presents perfect: books & music
Filed Under Stuff | December 8, 2009
We tried to fit all our gift guides into one week but we just couldn’t quite squeak it all in, so to finish things off, here are some lovely book and music suggestions, mostly from local publishers, for all the kids on your list. And we’ve had to go a little long to get everything in.
For Babes:
Saffy & Totty: These board books for growing babes focus on small animals solving their big problems. Saffy the giraffe can’t reach the lowest branches of the tree to eat while Totty the sea turtle can’t keep up with his bigger brothers and sisters. With appealing, accessible illustrations by Paola Opal and simple text, toddlers and preschoolers will identify with these stories of wanting to do things themselves and feeling left behind by bigger siblings: www.simplyreadbooks.com
Little Books Boxed Set: Any child who’s ever baulked at bedtime, denigrated their dinner or kicked up a fuss about cleaning up will enjoy this boxed set containing board book versions of Little Hoot, Little Pea and Little Oink. Turning things on their head, Little Hoot hates going to bed late, Little Pea despises Candy and Little Oink loves keeping things clean and tidy. Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace, this series has a long shelf life, as older kids still embrace these issues: www.chapters.indigo.ca
For Kids:
Paulina P for Peterson: Little letter lovers who don’t quite get that everyone doesn’t feel the same way as they do about their passions will identify with Paulina’s predicament. She loves everything that begins with P, from ping pong to painting and pennies, but her best friend Penny prefers hearts and other non-P items. Is there any middle ground for Paulina and Penny? Intrigued? Check out this very cool video version of the story, you’ll have the lyrics in your head indeederson: www.chapters.indigo.ca
Nutty Nutcracker Christmas: This truly nutty version of the Nutcracker by Ralph Covert and G. Riley Mills and illustrated by Wilson Swain features video games, a female nutcracker and stinky cheese and will appeal to boys and girls alike. Based on the hit musical by musician Covert and playwright Mills, the book also includes a CD featuring the story and songs from the musical. We’d highly recommend snagging this before the holidays and playing the CD on all the long car trips you’ll be taking to visit rellies and partake of seasonal festivities. It kept our tiny testers enraptured and quiet in the car: www.chapters.indigo.ca
Where You Came From: A companion book to Sara O’Leary and local illustrator mama Julie Morstad’s delightful When You Were Small, any child who loves to hear the stories of their babyhood (which is pretty much every child) will enjoy the kooky, whimsical answers Henry’s parents come up to his question, “Where did I come from.” Our three-year-old girl tester insisted we replace Henry’s name with hers and change every instance of “he” to “she”: www.chapters.indigo.ca
For Listening:
Walk On by The Kerplunks: What are the holidays without a little bit of music? This local band’s newest release spans the gamut of music and some of their tracks definitely have a message although our favourite song is the completely nonsensical (and fun) Lego song – how often do you get to sing about Lego underwear after all? We like the title track which helps reinforce those traffic safety messages you’re always drumming into your little one’s head. You can buy a “real” CD or download an MP3 version: www.thekerplunks.com
For Mums:
Mama Mood Lifters: Do you wish you were the kind of mother who had an arsenal of creative ideas at your finger tips to keep your kids busy or stave off potential meltdowns? Once in awhile we pull a creative idea out of our hats but sometimes fatigue precludes creativity. But with Mama Mood Lifters you do have mood-changing ideas at your finger tips. Simply pull a card out of the bag for ideas like “Play a game of Simon says” or “Play Baby Burrito”. These come in seriously handy at squirrely times of year like the holidays when the kids tend to overexcitement and meltdowns. Developed by a Washington State based mum of two, you can get these sent to Canada without any hiccoughs: www.mamasmoodlifters.com
Still Shopping? Here’s our list of great gift guides:
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