Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Children's Books: Wish Jan Brett A Happy Birthday!

Children's Books
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Wish Jan Brett A Happy Birthday!
Dec 1st 2011, 00:05

Cover art of Home for Christmas by Jan BrettArtist and author Jan Brett was born December 1, 1949. Celebrate her birthday week by reading one of her many books and by sending her birthday greetings. In honor of the season, why not share her new picture book, Home for Christmas, a story about a naughty troll, with your family, as well as Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury. The Treasury contains seven of Jan Brett's most popular stories, each of which was originally published as an individual picture book. All of the stories take place in winter. Four are Christmas stories. The Three Snow Bears is another of her picture books set in winter. It's a retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," set in a traditional Inuit village. Send birthday greetings to Jan Brett by clicking on "Comments" below and posting a message. I will forward your comments to her next week.

(Cover art courtesy of Penguin)

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Children's Books: A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

Children's Books
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A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck
Dec 1st 2011, 00:01

Cover art of the book A Season of Gifts by Richard PeckAuthor Richard Peck, who writes for tweens and young teens, won the Newbery Medal in 2001 for his novel A Year Down Yonder. His novel A Season of Gifts brings back the unforgettable character Grandma Dowdel, who was featured in both Peck's A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder. Reviewer Jean Hatfield recommends A Season of Gifts, which she describes as a "sweet, funny story set in 1958 in rural Illinois," for middle grade readers and told me that readers don't need to have read Peck's previous books featuring Grandma Dowdel to enjoy this one.

(Cover art courtesy of The Penguin Group)

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Children's Books: A Great Gift For Families With Little Ones

Children's Books
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A Great Gift For Families With Little Ones
Nov 30th 2011, 23:19

Cover of Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery RhymesIf you are looking for a terrific gift for expectant parents or a family with very young children, I have a suggestion: Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes. It's a very nice collection of Mother Goose and other nursery rhymes. But the best things about Pocketful of Posies are the elaborate hand-sewn fabric collages by Salley Mavor that illustrate each rhyme. Children (and adults) will enjoy looking at the collages again and again because there is so much to discover in each one. There are lots of benefits to Mother Goose rhymes in terms of literacy, so sharing nursery rhymes with babies and other young children is not only enjoyable, it is also educational. If you are looking for nursery rhyme board books, see Mother Goose Board Books for Little Ones.

(Cover art courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

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Childrens Music: Sing Along! with Caspar Babypants

Childrens Music
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Sing Along! with Caspar Babypants
Nov 30th 2011, 18:43

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For those who don't know, Caspar Babypants is Chris Ballew, and Chris Ballew is former head honcho of '90's indie rockers The Presidents of the United States of America.

Sing Along! is Chris Ballew's fourth album of family music in three years (busy dude!), and includes almost two dozen tunes for kids and their grownups. The theme of Sing Along! is call-and-response tunes, chants, rhymes, and sing-along songs, and the album follows Ballew's familiar pattern of including inventive and catchy originals and re-worked and re-imagined nursery rhymes.

Sing Along! follows up two albums that made our lists of Best Kids' Music of 2009 and Best Kids' Music of 2010, Here I Am! and More Please! respectively.

Image Courtesy Aurora Elephant Music

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Childrens Music: If The Ramones Ever Made a Kids' Music Album...

Childrens Music
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If The Ramones Ever Made a Kids' Music Album...
Nov 30th 2011, 18:11

null...it would pretty much sound like The Boogers' Let's Go! Punk rock devotee Paul Crowe has created an homage to Joey and gang with his second kids' music release Let's Go!, featuring 13 tracks of punk-influenced covers and originals.

Remakes of oldies like "Pop Goes the Weasel" and "The Big Rock Candy Mountain" rub shoulders with covers of Barry Louis Polisar's "What if a Zebra had Spots?" and The Ramones' "Beat On the Brat," rewritten as "My Baseball Bat." And make sure to check out Crowe's punky originals, like "Allright," "Otto's Orange Day," "I'm Ridin' My Bike," and "In Wonder with the World."

Image Courtesy Spire Records

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: They're Burning Books Again

Children's Books: What's Hot Now
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They're Burning Books Again
Nov 30th 2011, 13:01

Who Burns Books and Why?

Before the introduction of the printing press, burning books was an effective form of censorship. Since each book was handmade, there were few books, and it was possible to limit the spread of ideas and information by burning books. In recent times, it has had other purposes. Foreign governments have used book burning and other destruction to intimidate and illustrate their power. In the early 2000s, there were a number of instances of Harry Potter book burning. In the United States, most of the book burnings of various books that I've read about have been motivated by religious views.

Book Burning: 2001-2005

However, until the Harry Potter books, it was not that common to find a children's book series as the main stimulus for a book burning event. In 2001, several such book burnings were held. In early January 2002, Christ Community Church of Alamogordo, New Mexico, became the topic of international media attention for its book burning after the pastor, Jack D. Brock, preached a sermon on the topic "The Baby Jesus Or Harry Potter?". Brock stated he considered the Harry Potter books to be "an example of our society's growing preoccupation with the occult. The Potter books present witchcraft as a generally positive practice, while the Bible expressly condemns all occult practices." After the burning of the Harry Potter books and some others on on December 30, 2001, the pastor's sermon and the book burning event became the topic of news features in both the United States and England. CNN.com reported, "As hundreds protested nearby, a church group burned Harry Potter and other books." The BBC News (British Broadcasting Company) reported that, "Pastor Brock said he had never read any of the four Potter novels - but had researched their contents."

In August 2003, the Jesus Non-denominational Church in Greenville, Michigan, burned Harry Potter books, according to a report from WZZM13.com. According to the report, "He [The pastor]says stories like Harry Potter that glorify wizardry and sorcery will lead people to accept and believe in Satan."

Check the Book Burning in the 21st Century section of the American Library Association and you will find that while there were several book burning events in 2001 related to the Harry Potter series, there were also reports of book burnings or slashings for other books in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005.

More Recent Book Burnings

Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Canton, North Carolina reports on its Web site about its 2009 Halloween book burning that was rained out, although the targeted books were destroyed, and on plans for the church's 2010 book burning. The book burnings are not open to the public, but are by invitation only. In the church's case, members target what they call "Satan's bibles," those that are not the King James version, as well as other books and music.

In August 2010, a Gainesville, Florida church announced it would burn copies of the Quran on September 11, despite being denied a burn permit by the city. (Gaineville.com, August 19, 2010) While slashing and tearing books have become accepted ways of destroying targeted books for groups that don't want to break the law in cases where it is unlawful to burn them, the congregation planned to defy the law. However, after an outpouring of international protest, the church canceled the burning, but not in time to prevent riots and deaths in protests against the Quran (Koran) burning. (Reuters, September 11, 2010)

I was surprised to find that book burning continues to this day. It is an extreme form of censorship, one that most people, even those who support challenging and censoring books, do not support.

For More Information About Book Banning and Kids' Books

See All About Book Banning and Children's Books for more of my articles about the subject.

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Winter & Snow in Picture Books

Children's Books: What's Hot Now
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Winter & Snow in Picture Books
Nov 30th 2011, 13:01

Lois Ehlert is a master of collage and Snowballs is a delightful look at a variety of snow people and animals that can be made with snowballs and household items like mittens, buttons, and nuts. Snowballs is told in the words of a child who, along with the rest of the family, has "been waiting for a really big snow, saving good stuff in a sack." The good stuff includes corn, bird seed, and nuts for the birds and squirrels to eat off of the snow creatures; hats, scarves, bottle caps, plastic forks, buttons, fall leaves, a man's tie, and a lot of other things. The photo collages feature fabric circles as snowballs that are transformed when stacked and decked out with features and accessories.

At the end of the book, there is a two-page photo feature showing all of the "good stuff," with captions, that the family used to make the snow people and animals. That's followed by a four-page section about snow, including what it is and what makes it snow and featuring photographs of snowmen and other snow creatures. This book will appeal to children of all ages who enjoy playing in the snow, making their own snowballs and transforming them with good stuff. Compare prices. (Harcourt Children's Books, 1995. ISBN: 0152000747)

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Children's Hanukkah Books

Children's Books: What's Hot Now
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Children's Hanukkah Books
Nov 30th 2011, 13:01

Every year, we see more and more Hanukkah books for children. The children's Hanukkah books below emphasize the importance of this Jewish holiday, family activities during Hanukkah, folktales about Hanukkah, the history of Hanukkah, and sharing Hanukkah with friends and neighbors. The children's Hanukkah books include an excellent anthology, engaging picture books, a book of poetry and history, and a chapter book. There are books for preschoolers to middle schoolers.

1. Celebrate Hanukkah

Cover art of children's Hanukkah book Celebrate Hanukkah with Light, Latkes, and DreidelsNational Geographic Society

Celebrate Hanukkah is part of the National Geographic Society's excellent Holidays Around the World series. The striking photographs show Jewish children all over the world, including Italy, Poland, Ghana, India and Israel, celebrating Hanukkah. Author Deborah Heiligman provides information about the meaning, symbols, and celebration of Hanukkah. At the end of the book are several pages of additional resources, including a glossary, bibliography, recipe for potato latkes, and instructions for playing Dreidel, among other things. I recommend it for all ages. (National Geographic Society, 2006. ISBN: 0792259246)

2. Hanukkah Haiku

Cover art of children's Hanukkah book Hanukkah Haiku by Harriet Ziefert illustrated by Karla GudeonBlue Apple Books

Hanukkah Haiku is one of the most joyous picture books about Hanukkah that I have ever seen. With a combination of poetry by Harriet Ziefert in the haiku poetic form, paintings by Karla Gudeon, and a unique design, Hanukkah Haiku is the story of one family's celebration of Hanukkah rituals and activities. I recommend Hanukkah Haiku for 3- to 6-year-olds. (Blue Apple Books, 2008. ISBN: 9781934706336)

3. The Trees of the Dancing Goats

Cover art of children's picture book The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia PaloccoSimon & Schuster

Trisha and Richard's grandparents, who are from the Ukraine and Soviet Russia, and their mother are living on a farm in the 1930s. They are enjoying their own Hanukkah preparations when they discover their Christian neighbors are too sick to cut and decorate their Christmas trees. They do it for them. Their neighbors thank them with a carved menorah. This heartwarming tale by Patricia Polacco is a family favorite.(Aladdin Reprint, 2000. ISBN: 9780689838576)

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4. A Hanukkah Treasury

This is a wonderful collection of more than two dozen poems, stories, songs, Jewish history, and recipes. The book was edited by Eric Kimmel, who also wrote many of the sections. The colorful and exuberant illustrations by Emily Lisker create a feeling of celebration. This is an excellent book for children of all ages. (Henry Holt and Co., 1998. ISBN: 9780805052930)

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5. The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes

This picture book was written by Linda Glaser, with cheerful artwork by Nancy Cote. Rachel's family is preparing for an evening of latkes with guests. Every year, they invite their elderly neighbor to come, but she stubbornly refuses. This year, Rachel is even more stubborn, and the little girl cleverly comes up with a way to get her involved. I recommend this book for four- to eight-year-olds. (Albert Whitman & Co., 1997. ISBN: 9780807508428)

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6. How I Saved Hanukkah

This chapter book is both funny and heartwarming. Fourth grader Marla Feinstein, the only Jewish student in her class, is feeling aggravated. All her friends are getting ready for Christmas. Her dad is out of town, and her family has never done much about Hanukkah. Once Marla decides to find out what Hanukkah is all about, thing change rapidly. This is a good book for seven- to ten-year-old independent readers. (Penguin Putnam, 2000. ISBN: 9780141309828)

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7. Chanukah Lights Everywhere

This picture book for three- to seven-year-olds was written by Michael L. Rosen and illustrated by Melissa Iwai. A little boy and his family celebrate the Festival of Lights in their home in the city. Each night something happens to remind him of the number of candles they have just lit. This is a nice introduction to the family celebration of Chanukah for a small child. (Gulliver Books, 2001. ISBN: 0152024476)

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8. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

This picture book by master storyteller Eric Kimmel, with its dramatic pen and watercolor illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman, is excellent. It’s the entertaining story of how Hershel of Ostnopol saves Hanukkah for an entire village by tricking the scary goblins who have been haunting the old synagogue and preventing the villagers from celebrating Hanukkah. In an afterword, the author explains the meanings of Hanukkah, menorah, dreidel, and latkes. This book is a read-aloud the whole family will enjoy. (Holiday House, 1989. ISBN: 0823407691)

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9. The Miracle of Hanukkah

The stepped page format of this picture book by Seymour Chawast will intrigue four- to eight-year-olds. The story of Hanukkah begins with the looting and takeover of the Jewish Temple of Jerusalem, devotes several pages to the fight of the Macabees to reclaim the Temple, and ends with the restoration fo the Temple and the first Hanukkah celebration. (Blue Apple Books, distributed by Chronicle Books, 2006. ISBN: 9781593541576)

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10. The Jar of Fools

The Jar of Fools: Eight Hanukkah Stories From Chelm by Eric A. Kimmel is an amusing and wise collection of tales that will appeal to both children and adults. The retellings, adaptations, and original tales all take place, according to Kimmel, in "the Chelm of Jewish legend...the traditional town of fools." Each story is illustrated with humorous ink drawings on oil paint by Mordicai Gerstein. (Holiday House, 2000. ISBN: 9780823414635)

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Classic Christmas Stories

Children's Books: What's Hot Now
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Classic Christmas Stories
Nov 30th 2011, 13:01

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry is a classic Christmas story that makes a wonderful Christmas read-aloud for children 10 and older and their families to enjoy together. The 2008 children's Christmas picture book edition of The Gift of the Magi, published by Candlewick Press, is illustrated with memorable artwork by P.J. Lynch. His poignant and expressive watercolors strengthen the impact of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. This moving tale of love and sacrifice can help to put the purpose of gift giving into perspective for tweens and teens with “wish” lists a mile long.

The Gift of the Magi â€" The Story

The story is set in New York City in the early 1900s. A young couple, Mr. and Mrs. James Dillingham Young â€" Della and Jim â€" live in a shabby apartment. They have very little money, but a great love for one another. Della and Jim have two treasures of which they are both very proud â€" Della’s beautiful long hair and Jim’s gold watch, which belonged to his father and grandfather before him. The story that unfolds reveals the true meaning of gift giving as both Della and Jim sacrifice their own treasure to buy a Christmas gift to enhance the other’s treasure. Unbeknownst to one another, Della sells her long hair to buy a platinum fob chain for Jim’s watch, and Jim sells his watch to buy tortoise shell hair combs for Della’s long hair. While the result is shock and confusion when Della and Jim exchange gifts, the depth of their love for one another is revealed by the sacrifices each has made for the other.

The Gift of the Magi is a good book to read together as a family and, then, discuss what O. Henry meant when he said, “…of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest...They are the magi.” Compare prices. (Candlewick Press, 2008. ISBN: 9780763635305)

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: Bad Babysitter

Child Care: What's Hot Now
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Bad Babysitter
Nov 30th 2011, 13:01

Finding any babysitter can be a challenge for many parents, but being comfortable with and confident that the one you've picked selected will keep your kids safe and happy can be somewhat unnerving. Here are some warning signs that hired a bad babysitter, and need to find someone else pronto!

Doesn't Engage in Conversation with Parent

It's not too much to expect for a sitter to greet parents, smile and engage in some small talk. He/she should ask about the kids, wish you a good time, and converse long enough to make you feel comfortable. Be concerned if the sitter doesn't do the same with the kids either; that bodes a major disconnect that could signal a strong lack of communication all-around.

Doesn't Seem to Care or Focus on Instructions Provided

A good sitter should note instructions you're providing and acknowledge a thorough understanding. If you're telling the sitter that kids must have a bath and be in bed at a certain time, and she is going "yeah, right, whatever" or doesn't seem to be paying attention to anything you're saying, you should worry about any follow-through occurring. Parents can help avoid this by providing written instructions; however, a quality sitter will take notes or be able to recite the information back.

Arrives Late or is Frequently Unreliable

Family emergencies or the unavoidable can certainly happen, but a chronically late or consistently cancelling babysitter can create a huge hardship on parents and destroy best-laid plans. If your sitter doesn't care enough about the job to arrive on time and be sensitive of your plans, then find one who will! The same is true of a sitter who tells parents as they are getting ready to dash out the door that they must be home at a designated time that is different from what had been agreed to.

Kids Wail About Being Left Alone with Her (or Him)

It's not unusual for kids to not want to be apart from mom or dad. But if a kid becomes an emotional wreck over being left with a particular sitter, then parents should have second-thoughts about using that person. It could be nothing more than separation anxiety or the kid being told "no" and holding it against the sitter; or it could signify something more. If parents find that it is an individual only vs. having a sitter in general, then look elsewhere the best interest of your child.

Kids Show A Change of Behavior While Awake or Change in Sleep Pattern

If a normally outgoing and independent child suddenly becomes clingy and withdrawn, or begins waking up throughout the night with terrors or other sleep issues, and the change can be attributed to timing with a sitter, then parents should be concerned. Children's behaviors can change, even dramatically, but these are warning signs that should not be ignored. Parents should react swiftly and decisively, and determine whether further investion is warranted.

Kids Seem to Have Frequent Accidents

A cut or scrape or two is a normal occurrence with healthy and active kids, and should present no cause for alarm with parents. Still, a good babysitter will be quick to offer an explanation (i.e. a trip to the park resulted in a spill from the slide). But frequent accidents that result in injuries beyond that could signify either a lack of supervision or worse, physical abuse. Accidents should serve as flags that could signal trouble, especially if they seem excessive.

Invites Someone Else Over (Without Your Permission)

Sitters sometimes gain the confidence of families, and then with time feel "entitled" to invite a friend or even date over during the evening. While parents sometimes even offer this to help relieve nerves of being in a home alone with kids, it's out of line for a sitter to assume this action is okay. Chances are, your kids will receive less direct attention and interaction if your sitter has someone else there as well. And, without asking first? That's a good reason for termination.

Seems Lethargic, Exhausted

You've hired a babysitter to watch your children while you're out having a good time (or at least kid-free time), so the least of your worries should be whether your kids are entertained and having safe fun in your absence. A sitter who arrives seemingly exhausted or without energy is not going to provide quality care. Parents should worry about lack of supervision, or a sitter who simply plants tots in front of the TV and gives orders for not being disturbed.

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: Bed Time Tips

Child Care: What's Hot Now
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Bed Time Tips
Nov 30th 2011, 13:01

You have turned on the night light, turned down the sheets, have given an "all clear" of any night-time gremlins, and have given your child a drink of water. A book has been read and your child has been smothered with nighty-night kisses and sweet dreams hugs.

If you are one of the lucky ones, the blissful evening silence may carry over into morning madness. But for many parents of young children, the bedtime calm may last only seconds, minutes, or into the middle of the night with the persistent evening creep back into your room. A child's wide eyes, often wet with tears and sometimes lack of sleep, are often combined with excuses to melt almost any heart and diffuse parental protests, especially if it's 3 a.m. and you need to work in the morning. "My room is making noises," "I need a drink," "I'm hungry," "I miss you so much," "I'm scared," "I'm lonely," "I'm sick" or simply, "I can't sleep." Name the argument; some parent has already heard it before.

It's easy for a sleep-deprived parent to simply turn down the sheet and half-heartedly left a young child sleep in their bed. It's the next morning--after enduring a night of tossing and turning of a wiggly child, loss of privacy, a child hard to awaken in the morning in time for school or daycare, or perhaps even wet sheets as a result--the parent insists the habit of a child sneaking into bed must change.

But how? Here are some tips for making the permanent transition of a child sleeping in his/her own bed:

* Make your child's room inviting, decorated to his/her taste, and age-appropriate. Consider allowing your child to help decorate by at the very least picking out the bedding. For the more ambitious adventurers, give your child choices of a bedroom theme, positioning of bed and furniture (with your help, of course), and overall look and feel. The general idea is you want your child to absolutely LOVE his/her room and want to spend time in it!

* Consider the size of the bed. Some parents move their child to a twin or even larger bed as soon as a child graduates from the crib. For some children, that is fine, but others may feel intimidated or even threatened by its size. Depending on a child's nature, toddler beds can provide a nice transition between crib and twin. These beds often are available in theme designs, such as a race car or castle. Make sure your child can easily get in and out of bed and feels comfortable in it.

* Establish a memorable bedtime routine. The routine does not need to be elaborate; however, it should be something your child looks forward to each night and considers a special time. This can be as simple as reading a favorite book in a special part of the room, having a bath to soothing music, eating a snack and then brushing teeth, singing a favorite song, saying a prayer, exchanging highlights of the day, or even a special bedtime kiss-n-hug ritual.

* Require your child to go to the bathroom just before bedtime. Sometimes its the need to go to the bathroom that then causes the child to wake and then want company.

* Don't lie down with your child, or if you do, only stay for a brief time. You don't want your child to think he/she has to have someone lay down with him for sleep.

* Establish the rule that your child will now sleep in his/her own bed and make no exceptions. Some parents report that it is helpful to build it into a celebration, such as "Now that you are starting kindergarten, you are expected to stay in your own bed every night" or "As a 4-year-old, you will get new privileges! One of those is the excitement of picking the toy you want to sleep with in your own bed every night."

* Don't weaken to crying or whining. If you do, your child wins. Tell your child you are not going to keep coming in for kisses, hugs, discussion, begging, or pleading. Stick to this. If your child leaves the room, simply re-direct the child back without discussion. Show no weakness, or your child will know that this behavior results in a change.

* Finally, even if you are totally exhausted or its an unseemly hour of the night, walk your child back to his/her room immediately if you receive a visitor. Don't over-react or give to much attention; simply say, "The rules are that you sleep in your own bed."

If you maintain consistency and the rules, your child will be sleeping in his or her bed throughout the night in no time. And, you and your child will both get improved shut eye and be better prepared to face the new day together!

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Monday, November 28, 2011

Children's Music: What's Hot Now: Summer Songs for Kids

Children's Music: What's Hot Now
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Summer Songs for Kids
Nov 28th 2011, 19:48

Ahh, summer! A time to kick back and relax, read a few books and play in the pool, splash in the ocean and enjoy the sun. Here's the perfect soundtrack for the season, a list of great summer songs for kids.

"Kickboard, Baby, Yeah" - Justin Roberts

Kids MusicCourtesy Carpet Square Records

If The Beach Boys made music for kids (well, they kinda did, right?), it would sound like this harmony-filled pop gem from Justin Roberts' 2008 album Pop Fly. The sounds of summer come ringin' through on Chicago native Roberts' tribute to his favorite pool accessory.

Listen to a sample of "Kickboard, Baby, Yeah"

"Swimming, Swimming, Swimming!" - Adam and The Couch Potatoes

Kids MusicCourtesy Adam Selzer

This joyous acoustic tune proclaims the awesomeness of spending the entire day in the pool, complete with a bubbly "Yellow Submarine"-like instrumental break. Adam Selzer and the rest of his Nashville-based Couch Potatoes recorded "Swimming, Swimming, Swimming!" for their kids' music debut album, One Size Fits All...!

Listen to a sample of "Swimming, Swimming, Swimming!"

"Green Grass of Summer" - Dog On Fleas

Kids MusicCourtesy Dog On Fleas

The superb pastoral pop and cosmic lyrics of "Green Grass of Summer" could only have come from Dog On Fleas, a collective of musicians based in New York's Hudson Valley. This tune from When I Get Little sees a woodland creature eagerly awaiting the warmer months.

Listen to a sample of "Green Grass of Summer"

"Ridin' the Big Waves" - Charity and The JAMband

Kids MusicCourtesy Charity Kahn

Whatcha got here is basically a follow-the-leader activity song set to some twangy surf rock. Charity Kahn and her San Francisco-based band are paddlin', chillin' out, and droppin' in on this tune from Peanut Butter and JAM.

Listen to a sample of "Ridin' the Big Waves"

"Her Sound is Sunshine" - The Dreamtree Shakers

Kids MusicCourtesy Dreamtree Shakers

Falling somewhere between the groovy pop of The Cowsills and the lo-fi indie rock of Lou Barlow, "Her Sound is Sunshine" evokes the laid-back feel of summertime. Chicago's Dreamtree Shakers recorded this tune, from their Dream and You Will See album, about a mole who likes to cook. Sure, why not!

Listen to a sample of "Her Sound is Sunshine"

"Surfer Shake" - The Baby Grands

Kids MusicCourtesy Backspace Records

If you could imagine an acoustic version of The Ramones with Jack Johnson as their lead singer, you got "Surfer Shake," an energetic ode to all things gnarly. The Atlanta-based Baby Grands released "Surfer Shake" on their self-titled kids' music debut.

Listen to a sample of "Surfer Shake"

"Summer/Sunshine" - Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck

Kids MusicCourtesy Big Truck Music

The drone of mandolins and acoustic guitars, along with the stream of consciousness lyrics, evoke the feeling of a lazy summer day. "Summer/Sunshine" can be found on Special Kind of Day, the fourth kids' album by New Jersey's Rebecca Frezza.

Listen to a sample of "Summer/Sunshine"

"Mary Ann" - Father Goose

Kids MusicCourtesy Festival Five Records

This popular calypso tune has been recorded by Xavier Cugat, Burl Ives, and Terry Gilkyson & The Easy Riders. Ansel Cridland from The Meditations joins fellow Jamaican Father Goose on this version of "Mary Ann" from It's a Bam Bam Diddly!

Listen to a sample of "Mary Ann"

"Sunny Day" - Ernie & Neal

Kids MusicCourtesy Ernie & Neal

"Sunny Day" is from Ernie & Neal's fourth CD, Rock & Roll Band, and sounds as if Grand Funk Railroad went the kids' music route, complete with horn break and guitar solo. The crunchy, loping rocker by Philly/west New Jersey's head bangin' duo explores the endless possibilities of a sunny summer day.

Listen to a sample of "Sunny Day"

"A Day at the Beach" - Bari Koral

Kids MusicCourtesy Loopytunes

Bari and her band spend "A Day at the Beach" diggin' the kites, surfers, waves, and sand. This twangy rocker can be found on NYC-based Bari's 6-song EP Family Rock Band.

Listen to a sample of "A Day at the Beach"

"Shine On Me" - D. Jay

Kids MusicCourtesy Dennis King

New Jersey's D. Jay (Dennis King) celebrates the wonderfulness of a summer day with his self-described "Folk-stomp" musical style. Buggy Baloo features the tune "Shine On Me," highlighted by D. Jay's strident acoustic guitar and warm vocals.

Listen to a sample of "Shine On Me"

"Say Hello to the Sun" - Cathy Heller

Kids MusicCourtesy Canopy Tree Records

A great mantra for everyone's summer: take notice of everything around you, slow down and make memories, "Say Hello to the Sun." This breezy pop tune is the title track from southern California-based Cathy Heller's kids' music debut.

Listen to a sample of "Say Hello to the Sun"

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Children's Music: What's Hot Now: YGG Musical Guests Season 1

Children's Music: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
YGG Musical Guests Season 1
Nov 28th 2011, 19:48

The ground-breaking kids' show Yo Gabba Gabba! has been host to a number of indie rock bands since the program's inception in 2007. In fact, the lineup announcement of Yo Gabba Gabba! musical guests is one of the most anticipated and interesting, and sometimes head-scratching, aspects of the show. Almost all of the songs that are performed during the "Super Music Friends Show" segment are written by the Yo Gabba Gabba production team, most of whom have performed with, or still perform with, indie bands like The Aquabats or Majestic. Here are the Top 10 Yo Gabba Gabba! Musical Guests from Season 1.

10. The Wolfgramms - "YGG Medley"

Yo Gabba Gabba Musical GuestsPhoto Copyright Amelia Lyon

The Wolfgramms are five siblings, all under the age of 13, who play their own tween pop. They also happen to be the children of Haini Wolfgramm, former member of '80s R&B group The Jets! On this episode, they perform a medley of songs normally sung by characters on the show.

from Season 1, Episode 10: "Greetings"

9. Smoosh - "Pajama Party Time"

Yo Gabba Gabba Musical GuestsPhoto Copyright Matt James

This female musical trio of sisters (duo on the show) play a live in-studio version of their original tune "Pajama Party Time."

from Season 1, Episode 5: "Sleep"

8. The Aquabats - "Pool Party!"

Yo Gabba Gabba Musical GuestsPhoto Courtesy The Aquabats

The Aquabats, whose front man is Yo Gabba Gabba! co-creator Christian Jacobs, enthusiatically invite everyone to their pool party, via high-energy pop punk ska. This version of "Pool Party!" is a remake of the original that appeared on the band's Myths, Legends, and Other Amazing Adventures of The Aquabats!, Volume 2 album.

from Season 1, Episode 2: "Summer"

7. Supernova - "Up and Down"

Yo Gabba Gabba Musical GuestsPhoto Courtesy Nick Jr.

Two things make this performance stand out for Yo Gabba Gabba!'s audience: the band perform "Up and Down" while jumping on trampolines, and guitarist Jodey Lawrence repeatedly slings his guitar all the way around his body. "Up and Down" originally appeared on Supernova's 1995 album Ages Three and Up.

from Season 1, Episode 8: "Careful"

6. The Aggrolites - "Banana"

Yo Gabba Gaba Musical GuestsPhoto Courtesy Nick Jr.

Ridiculously upbeat ska from Los Angeles' Aggrolites. Simple? Yes. Effective? Definitely!

from Season 1, Episode 3: "Fun"

5. The Postmarks - "Balloons Make Me Happy"

Yo Gabba Gabba Musical GuestsPhoto Courtesy Nick Jr.

Balloons, like the music of The Postmarks, are wistfully beautiful, lighter than air. So, it makes perfect sense that The Postmarks should perform this quiet ode to a favorite toy of kids everywhere.

from Season 1, Episode 19: "Love"

4. Cornelius - "Count Five or Six"

Yo Gabba Gabba Musical GuestsPhoto Courtesy Nick Jr.

Cornelius (aka Keigo Oyamada) and band thunder through a live in-studio version of this 6/4-meter song from his 1998 album Fantasma. This may be the coolest counting song for kids ever!

from Season 1, Episode 15: "Share"

3. The Salteens - "I'm So Happy I Can Dance"

Yo Gabba Gabba Musical GuestsPhoto Courtesy Nick Jr.

This Motown-influenced handclapper guarantees full dancefloor participation! And the Phil Collins/"You Can't Hurry Love" multi-image video style is fun, too. A perfect encapsulation of The Salteens' super sunny sound.

from Season 1, Episode 6: "Happy"

2. Shiny Toy Guns - "House of Spooks"

Yo Gabba Gabba Musical GuestsPhoto Courtesy Shiny Toy Guns

Let's see, a tiger, a lioness, a knight, and a banana playing a song about a haunted house...no, wait, it's Shiny Toy Guns! Renamed "The Shinys" for this episode, the band bring by their buzzing electropop sound just in time for Halloween.

from Season 1, Episode 13: "Halloween"

1. The Shins - "It's OK, Try Again"

Yo Gabba Gabba Musical GuestsPhoto Courtesy Nick Jr.

They may or may not change your life, as Natalie Portman famously claimed they would in the movie Garden State, but The Shins definitely changed the face of Yo Gabba Gabba!. Their live in-studio performance on the last episode of Season 1, featuring The Shins' chiming guitars and high-register vocals (and a rockin' banjo!), set the musical bar even higher for Season 2 of Yo Gabba Gabba.

from Season 1, Episode 20: "Imagine"

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