lilSugar -- Mommy's little helper.

Hanukkah 101: Festive Texts and Tunes

lilsugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:00:02 -0800

"Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel" and Adam Sandler's "Hanukkah Song," often come to mind when many people think of Hanukkah songs. While the selection of tunes and books is nowhere near as vast as it is for Christmas, there are some great items out there...if you search. But, we've done the hard work for you so find our top bookstore picks for the Festival of Lights below. They include David Carter's Chanukah Bugs, an adorable pop-up book about eight bugs celebrating, a few holiday themed books featuring your favorite children's characters and a collection of songs by folk legend Woody Guthrie that he wrote in honor of his mother-in-law. Now your Hanukkah party can get rocking!

Texts and Tunes: Always

lilsugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:00:00 -0800

We love our kids despite their imperfections much like they love us. The book Always ($11) celebrates this sentiment and assures youngsters that the love stands when they're well behaved and when they aren't.

The pages are filled with questions a son poses to his mother like, "Do you love me when I eat my peas?" and "Do you love me when I don't?" From finger painting with toothpaste on the mirror to splashing in puddles while wearing his new sneakers, the adorable boy gets into harmless mischief, which is beautifully illustrated. You and your wee one will get a kick out of this text that reminds us all of what's really important — unconditional love.

Lil Tip: Restaurant Story Time

lilsugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:00:14 -0800

While much has been said about the importance of the family meal no one ever said that meal had to be at home. My husband and I love to take our lil ones out to dinner to try new foods, but doing so does take some planning.

When building with sugar packets and playing with the paper from our straws grows old, I dive into my bag to pull out some tricks to keep everyone entertained. In addition to crayons and travel-sized games, my latest restaurant necessity is a lift-the-flap book that will keep my son busy while his meal is being prepared. These Fisher Price Little People books ($9) fit perfectly into my diaper bag and provide a good 20 minutes of activity until our server returns with our food. In addition to providing my lil guy with some hands on fun, I've found the books to be a great way to enhance his vocabulary. With eight books in the collection, I foresee many more enjoyable dinners out in our future.

Texts and Tunes: Gallop!

lilsugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00:00 -0800

Most tots like to move around as much as they love to sit down with mommy for a good book. Gallop!: A Scanimation Picture Book ($11) unites both in a fun book for everyone to enjoy.

Unlike any text I've seen, Gallop! brings movement to the story with each turn of the page. Your child will want to read it again and again to see the horse gallop, the turtle swim, the dog run, as well as watch other animals magically move around. Simple questions like, "Can you gallop like a horse?" will make your lil one eager to mimic the movement and keep her excited for the pages that follow. Younger children will get a kick out of the book, but it's the older children who will be amazed at how the images float across the page. I am still in awe when I read the tale to my tots.

Texts and Tunes: Iggy Peck Architect

babysugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:00:31 -0800

If there's one thing that most tots do well, it's building things up and tearing them down. Aside from giving them the literal building blocks to make their imaginations come alive, the quirky and delightful book Iggy Peck Architect ($11) will help them to see the positive side of being eccentric, creative, and persistent.

Appealing to elementary-age children, author Andrea Beaty tells a tale of a young boy who has always delighted in building creative structures — even a tower of dirty diapers! His biggest cheerleaders, his parents encourage his passion though his second-grade teacher hinders it. Quelling his constructive activities, Miss Greer won't allow Iggy to deploy his building antics in the classroom until . . . she and the class desperately need them on a field trip. From then on, Iggy is a local hero and applauded for his creative mind.

babysugar Diaries: Welcome Sibling Book

babysugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:00:48 -0800

Friends keep asking if my daughter knows that she is getting a sibling. My answer to that is, "Sort of." She can nod her head when asked if there's a baby growing in mommy's tummy, but I don't think she understands that life is actually developing. In an effort not to totally rock her world, we have given her a baby doll, moved her to the big girl bed relinquishing the crib for "baby" and read countless big sister books. Of all the ones on the market, I like these the best mostly because they fit into a series of books that she already enjoys so much.

Texts and Tunes: Beatles Hits For Kids

babysugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:00:10 -0700

Somehow the '60s British boy band, The Beatles, has managed to stand the test of time. Having lived through the "American Invasion," baby boomers, many now grandparents, used to scream and even cry at the site of the bowl cut lads. Now, their spawn can enjoy the legacy of the pop band, too.

The Bingo Kids Sing Beatles Hits for Kids ($15) on a CD featuring the 15 sing-along-songs such as "She Loves You," "Ob-La-Di, Ob La-Da," and "Yellow Submarine." Different from the original recordings of Ringo, Paul, John and George, youngsters sing back up encouraging your tot to get in on the action. For Beatles lovers like myself, I'd be oh so delighted if my wee one belted out "I Want to Hold Your Hand" in the backseat while we bopped about town running errands. Bonus — no chipmunks were involved in the recording process.

Texts and Tunes: Kidz Bop Halloween

babysugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:00:22 -0700

An evening spent carving pumpkins and roasting seeds always puts me on cloud nine. The only thing that betters the experience is inviting friends over for some cocktails (mocktails in my case) and playing some festive music for the wee ones.

The Kidz Bop Halloween CD ($14) is sure to be a hit with tiny tots and parents. Moms and dads will appreciate nostalgic tunes like "Ghostbusters" and "Thriller" while the newbies pick up the lyrics and invent dance moves in between mushing the pumpkin innards.

To see the full playlist of songs,

Classic Book Quiz

lilsugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:00:30 -0700

Reading to your children is one of the best ways to spend quality time with your tot. But, how closely do you pay attention to the tales in the texts. Take this quiz and test your book knowledge.

Texts and Tunes: Meditations for New Mothers

babysugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:00:54 -0700

One of my dearest friends called me recently with panic and sadness in her voice. Ashamed of her mood, I immediately understood what she was going through — crossing the threshold into motherhood. Most everyone you meet talks about falling immediately in love with their newborn and what bliss it was to become a mother for the first time. Rarely do people talk of the late night feedings, memory loss, night sweats and feelings of incompetence that come with the new title "mother."

In Beth Wilson Saavedra's New Meditations for Mothers ($8), new mothers can read though 300 plus anecdotes and quotes from other mommies. Learning to accept what is offered and giving thanks for what is present are often part of the learning process, as are guilt and exhaustion. Perfect for a baby shower gift or a friend in need, Meditations for New Mothers is a quick read for which any new mom can find time.

Reading: Does the Topic Matter?

babysugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:00:44 -0700

One of the best gifts any parent can give their child is the love for reading. Reading experts often encourage new parents to introduce their newborns to books starting on day one. Whether it's the newspaper, a magazine, or Goodnight Moon, they say that the ritual and inflection are often what matters most.

As infants grow and their reading capabilities sharpen, the subject of the texts obviously becomes more relevant. I would rather my daughter choose to read To Kill a Mockingbird over Sweet Valley High, but I think reading anything over nothing is preferable.

The well-known book supplier Scholastic holds book fairs in elementary schools throughout the country. On their lists of available titles are often some of pop culture's favorite characters: Sponge Bob and Harry Potter are just two. Until recently, Bratz were also part of the Scholastic collection. That was until more than 5,000 people from the Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhood wrote to Scholastic pressuring them to take any form of the dolls out of schools, even in books. Initially, the book company took the stance that Bratz books were important to reach "reluctant readers." For kids who dislike reading but love the Bratz, I think it's a valid argument. If my daughter chose to read a Bratz book over nothing at all, I'd have a hard time pulling that book, albeit brain candy, from her lil hands.

What's your position on pulling commercialized type books like Bratz from schools?

Texts and Tunes: Children's Political Story Books

babysugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Election season is the perfect time to teach your tot a thing or two about the political world around them. In a year where so much is at stake and the candidates are neck and neck, party talk dominates many adult conversations. Don't leave the kids in the dust — keep them in the know with their own stash of political reads.

Texts and Tunes: Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

babysugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:00:19 -0700

As a child, when I heard the opening notes of "I Know an Old Lady (Who Swallowed a Fly)" I would be rolled on the floor in fits of laughter. The Pete Seeger song was a staple in our home and we played it until the tape wore out. I recently introduced the folk tune to my daughter, who thinks it is one of the silliest stories she has ever heard.

So when I came upon this set ($50) that includes the old lady and the eight insects and animals she eats to get to the fly, I knew I'd found a winner. We can now act out the story as we read along with the accompanying book. I foresee many belly laughs in our future.

Texts and Tunes: Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

babysugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:00:12 -0700

What's not to like about a spunky lil mouse who dons red cowboy boots and has a feisty attitude? Lilly the Mouse has all that and more.

Author Kevin Henkes tells a charming and educational tale in Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse ($11). So excited that she just can't hide it, the wee varmint shows off her new purse against her teacher's warnings. Admonished for her naughty behavior, Lilly can't handle the punishment, which only gets her into more trouble. Lilly learns how to cope with disappointment the hard way and eventually finds joy in unexpected places.

Texts and Tunes: Ella Takes the Cake

babysugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:00:26 -0700

Every morning, my wee one helps me out by putting her clothes in the dirty laundry and cleaning up her toys. I don't know why she is eager to help out around the house, but I like to encourage that behavior in hopes of prolonging it into a lifelong habit.

Ella the elephant is in the same boat. In Carmela and Steven D'Amico's Ella Takes the Cake ($12), the kind-hearted soul offers to help her mother in every which way, but her mom keeps her doing menial tasks. Seeing an opportunity to lend a helping hand, the capable girl takes it upon herself to deliver a three-tiered cake via bicycle to her mother's client across town. Through trials and tribulations, the delightful Ella makes good on her promise while proving that she can handle more responsibility.

Texts and Tunes: They Might Be Giants

babysugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:00:34 -0700

Known to adults as a quirky lil rock bad, They Might Be Giants may appear just like well, giants, to their tiniest fans. Singers John Flansburgh and John Linnell encourage families to toss aside the sing–song "Hello Everybody" tunes and trade them in for some pop and rock on their children's compilations. Wee ones can jam and dance while learning history, ABCs and 123s. Those wanting to add visuals to the audio can tune into the podcasts on iTunes for free! Take a look at their "Davy Crockett" song below. Do you like it?

Texts and Tunes: Corduroy

babysugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:00:30 -0700

It may be hard to believe but the famous little bear Corduroy is turning 40 years old! Don Freeman's tale ($15) of a stuffed teddy feeling ashamed about his lack of buttons is a classic that touches the hearts of adults and children. Adored and wanted by a patient girl, her mother convinces her to leave without the doll. Worried about his lack of buttons, the furry bear spends the night in the department store where he finds himself in a bit of trouble. When the sun rises again, both Corduroy and the little girl are happily reunited — faults and all.

Teaching your tots about patience, imperfection and obedience, this text, no matter the main character's age, will never get old. Celebrate the green overall adorned bear with a special 40th year edition Russ Corduroy that reads the story aloud to your child.

Mommy? What's a President?

lilsugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:30:53 -0700

Kissing babies has long been a part of the presidential election process, but now more children are becoming interested in the campaign as a result of nonstop media coverage and listening in to mommy and daddy's conversations.

The What Presidents Are Made of book ($13) is a good starter for political tots. It focuses on 17 US presidents and includes short antidotes that show the human side of our former presidents. For example, George Washington is "…made of good deeds."

Looking for more presidential presents? I've rounded up some patriotic gear and a few other books that will help you teach your children about the presidential process.

Texts and Tunes: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

babysugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:00:18 -0700

Want to teach your kid a real-life lesson? Some days stink. From beginning to end, the 1972 classic tale Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day ($8) humors readers with a woeful tale of one lad's miserable day.

Judith Viorst's book starts:

I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on a skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

As you flip the pages, one might expect the childlike ramblings to turn into a sunny story of smiles and laughter. However, Alexander (and the reader), discover that some days are just destined to be well, terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. Cranky Alexander is dealt one blow after another; prizeless cereal boxes, teacher scrutiny, peer rejection, sibling rivalry, tooth cavity, shoe shortages, and lima beans for dinner. Even the family cat deserts him at bedtime.

While nobody wishes such downhearted days for their child, it is a valuable lesson worth teaching — things don't always go your way.

Texts and Tunes: Sock Monkey Boogie Woogie

babysugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700

While youngsters enjoy classics like Pat the Bunny, they also delight in silly books that leave them rolling on the ground laughing. Fire up the belly laughs with a copy of Cece Bell's Sock Monkey Boogie Woogie ($10).

As the Big Celebrity Dance quickly approaches, Sock Monkey realizes he has no date for the event. Desperate for a dancing partner, the simian fellow holds auditions that prove unproductive. The auditioning robot is "too clunky" while the plastic troll is "too funky." Using his creative juices, Sock Monkey stitches together his own partner — a mirror image of himself. Sock Monkey and Sock Buddy have loads of fun boogie wooging the night away.

Parents can use the felicitous tale to spur family activities — make your own sock monkeys and have your own dance party!

Text and Tunes: Lisa Loeb's Catch the Moon Album

lilsugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:05:00 -0700

Lisa Loeb and Elizabeth Mitchell's children's album Catch the Moon ($14) is a subtle and sweet addition to a genre that normally produces the type of tunes that wear on adult nerves. Loeb's lullaby voice is the perfect vessel for folky favorites like "Big Rock Candy Mountain," "Catch The Moon" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." The songs are infectious, but not repetitive or flighty — the ideal soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon or a wind down to naptime.

To see Loeb perform "Catch the Moon" with Elizabeth Mitchell,

Texts and Tunes: Classic Books That Never Get Old

lilsugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:01:00 -0700

Like them or not, classic books are staple gifts and bedtime reads because of their nostalgia inducing images and phrases for parents and their sweet tried and true story hooks that leave a smile on even the sleepiest kid's face.

I've always preferred reading my children contemporary tales, but I do have a soft spot in my heart for the classics like Pat the Bunny and Good Night Moon. I have put together a list of my favorite go-to traditional tales. What's the classic in your house?

Texts and Tunes: Sweet Alphabet Book

babysugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:00:16 -0700

A is for Apple, B is for Bear and C is for Cat. Sound familiar? After a while, all the alphabet books start to look the same. Sweet Art Design has a new twist on an old story.

Parents seeking to raise a multilingual child may find this book ($27) an entry to the languages of love — French, Spanish and Italian. Each letter is presented to the reader in English and another tongue with crafty and vivid illustrations that catch the young reader's attention. "Qu'est–ce qui commence avec la lettre B? What starts with the letter B? Un balloon qui flotte haut dans le ciel. A balloon that floats high in the sky."

While I try not to judge a book by its cover, which is available in green, pink or blue, the lovely binding declaring it "Chloe's Alphabet Book" makes it irrésistible.

Child Owner's Manual: Remember, There's No Return Policy

babysugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:00:52 -0700

The standing joke about wishing kids came with a manual is funny when you're on the outside, but once you have children the notion is all too real. Father and author Joe Borgenicht teamed up with his own dad, pediatrician Dr. Louis Borgenicht, and a group of other experts to create a series of Owner's Manual books with step-by-step parental instructions and schematic diagrams.

The books may look silly, but they're actually the perfect gift for first-time parents. The Baby Owner’s Manual tackles questions like the best way to swaddle a baby and how to make your newborn sleep through the night, while The Toddler Owner's Manual addresses common issues for the ages one to three crowd.

It's not exactly a coffee table series, but it is entertaining crib reading.

Texts and Tunes: Justin Roberts Hits a Pop Fly with Latest CD

lilsugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:00:58 -0700

I admit it, I blasted a kiddie CD in my car today when my son and daughter weren't with me. There's something about Justin Roberts's latest release Pop Fly ($15) that reminds me of attending a Ben Folds Five concert in college. The "Brick" group disbanded in 2000, but I've still got my t-shirt and now some cool tracks from a tot rocker that forces my fingers to keep hitting repeat while driving.

Justin manages to combine the whimsical, hilarious and sentimental aspects of childhood into a CD that motivates children to dance and allows adults to relax. The singer's sixth release has eleven songs from "She Sits" about a babysitter who sits and sits and sits and gets paid to "Stay-At-Home-Dad" which celebrates men who are the primary caretakers of their tykes. But, "From Scratch," a track about a kid waiting while his grandmother cooks on an "old treasure trove that she lights with a match" is sweet nostalgia.

Texts and Tunes: What to Do When You Dread Your Bed

babysugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:00:01 -0700

If you've ever had a night where your child asks for water three times, calls out to you to check under the bed — and in the closet and outside the window — for creepy crawlies or simply scampers into your bedroom paralyzed by her fear of the dark, you may want to check out Dawn Huebner's What to Do When You Dread Your Bed, $16.

The book skips the more passive sleepy time approach we get from classics like Good Night Moon and delves right into cognitive-behavioral techniques used to treat children's problems with sleep. It explores "fears, busy brains and restless bodies" with tips for teaching children (I presume those ages three and up) to fall asleep and stay in a sound slumber without fear of the Boogie Man. If you're looking for a quick late night fix check out MSN's preview of the book's tips.

Texts and Tunes: Father's Day Books

babysugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:00:57 -0700

Before Father's Day arrives, stock up on some goodies for pop and tot to enjoy. Books always offer fathers and their lil ones time to bond and snuggle — especially at bedtime. Check out my Father's Day library by clicking on Start Slideshow.

Mom-Me Time: Margarita Mama

lilsugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:31:51 -0700

Even those with expanding tummies like to tie one on once in a while. Since babies-to-be and booze don't mix, expectant mommies can now reach for a mocktail. Serving up over one hundred of nutritional libations for moms in the making, Margarita Mama: Mocktails for Moms-to-Be ($11) can be put to good use at a baby shower or summer barbecue. Pregnant women can party it up with the Bed Rest Banana, Big Belly, Raging Hormone, Nothing Fits Fizz and Materni-tini.

Texts and Tunes: Summer Reading

babysugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 05:00:43 -0700

Ice cream and wet grass turn to mush in the summertime, but there's no need to add your child's brain to the list. Encourage them to soak up some good reads during the school free months. Make the break a page turner by taking a family outing to your local library to pick up a selection of stories. Reading will build a child's vocabulary, improve their spelling and fuel their imaginative side. Click Start Slideshow to see what an elementary school teacher recommends for young readers.

Text and Tunes: Only in Dreams

babysugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 09:00:58 -0700

Paul Frank first introduced the world to Julius, the lovable monkey with a big grin, in 1995. Thirteen years later, the company is publishing its first book, Only In Dreams - A Bedtime Story. The book follows Julius on a magical journey through the land of dreams where the items found around his room come alive to take him to new and exciting places, such as the river of strawberry milk and outer space where he becomes the first rock star to perform on the moon.

The book does a great job of telling tots about the importance of dreams, while illustrating the point with vivid illustrations. It is definitely a worthy addition to your bedtime routine.

Text and Tunes: Accidentally on Purpose

lilsugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:36:31 -0700

As a mom, it's hard to find an opportunity to get through a good book, but you should make time for this one. On Sunday, I allowed my kids to empty all three of their toy boxes and jump on the bed because I could not put down Accidentally on Purpose: A One-Night Stand, My Unplanned Parenthood, And Loving the Best Mistake I Ever Made ($25). It cost me an hour of cleanup once I closed the text, but I didn't mind. Mary Pols' honest and witty must read transcends the typical mommy book and unfolds like the best movie you've never seen.

It's the true story of a 39-year-old film critic who conceived a child during a one-night stand with a man 10 years her junior after meeting at a bar. The couple forges a friendship with benefits as they prepare to raise the baby together. To see why I highly recommend reading it,

Tots Take a More Culinary Approach to Cooking

babysugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:00:53 -0700

Kids are no longer just mixing up sweet treats with mommy in the kitchen. A recent New York Times article reported that modern tots are taking a more culinary approach to cooking.

According to the article:

"In the last few years, the children’s cookbook market has moved beyond all-encompassing tomes from Betty Crocker or Better Homes and Gardens. Increasingly customized by age, books now teach toddlers to make lettuce wraps and older children to make entire meals. Some predict that cookbooks for teenagers will be the next break-out category."

To see a few new children’s cookbooks and to learn about this trend,

You Know You're a Mother When: Your Child Has a Song

lilsugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:00:28 -0700

Like I said, life's a musical once you bring home babe, but song writing isn't a pen and paper type activity. It's more like you tire of talking to your newborn without reply so you take up a tune or your tot is having a hissy so you hum to calm them. And, before you know it the makeshift lyrics have been committed to memory.

To see my kids' songs,

Texts and Tunes: Caps for Sale

babysugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 06:00:43 -0700

One of my former students gave my daughter the classic tale by Esphyr Slobodkina, Caps for Sale. Tired of reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, I searched her bookshelf for the gem. To see why it's a family favorite,

Text and Tunes: Snacktime by Barenaked Ladies

lilsugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 06:00:05 -0700

The Barenaked Ladies are now focused on babe. After twenty years together, the alternative rock band known for songs like "It's Been One Week," "Pinch Me" and "If I had a Million Dollars" that are popular with parents, now seeks an audience who prefer sippy cups. Their latest CD, SNACKTIME ($11) was released earlier this month. To hear why they turned to tot tunes,

Kiddie Wellness: Books

babysugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:00:02 -0700

A book a day wishes ailments away. Even when they are under the weather, kids like to be entertained. So comfort your child with a story that answers some of their questions about a cold or flu they've encountered.

Written by pediatrician, and mom of three, Charlotte Cowen, M.D., the books cover illnesses kids get from ear infections to sore throats and vomiting. Her four books include Katie Caught a Cold and Sadie’s Sore Throat. The entire set features cheery stories, distracting illustrations and each comes with a pull-out parent guide that answers common questions about the ailments.

Supernanny Shares Her Secrets

lilsugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:00:44 -0700

Jo Frost is offering new parents advice before they even need a naughty mat. The beloved no nonsense nanny who straightens out wayward families on ABC's Supernanny, is now gifting her wisdom to mamas and papas-to-be so they can navigate their way through everything from feeding to teething to setting up routines. And, the parents don't need to star on the small screen to cash in on the goods, they just have to hit their local bookstore. To hear about her book,

Kiddie Soirée: Cakes for Kids

babysugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:00:16 -0700

Want to turn your child's birthday party into a bash, but you don't have much cash?

For mothers who must have a unique cake and can't shell out $5,000 for it, Cakes for Kids can come in handy.

The $15 book gives eager–to–please mamas step-by-step instructions to craft a sugary work of art.

Novice bakers need not worry as the levels of difficulty are spelled out simply.

So release your inner Martha and get to work!

0 Comments 107 Views

0 Comments 135 Views

0 Comments 52 Views

0 Comments 130 Views

Belly Worship: Mother Nurture

lilsugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:00:35 -0700

Every mother thinks her child is exceptional, but some end up raising tots that turn into superstars, business moguls and acclaimed athletes.

Inspired by motherhood, author Stephanie Hirsch interviewed many moms of notables for her book. Mother Nurture ($17).

The hardbound collection of short stories include tidbits and tips from the women who raised America's best and brightest — Diane Sawyer, Tony Hawk, Beyonce Knowles, Tim McGraw and numerous others. A far cry from a textbok guide, this is a must read because it's all about the practical aspects of parenting.

To see what some of the women had to say,

Belly Worship: What's Inside Your Tummy, Mommy?

lilsugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:25 -0700

Once you're a parent, pregnancy becomes all about your child.

Preparing your lil one to become an older sibling is an exciting way to spend the nine months.

Depending on his or her age, the tot may or may not understand the idea of the baby-to-be so consider including the concept in everyday activities.

Abby Cocovini's picture book, What's Inside Your Tummy, Mommy? ($9) is a fitting read. To see why,

Texts and Tunes: My Very Own Name

babysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:00:56 -0700

Finding a baby gift that's unique and personal can be tough. When my daughter received the My Very Own Name book, I was so touched. A dear friend of ours had put so much thought into the gift.

To learn more about these incredibly thoughtful books,

Plastic Surgery Book: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

lilsugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:36 -0700

If mommy's going in for a lil nip and tuck, there's no reason to hide it. Or so believes, Michael Salzhauer, M.D. who wrote the new children's book on plastic surgery, My Beautiful Mommy! ($20) published by Big Tent Books. The text is intended to help kids cope with their altered mama —whether she's two sizes smaller, invested in ballooned breasts or a different nose — in a nonthreatening way. The story and coordinating illustrations walk wee ones through surgery and recovery.

Plastic Surgery Book: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

Kid Friendly — I'd tuck this in my tot's bookshelf.

Are You Kidding? — Nip this book!

Other — Leave a comment below.

The Hot Mom To Be Handbook: Womb With a View

babysugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:00:22 -0700

Our culture is obsessed with moms feeling the need to be "hot" even though they may have children climbing, tugging and spitting up on them 24/7.

For those ladies who are determined NOT to let children soil their fab image, the Hot Mom to Be Handbook: Womb With a View ($17) is a necessary read.

After enjoying a foreword by the famous Bachelorette Trista Sutter, readers will laugh their way through the humorous tales of motherhood — make that hot motherhood.

Are you concerned with being HOT?

Check out the gallery to see what "hot" mamas were at the book release party.

1 Comments 277 Views

0 Comments 66 Views

1 Comments 218 Views

0 Comments 125 Views

1 Comments 219 Views

Mommy Alert! Stop the Spray

lilsugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:00:18 -0700

Raising children in this day and age encourages many moms to become activists. And, in some cases parents are also inspired to get political.

Mommies in California are making it their mission to safeguard their tots from toxins with the Stop the Spray campaign.

People are banning together to protest the aerial spraying of Checkmate, a potentially harmful chemical that is being used to rid the area of the Light Brown Apple Moth.

While concerned mamas have joined in sending mass emails, one stepped up to the mic to spread the message. Singer Charity Kahn and her JAMband, recently recorded this song, There Ain't No Moths on Me to get word out about the issue.

If you're a fan of tot rock, take a listen.

Lil Find: Taro Gomi Drawing Books

babysugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:00:32 -0700

When your tot grows tired of the yellow lined legal pad, treat him to a super special Taro Gomi drawing book.

Since there are four different books to choose from, there's one for every lil artist.

If your honey needs a little direction, Scribbles ($14) or Doodles ($14) might be the right choice as they gives wee ones an image to build on for every page.

To see what else there is to choose from,

Texts and Tunes: Super Baby Food

lilsugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:00:34 -0700

Just when new moms figure out the art of breast or bottle feeding their babes, it is suddenly time to introduce solid foods.

A great reference for this new adventure is this best selling book written by a fellow mom —Super Baby Food ($20). To find out more about this text,

Texts and Tunes: This Is San Francisco

babysugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Of all the classic children's books, Miroslav Sasek's ($12) hardcover treats are my favorite.

The practically antique texts have vintage illustrations adding some art deco to baby's library.

Aside from teaching your lil one about the ABC's, these books actually divulge loads of rich information about each locale.

This is San Francisco tells the tale of the earthquake ravaged city and its touristy charm while This is New York rattles on about the architecture of the immigrant city. Copious artwork and advanced literature make these books the kind tots can be entertained by for ages.

0 Comments 40 Views

0 Comments 28 Views

0 Comments 18 Views

0 Comments 16 Views

0 Comments 11 Views

To see what other cities are featured in his line,

Texts and Tunes: Spring Into Reading

babysugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Since today is the first day of Spring, I thought I'd suggest some cheery, floral laden books for your tot's library.

To see a few of our family faves,

Go Green: The Complete Organic Pregnancy Book

babysugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:00:00 -0700

There's a pretty lil green book called the Complete Organic Pregnancy ($10).

The text guides mamas–to–be down a "green" path of healthy living for themselves and their unborn child without scaring them into a hole.

Authors Deirdre Dolan and Alexandra Zissu identify hidden toxins and other harmful agents that mums can avoid or replace. An eye opening read, the book even dishes on certain cosmetics that aren't good for mommy or her fetus.

To see what else the book offers,

Texts and Tunes: Itsy Bitsy Yoga

babysugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:00:34 -0800

As a new mom, I took "Mommy and Me" yoga classes where my immobile babe sat in her carrier staring up at me as I switched from tree pose to downward dog.

But just yesterday, she slipped into her own triangle pose with ease. I do believe it was her way of asking me to introduce her to the benefits of yoga.

To help me do that, I will reference Itsy Bitsy Yoga ($17). The paperback book illustrates and spells out over fifty eight–minute routines that toddlers and preschoolers can learn and practice as they grow.

To see how yoga can enhance your tot's life,