are now using a real map, though, as you get better illustrations. Once we started doing this, our daughter immediately began to get a better sense of "where" she was, and is doing better at identifying the countries and their continents.

Essentially, this game can be extremely educational or fairly educational. It all depends on how far you're willing to take it. If you just play Bingo, you'll learn a bit, but if you also take the time to glance at a map, take note of the capitals (and then, on the drive or walk to school or during dinner, do spontaneous, pressure-free quizzes about what continent the country is associated with, the name of its capital, what countries are nearby, etc., it is HIGHLY educational). Another fun thing to do is to talk about the shape of the country and to see if your child can come up with an image that locks the shape of the country in his/her mind. I had done this before, but after reading The Little Man in the Map (link to book is above), which deals exclusively with the United States and attempts to create visual imagery of each of the states (fairly well done, though the rhymed verses help considerably), our family has adopted this strategy. We all remember that Italy is a boot, but Chile could be a snake that's shedding its skin, and inside of Canada is a little bunny with large ears.

Definitely a great, unobtrusive teaching tool where you and your child learn together while having fun. We're learning a lot too, and it's a pleasure to see geography transformed from something daunting and intimidating to something fun and imaginative--a game she wants to play!


Name That Country (above):  
It's one of the easiest games that we've ever played, in context of the very well-written directions. My sole complaint: the map is tiny! But again, this problem can be resolved by purchasing a map to use as a reference. We make this game a lot of fun, and relate the various countries to places we have been, and to places about which we have read. I really try to turn on the humor and cast NO judgement about what my little girl can easily identify or not: the point is to get her engaged and make her think of geography as fun, so we make observations about the size of the country, what the country is shaped like, etc. And, like with some of her other geography games, I later quiz her (informally) about what we have learned. Another strategy: let your kids know when you don't instantly know something, or, how you learned to identify it. I think this is especially important when you have a child who is a perfectionist, and feels that she/he should know something simply because the knowledge is out there, and feels defeated when she/he doesn't.

Made for Trade:
Well, our family loves to play it (pulled out of the game cupboard at least once a week). My daughter is seven, and I've used this game to get her feet wet regarding early American history.

There are many levels of play for this game. To this point, we have played two levels. 1) At the tourist level: if you're able to land on a shop "enter" space, you can enter the shop and, again, if lucky enough to roll the dice and score the number/price for which the object in that shop is being sold, you gain the item--assuming you have enough shillings, but... Ah! There's the rub. Often you don't have enough money/shillings to pay. What do you learn from this? My daughter and I have spoken of how difficult it was to gain items during this period; we've pretended we had a bad harvest, or that England taxed us, etc. True, we're dealing with luck (in the game), but in early times, you were lucky to have the shillings to pay for essentials and had to wait some time to earn them. This level of game play goes fairly fast and no event cards are used. 2) At the Trader level (you start as an indentured servant with NO rights to enter shops unless so directed by an Event card, and become a free citizen. You become a free citizen through luck: rolling certain numbers, drawing an event card that frees you, or by passing the entire board once. What have we learned? On the most basic level, she understands that it was hard to be an indentured servant, and that if you don't have shillings to pay fines, you spend a lot of time in gaol (jail: this led us to how spelling has changed over the centuries). Being in gaol has led us to imagine why, for those times, we were in jail. Once you become a free citizen, you get your 6 shillings, and apart from "harvest day" and one other day, you draw no income unless you get an Event card that gives you some--again, lesson learned is that it was hard to accumulate possessions, even necessities. As a trader, you're given an inventory, based on the character you choose, and you have to accumulate those items. The marketplace and bartering (and math) come into play more at this stage, as does some basic history. For instance, you learn about smallpox, theatrical productions, etc. Very basic, but the game is meant for young children after all, not those who have already studied American History.

Overall, I am pleased with this product. Yes, the issue with how the directions were written has driven me a bit mad, but we've worked through it. When we play, we call each other "Miss, Mr., etc.". We've started listening to music from the period as we play so as to become more familiar with what was then considered popular. The game pieces are sturdy cardboard construction, and if we lose a piece, we can go to early American costume books and find a character that interests us. We can make new inventory lists, we can make new EVENT cards that demonstrate other aspects of early American history. In short, we are turning this into our own game and my daughter is quite taken with the idea of researching to add new Event cards, and looking through costume books to find additional characters so that we can make new inventory cards. So yes, the game has its limitations, but this inadequacy leaves you able to do what you will with it. This game can be incredibly fun: my daughter loves imaging she's from the time and we even try to use language from the period when we are playing the game.

I love the game and all of its possibilities. Yes, it has problems, but with a little imagination... a little imagination goes a long way and leads to this having endless possibilities. I would certainly purchase this game again and am always happy to play it with her. A book that compliments this game fairly well is Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolution. One of my favorite quotes/insights: "Sybil Ludington was sixteen years old when she rode forty miles though a rainy night to spread the news of a British attack and round of four hundred militiamen to fight back. (Remember Paul Revere? His ride was only sixteen miles long.)" Anyway, the book is a nice addition to any young person's personal library.

CONS About the Game:
Poorly written directions;
Limited Events;
Items are not from one period (but stretch past the Victorian era);
Limited level of strategy.

PROS About the Game:
Sturdy materials (not near a toddler);
If you lose a shilling or a piece, you can use a penny or find your own characters to photocopy;
You can create your own Event cards to teach or enforce certain parts of life;
You can create your own Inventory lists (and add to the inventory);
You can listen to music from the period while playing;
You can role play as if you're from that period.


10 Days in Europe Game:
I have not yet played this game (or any of the others in this series), but was attracted to the concept--10 days to tour Europe or another continent by plane, foot, ship, or train, using your connection and destination tiles, and a bit of luck mixed with some strategy, to get all your destinations locked in before your fellow travelers. I've ordered the one focused on Europe as a Christmas present for my seven-year-old. I'm really looking forward to playing this with her, as the Europe version allows for "ship" travel! But, unlike some of the other games highlighted above, does not allow for rail travel. Apparently, you can also add the individual games together, though I do not yet understand how. I suppose you need a couple of these games to figure it out. We shall see. :)
Everyone of these games has gotten phenomenal reviews by parents (including some who claim it's that much more fun when you're playing with other adults). Each one of these games has won the Parenting Seal of Approval, the Parents Choice Gold Award, the Major Fun Award, the Mensa Award, etc. Hoping it's a winner, but feeling quite confident about it, since I've read a remarkable number of reviews on the entire series, which is why I mention it to you!

I know, I know, it sounds like the only games we play are geography ones! Not true. My daughter, husband, and I play lots of varied board games, and I'm working on showcasing them, but wanted to put this one up so I could wrap it. :)