The ability to laugh at oneself is a crucial life skill for women, and for mothers in particular. Day in and day out we are in the trenches, caring for everyone. A lot of times, looking back (waaay back) the situations we encounter are quite funny.

Cathy Thorne has totally nailed it with her absolutely hilarious cartoons. She has compiled a book called “Cartoons About Women (and the people who love and annoy them)“. I thoroughly enjoy her drawings and the punchlines have me giggling every time. I now keep her book on my night stand and when I am feeling exasperated I flip to one of her cartoons, smile to myself (or laugh out loud), take a deep breath and head back out into the trenches.

One thing that I especially appreciated about Cathy’s work is that she does not demean, belittle or embarrass womankind. Sometimes authors, in an effort to be funny, just come off as negative and snarky. She is not putting one woman down to lift another. Cathy Thorne just says it how it is, and makes it funny.

For a sampling of Cathy’s hilarious cartoons, check out her website, Everyday People. – by Chelle

I’m scared that my son is going to choose hockey as his sport of choice. Not only because it runs many Canadian parents upwards of $5000-10 000/season but because the obsession and competition appears very unhealthy to me. Not on the part of the kids – they just want to play the game – but on the part of the adults involved. Game On: How the Pressure to Win at All Costs Endangers Youth Sports and What Parents Can Do About It (now available in paperback for just ten bucks) is an educational book that aims to protect children in the world of sport. The author, award-winning ESPN reporter Tom Farrey, explores both the causes and the consequences of this unhealthy and un-sportsmanlike attitude. It’s a must-read for coaches and parents of athletes everywhere.

Cowboy & Wills by Monica Holloway is a new memoir of a boy who is diagnosed with autism (asd) at the age of three. Wills is incredibly high functioning but is bothered by certain textures and loud noises. Stopping at nothing to help their child succeed and convinced that the unconditional love of a pet would help him, they finally found Cowboy, a female golden pup, for Christmas when he was in kindergarten.

This honest memoir will make your heart ache. At once you’ll cry for her as a fellow mother and want to choke her for being such a twit. It’s an easy read that will make you laugh, make you cry and leave you full of hope.

Win it! We’re giving away a signed copy of Cowboy & Wills to one reader who comments before noon mst on December 31, 2009. Happy New Year reading!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

My most amazing husband bought me an Amazon Kindle for Christmas – something I didn’t even know I wanted until I held it in my hands. I bought my first book (boxed set actually – the Sookie Stackhouse 8 Book Set) for about half the price of the non-digital books, I had them instantly and have been reading all day. A smash it considering I only brought one book on vacation with me and I finished it four days ago. It’s way easier to read than I thought anything digital would be (six print sizes to choose from and you can read in bright light). My only complaint is that because it’s not a backlit LCD screen but uses electronic ink placement instead, you can’t read in the dark so you need a booklight or headlamp or something if there’s no overhead light (for travel or sneak-reading in bed).

So, what books should I order next?

Do you have a kindle? Love it? Hate it? Want one?

Picture It Picture Books is a super great Canadian company that I’m thrilled to share with you.

Alicia and Leanne, a teacher and a lawyer respectively, have written three books (so far) which, as a mother and a teacher, I think are brilliant. They’re designed to aid in the development of imagination and hone the skill of visualization in all children. These smart ladies have written the stories, but the pages in the books are blank canvases waiting to be filled with your child’s illustrations.

You know when you read a great book and then the movie is disappointing because your imagination was so much better than what anyone else could create? With Picture It Picture Books children draw whatever they imagine as they read the story and are never disappointed to find out that their imagination wasn’t “right.”

If there’s one thing that embodies childhood, it’s imagination. Any product that fosters that for people of any age is tops in my book.

The pages are made from 30% post-consumer recycled paper, and the books make a treasured keepsake. It’s a new way to engage in story time with your child (which I sincerely hope you’re doing daily in whatever way you’re doing it) and your child will be so proud to share these books with their friends, classmates and grandparents once they’re completed.

Win it! We’ve got a package of Picture It Picture Books to give away to one reader. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on December 29, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I just finished reading an advance reader copy of Alienated, the first novel by acclaimed screenwriter and director David O. Russell who has teamed up with Andrew Auseon to deliver a hilarious, surprising alien adventure book designated for ages 8 – 12. It’s perfect for reluctant readers – particularly boys – but I am a woman in my mid-thirties and I loved it. Granted, I teach, and have always enjoyed teen fiction, but it’s a darn good book regardless.

In the book, best friends Gene and Vince come across freaky aliens like Arachnid boy, Mold Man, and Crumble Bun all the time as reporters for their homemade weekly tabloid, the Globe, a newsletter featuring stories on the aliens living quietly among humans in Santa Rosa, California. Their classmates, along with almost everyone else, think the stories are just that – stories. And who can blame them, really? A girl who turn everything she touches to crumbs? Right. Determined to find a way to end his geeky outsider status for good, Gene steps on some toes, his traitorous behaviour places he and Vince at the center of an intergalactic conflict, one that could be the death of the their friendship, or even themselves.

If you’ve got a young reluctant reader on your giving list, I’d highly recommend this book.

Win it! We’ve got five (advance reader) copies of Alienated to give away. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on December 28, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!

While it’s cute and all, and we decorate and dress up and have a bunch of fun, Halloween in my house is just a signal to get the Christmas bins out because the tree’s going up November 1st!

The Christmas Almanac from Welcome Books is a great gift for the Christmas lovers among us. It’s lavishly illustrated with 300 vintage images on 240 gilt-edged pages, and includes pretty much everything imaginable. If it’s Christmas, it’s in there. It’s part reference, part anthology, part cookbook, part history book, part songbook, part shopping guide, part crafts, and part trivia book. Inside the cover are eight chapters which include classic stories and poems, recipes, history & traditions, carols & games, gift & card ideas and shopping tips, Christmas facts & trivia, entertainment, crafts, Christmas ornaments, information on volunteering and tips on everything from how to have a “green” Christmas and more.

All that sells for under $20 at Amazon. But really…having this on your family’s bookshelf is priceless.

Win it! We’ve got two copies to give away – just comment before noon mst on October 23, 2009 to enter.

You can get FIVE entries in this and every contest – click here to discover how!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED – (mailing today – 10/28 – sorry for the delay!)

Every so often, a book comes along that I have to write about as soon as I finish it. It’s not often, because book reviews are honestly not my favourite things to write, but Secrets of a Christmas Box by Steven Hornby hooked me from page one (to the annoyance of my husband who had to listen to me in bed every night going on about my plans for this book in my classroom and at home.)

Secrets of a Christmas Box is a fantasy novel like no other that invites the reader into the enchanting nighttime world of the decorations on a family’s Christmas tree. Each year when they’re brought out from the Christmas box, they greet their friends from past years (in the dark, of course, after their human family has gone to bed and the army lights illuminate the tree) and meet any newcomers. Sadly, there are always one or two that don’t make it back to the tree each year and as Larry the snowman discovers by the end of this book, the reason for their disappearance is not what they had always thought.

And that’s all I’m going to say about the plot line. If you have children, are a teacher or just love the spirit of Christmas, you need to read it. For us it will surely become a family tradition to read it daily each December and I can hardly wait to read it to my students in a couple of months. It’s recommended for ages 9-12 but as soon as my kids are in school I’m going to be reading this every year. And what’s with that twelve? I’m 33 and I’m totally not too old for it.

Win it! We’ve got two signed copies of Secrets of a Christmas Box in beautiful red sacks up for grabs. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on October 9, 2009. If you win, you’ll have it in lots time to start at the beginning of December, and if you don’t you’ve got time to place your order!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED

The folks from Welcome Books recently sent us advance reading copies of their four new books; THE BIG BOOK FOR TODDLERS, THE LITTLE BIG BOOK FOR GRANDMOTHERS, THE BOOK OF ME, and THE LITTLE BIG BOOK FOR DADS.

THE BIG BOOK FOR TODDLERS ($25) is a book for all the little tykes in the world. It celebrates the wonder of youth and is filled with material guaranteed to occupy, fascinate, and delight little ones of all backgrounds and interests and parents will be reminded of the songs they sang and games they played with their own parents many years ago. There are activities (like Hand Puppets, Bubbles, Paper Dolls, and Finger Games), fairy tales (like The Three Little Pigs and The Ugly Duckling), nursery rhymes (like One, Two, Buckle My Shoe and Old Mother Hubbard), songs, games, and jokes. The Big Book for Toddlers is destined to become a well-thumbed classic in no time at all. This is one sample we won’t be donating because my kids and I use it literally every day.

THE LITTLE BIG BOOK FOR GRANDMOTHERS ($25) is a book devoted to grandmothers and all that they mean to a grandchild’s life. It’s packed with enchanting vintage artwork that illuminates a broad selection of grandmother stories, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, poems, songs, old-fashioned games, activities, and recipes. This book would make an awesome gift from the grandkids for any occasion – including “Hey, you’re going to be a Grandma!” day.

THE BOOK OF ME ($19) is a classic baby book that’s taken a little bit further. There’s a spot for each adorable smile and an inspiring quote for each memorable moment; the perfect place to record all the essentials about Baby’s arrival, family tree, milestones, and accomplishments. Unlike many other baby books on the market, this one extends itself further to capture the simple, everyday moments as well. Record the silly things that make Baby giggle in “That’s Funny” with pictures of wide-open smiles. Capture the dreams and thoughts Dad or Mom has as he or she stares in wonder at peacefully sleeping Baby in “Sweet Dreams.” And don’t forget that not all memorable moments are sweet ones, so whatever gets Baby really going can be remembered in “I’m Mad!” Since we all know you won’t have time to scrapbook, I’d suggest this as a more feasible option.

THE LITTLE BIG BOOK FOR DADS ($22) is a great piece full of stories, fairy tales, poetry, activities, recipes, and songs – all selected with the dad in mind. Featuring text by authors such as Bill Cosby, Shel Silverstein, Ogden Nash, and Dr. Seuss, The Little Big Book for Dads makes for a special reading experience to be shared between dad and a little one. It’s filled with activities to while away the hours together, including making sandcastles and identification games; jokes, riddles, and great tongue twisters to laugh over; and even some fun (albeit junky) stuff to try in the kitchen with the kids. All in all, it’s a book any daddy would love to receive – especially if it was received as a gift from their child.

Win it! We’re giving away ALL FOUR of these books to TWO readers. Every baby needs a baby book; and we hope that each one has a dad and at least one grandma and each child eventually turns into a toddler, so why not make it all or nothing? To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on Friday, September 4, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED

If you are a mom, you have stories. Big stories, little stories…but you are most definitely full of stories. The very, very first story emits from the first time you see the two pink lines on the pregnancy test (or hear your physician say, “You’re pregnant.”). See? Every mom has a story!

I have stories and memories resounding and reverberating in my head all day long. Instances are brought to mind several times each day, springing up to consciousness in the midst of my daily duties. The problem is this: How to stream all of these memories, stories, scenarios? How to channel them into cohesiveness and get it down on paper for posterity? Therein lies the problem.

Whether you don’t have time or you aren’t sure how, recording your motherhood-based stories may seem impossible and impractical. For you and me, though, there’s help….thanks to Cori Howard and her Momoir Project.

The Momoir Project is the brainchild of Howard, an award-winning journalist whose passion for writing goes beyond her past profession. She formerly published Between Interruptions: Thirty Women Tell the Truth About Motherhood, an anthology of stories by moms and about all-things-motherhood. The Momoir Project is an extension of that effort….a way to help all moms out there figure out how to write down their lives, how to record their experiences (from the mundane to the extraordinary).

Howard offers actual writing classes for moms, as well as online seminars. Brand new, however, is a condensed e-book, The Momoir Workbook, that can be purchased and printed out. It allows you to learn and work independently at your “momoir,” setting your own pace and exploring at your own leisure the writing yet to bloom from your experiences.

The workbook teaches the importance of carrying around a notebook at all times, how to realize what your own unique story really is, and reminds you to remember who your audience is. It goes back to the basics and teaches you how to brainstorm anecdotes, write leads, composes theses, formulate the body, and close your story neatly in a bound ending.

Every chapter in the e-book offers a writing prompt that will set your creativity and memory bank ablaze. There’s also a call to record in writing the random conversations (or Q&As) you have with your children. I found this especially endearing, since I am consistently trying to write down (or email, or text, or Twitter) my children’s quizzical ponderings or hilarious realizations that they frequently vocalize.

Last but not least, great tips for actually finding time for writing and keeping up with it once you’ve begun wrap up this instructional, inspiration e-book.

You can purchase The Memoir Workbook (in PDF format) directly from The Momoir Project’s website. The cost is $32.95 in US dollars and $34.95 in Canadian Dollars. This book is certainly an investment in the things that matter most — penning and remembering these precious days with our little ones, the angst, trials, and decision-making along the way, and as moms, recording our hopes and dreams for the future (both ours and theirs).

Win it! We’re giving away a copy to one reader who comments before noon mst on September 4, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Our first child never has taken a trip to the emergency room. The middle child is a whole other story! Just over two years old and we have had to take that fateful trip to the emergency room twice already! Both children are great kids, just one is much more adventurous and daring than the other more cautious child. No matter the temperament of your child, there are times when all parents panic unsure what to do next.

Making the decision whether or not to take your child to the emergency room is not always an easy one. Dr Lara Zibners, an American ER doctor having witnessed many different cases, has written a helpful book for parents called, “If Your Kids Eats this Book, Everything will be Okay: How to Know if Your Child’s Injury or Illness is Really an Emergency“.

What is nice about this book, besides being an excellent resource, is that the author takes a light, do not panic approach to parenting decisions. The chapters are easy to navigate, so when in a potentially serious situation it is easy to find what you need. The information is to the point, yet fun to read, with valuable advice for parents.

I headed to chapter 8, the body, arms and legs to read about nursemaid’s elbow (something we recently took our son to the emergency room for) out of curiosity. The author has a great tip, recommending seeing the doctor before having x-rays as the doctor (or nurse in our case) can pop the elbow back in quite easily, avoiding the x-ray completely.

“If Your Kids Eats this Book, Everything will be Okay“, is an awesome resource for parents that will be within hands reach for us for years to come. – by Chelle

Win it! We’re giving away a copy to one reader who comments before noon mst on September 4, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

It is all the rage these days, living green. It is not surprising considering the impact our previous lifestyles have had on the planet. There is so much information out there it is sometimes hard to know where and how to begin.

We, as busy mothers have it even harder. Our time is limited, but our concern for our children’s safety and health is huge. Jennifer Taggart, an environmental lawyer and mother, wrote an awesome green guide book to help moms called “Smart Mama’s Green Guide: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Child’s Toxic Chemical Exposure“.

The book is full of amazing information for parents to help them make the right green decisions for their family. The chapters each focus on a different area of the house from the bathroom to the nursery, giving practical tips to help reduce your child’s exposure to toxic chemicals. What I enjoyed the most in “Smart Mama’s Green Guide“, was the way in which Jennifer Taggart defines and explains chemicals like BPA in plain language that anyone can understand.

Taggart also includes some great homemade cleaner recipes, as well as some great tips on insect repellents, sunscreen and antibacterial products. There is a lot of information packed into this book. It is definitely a book to reread and use as a reference when making purchasing decisions for the family. – by Chelle

Win it! We’re giving away a copy to one reader who comments before noon mst on September 4, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Ah, summer. Finally a chance to read a few books that aren’t professional or parenting in nature. Maybe. One can dream, anyway.

There’s no better gift for children than the gift of literacy, and books always make an awesome present for any occasion. It’s a gift that offers a slower pace and encourages the joy of imagination, and a book with a personal dedication will make it even more meaningful. Inscribe-it.com combines the timeless wonder of reading with the extra touch of a personalized written note and the addition of a favorite photo or image.

The selection of books is impressive. We chose a book with three Oz stories in it and had it personalized from our family to our school library so that it could be shared with many children over many years.

(I teach there, so my husband is very interested to see how many mustaches and other body decorations we’ve been defaced with in a few years!)

There are classics like The Wizard of Oz, Huckleberry Finn, and Black Beauty as well as a huge variety of new and old beauties for everyone from a baby to a centenarian who can still see to read. With an inscription that is uniquely theirs to treasure, any recipient is sure to love such a thoughtful gift.

GIVEAWAY MAY BE COMING – WATCH THIS SPACE!

I’ve had this gem sitting in my huge-and-ever-growing pile of review books for a few months and, though it wasn’t at the top yet, the colour caught my eye as I was choosing some new bedtime reading material. I’m glad it did! Secret Recipes for the Modern Wife: All the Dishes You’ll Need to Make from the Day You Say “I Do” Until Death (or Divorce) Do You Part by Nava Atlas is a quick read and it’s just the light & funny thing I needed this week.

With cool retro art and a lot of snark, it contains recipes like “Beans ‘n’ Weenies of Sexual Tension” and “Soufflé of Fallen Expectations” to entertain you. There are chapters full of Recipes for Accommodation, Recipes for Trouble, Recipes for Disaster and Recipes for Reconciliation and Romance. While this book may be funnier if you have a tense marriage or like to laugh at men rather than with them, any woman with a sense of humour would surely enjoy it. It ends a little happier, with A Fairly Satisfactory Family Stew and Happily-Ever-After Ambrosia. Hopefully you’re all leaning more toward the ‘happily ever after.’ At least, that’s our wish for you. That, and a good dose of snark once in a while.

Win it!We’re giving away a copy! To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on July 17, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

No Starch is one of our favourite publishing companies – I think of them as publishers for geeks. (And that’s totally a compliment. I married one.)

Many of their books aren’t of the parenting variety and don’t really “fit” here, but are applicable to enough of our readers that we like to share them anyway. Two titles that we’d love to share with you today apply to anyone who shoots with a D-SLR camera and wants to learn to shoot in RAW, and for anyone who becomes an “accidental administrator” of a network, whether at home or at work.

The Art of RAW Conversion: How to Produce Art-Quality Photos with Adobe Photoshop CS2 and Leading RAW Converters by Uwe Steinmueller and Jürgen Gulbins is a practical and beautifully illustrated guide that explains the advantages of working with RAW files (the digital equivalent of film negatives) and then how to use RAW converters to create the best digital image from each shot. It covers all of today’s most popular and innovative RAW converters, such as Photoshop Camera RAW, RawShooter, Lightroom, and Aperture) and how to get the best results from each one. As an amateur photographer (aren’t we all?) who shoots in RAW aboult half the time, I am really enjoying this book. Rather than reading it cover to cover, I leave it by my computer and each time I work on a session I’ve shot in RAW I use it to gather new ideas and streamline my workflow. With D-SLR cameras being affordable for the average parent now, almost everyone has the ability to shoot in RAW but almost nobody knows what to do with the files once they’ve been created. Thanks to this great & easy to follow book, anyone who wants to work with RAW now can do so without too much effort.

Network Know-How: An Essential Guide for the Accidental Admin by John Ross is just awesome for parents whose family members have two or more computers, because it will show you step by step how to connect them together and to the internet. No matter which OS you use (Windows, Mac or Linux), you’ll learn how to implement network addressing, configure adapters, hubs, switches, and your router, share music, photos, and documents, automate household appliances and stream digital audio and video to your home entertainment center and troubleshoot network slowdowns and failures. Sound like Greek? It did to me too, until I read John’s book. If I can do it, so can you!

Win it! We’ve got copies of each of these books to give away. To enter, leave a comment on this post (a SEPARATE comment for each book, please, noting either NETWORK or RAW in your comment) before noon mst on July 9, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I admit to feeling a lot of envy toward people who live in the same location as their parents. I’d love for my kids to see their grandparents more often, but I count my blessings that the times they do have are fun and filled with tons of love. Being only a few hours away, we never have to go more than a month or two even during the busiest times of year – thank goodness. Whether children see their grandparents once a day or once a year, everyone wants those times to be memorable and positive.

The new book Super Granny: Great Stuff To Do With Your Grandkids (Sterling, March 2009), author and grandmother Sally Wendkos Olds presents a treasure trove of activities and ideas that help grandmothers connect and communicate with any grandchild. (Sorry Gramps, maybe your book is coming?) The book is a compilation of stories from real-life grandparents about what they do with their grandchildren to create memories on ordinary and extraordinary days. While there is the requisite chapter on knitting, it’s overshadowed by chapters on skiing, email and so many more ways to create those special connections with the generation once removed.

If you’re a grandmother, whether you’re babysitting to give parents a break, texting the grandkids from hundreds of miles away, or keeping them for a week at a time, this book has an idea or two for you. From infancy to adolescence, with something for the most computer-savvy granny and kid and also some more traditional projects, Super Granny has it all, and many of the ideas are free or practically free. It’s perfect for this economy!

I love the way the book compares grandmothering to mothering. According to Sally, grandmothers can concentrate on a child on child in an almost Zen way that mothers cannot. I’m pretty sure that’s because they know they’re giving them back before the witching hour hits.

Win it! We’ve got a copy to give away to one reader who comments before noon mst on July 6, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

I’m not much into celebrity worship. I have no idea what they’re wearing, with whom they’re fornicating or, in many cases, what their names are. They’re just people, after all, and are no more special than you or I. They just have different jobs. I just read a new book, though, that reminded me that they really, really are just like us – including their struggles with confidence & self esteem. All that money to pay for surgery and maids doesn’t change that.

Exactly As I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice with Today’s Girls on What It Takes to Believe in Yourself was written by Emmy Award winning journalist and weekend co-host for “Access Hollywood” Shaun Robinson. She includes such women as Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Queen Latifah, Martina Navratilova, Diane Sawyer, Oprah Winfrey and more, who share their own struggles with self-esteem and body image. Through short & readable interviews with these women and many average young girls too, Exactly as I Am shows young women how to achieve a balance between accepting how they look and appreciating who they are on the inside. Shaun talks about her own journey of self-esteem, the pressures women everywhere face every day—even women at the height of their professions and fame, how to seize every opportunity to build confidence and learn to be comfortable in your own skin and how, no matter what happens, every female (and yes, male, but they can get their own book) can and should reach for their goals, no matter what they are.

It was a great read for me, but I think I’m pretty confident and don’t struggle much with self esteem – mostly thanks to having great parents, a great childhood and now a great husband. Almost everyone Shaun talked to for her book mentions the impact of their families on their confidence and self-esteem. The responsibility we bear as we raise children is huge. Magnificent, even. Larger than most of us even know. This book was great for me, yes, but I think it would be even better for a young girl. Any young girl. Perhaps EVERY young girl. My own copy will be set aside for my toddler daughter to read as she approaches those dreaded tween years. For a young girl to read the words of these people she sees airbrushed in magazines and to know that they feel or have felt exactly they way that she does on her worst day is an awesome gift. To be cherished exactly as you are by the people who are entrusted raising you is even more awesome. Go hug your daughters and tell them they’re stunningly beautiful inside and out, and that you love them exactly as they are.

Win it! To enter to win a copy of Shaun’s book, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on July 1, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

A birthing book is an appropriate next step following Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein’s groundbreaking movie, “The Business of Being Born”. The movie was an eye opener, it left you with your jaw wide open and I think it had a tendency to attract “birth junkies”. That is a phrase that Ricki Lake used to describe herself in “Your Best Birth”. As soon as I read “birth junkie” I knew I found a fabulous book that was written by someone who shared my passion.

Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein’s book, “Your Best Birth” is a must have for all expectant mothers. Its pages are full of heartwarming and empowering stories about real life “Birth Goddesses” including Cindy Crawford and Melissa Joan Hart just to name a couple. They present information from a variety of highly regarded experts in the field of birthing, including Dr. Michel Odent, Penny Simkin and my personal idol, Ina May Gaskin. You’ll find everything you need to know about the decisions that you may have to make, including birth location, labor support, interventions and postpartum support.

The book includes a wealth of information that many of the more mainstream books neglect to address. Included is a great section on fear surrounding childbirth, a section on routine newborn procedures, and even a portion dedicated to c-sections and vbac (vaginal birth after cesarean). I was thrilled to read about midwifery, homebirths, and doulas right alongside the information on hospital procedures. It’s great to see a book that has it all!

Lake and Epstein are not afraid to tell it like it is about birth and how you can make your experience an empowering one. It took me three births to finally get that empowered feeling that I read about in “Your Best Birth”, I can only imagine how things may have been if this book was available 9 ½ years ago. It was a pleasurable read and I will recommend the book to everyone I know! – by Andrea

Being pregnant with my third child, I was very eager to read “Your Best Birth” written by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein. I haven’t had the opportunity to see their film “The Business of Being Born” yet, but totally want to view it soon.

As a Canadian, with access to universal health care, a lot of the book’s focus does not pertain to me. Our options for child birth are not as vast, due to smaller populations and our system. We are tax payers rather than a pure consumer, so we cannot shop around to the same extent.

That being said I learned so much from this book. Many misconceptions and things that we take for granted as women truly jeopardize our ideal birth situations. The book is definitely slanted, favouring home births, however the authors do present hospitals in good light under the right conditions.

I absolutely love reading other women’s experiences and birth stories. I feel we have so much to learn from each other. The birth stories in “Your Best Birth” were awesome and inspiring. In fact the entire book is written to be empowering, so as women we can take back control of our birth experiences.

The book allowed for extreme cases in which medical intervention was necessary and I respected that. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of judgment that is passed on women when it comes to birth choices. Ultimately knowledge is power and “Your Best Birth” is full of traditional, midwife and medical knowledge to help you and your partner make the best decisions for you and your baby.

There was one part in the book that discussed the baby entry into the world form the baby’s perspective. I really enjoyed that, all too often we think in terms of the mother’s condition and fail to think of the baby. For 40 odd weeks that little bean has been all tucked inside you, perfectly maintained in the perfect womb. The transition from that to the world has to be a rough one!

“Your Best Birth” by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein is a must read for pregnant women and their partners! – by Chelle

Win it! We’re giving away FIVE copies of this book! To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on June 30, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED

How’s that for a title?

Robin Sax is a parent and a prosecutor of people who commit sex crimes against children. Read that again. Sex crimes against children. If that doesn’t make you throw up in your mouth a little bit, you’re probably dead.

Robin’s newest book, Predators and Child Molesters: What Every Parent Needs to Know to Keep Kids Safe takes the form of a Q&A session. Robin answers 100 of the most asked questions about child molesters and the processes involved in what they do and in what we do to get them off the streets from the perspective of a Los Angeles sex crimes D.A. who is a mother herself. While I wouldn’t call it an enjoyable read, that’s not a reflection of the quality of the book. It’s well written, succinct and a very easy read. It’s just a very unpleasant topic. However unpleasant, it needs to be added to the required reading list for all parents and everyone who works with/cares for/loves children.

The book is organized into six sections: Recognizing predators: molesters, pedophiles, and opportunists; Talking to kids about risks and identifying potential problems; Recognizing abuse; Reporting sexual abuse; Going to court; and Healing and moving on. She teaches that the job of protecting our children begins with parents in the home. “Parents must view protecting children from the potential of sexual assault as a priority. Teaching children preventive measures should be viewed as important as teaching kids how to dial 9-1-1.” It makes you think, that’s for sure.

One of Robin’s tips that we’ve implemented in our home (before I read this book, but I was glad to see I was right) was to teach them that they, and only they, own their bodies and they can say ‘no’ to anyone. If they say no tickling, there’s no tickling. If they don’t want a hug, there’s no hug. Of course, usually they want all of the above from us, but it’s important thaw we empower them and stop if they test those waters by asking us to stop.

In short: Read this book as soon as you can get your hands on a copy. Twelve bucks could help you save the innocence of a child.

Win it! We’re giving away a copy of Robin’s book to one reader. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on June 26, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Mother Talk sent me a copy (PDF – now that’s a pain the butt to read…) of Stephanie Snowe’s first book, Meeting Mr. Wrong: The Romantic Misadventures of a Southern Belle. Like Stephanie’s blog, which I love, her book is hilarious. It’s like a trainwreck you can’t look away from – vicariously living through some of the worst, and therefore funniest, dating adventures to ever befall a young woman. Ever. She shares in witty detail her experiences with internet dating after a surprise divorce as an mother of twins in her early twenties. She writes about the crap – and I do mean CRAP – she endured with an amazing air of grace.

She’s without a doubt one of the next great humour novelists and if her first book is any indication of what’s to come, I’ll be reading everything she writes.

Check out Stephanie Snowe’s blog for a snippet of her writing style – she’ll quickly be in your feed reader, I guarantee it.

[This is a guest post from Travis Peterson of the fab No Starch Press. I haven't read the book so I couldn't honestly review it, but knew you'd want in on it anyway!]

You finally did it—you bought the gizmo that everyone’s talking about. Maybe you’ve already figured out how to play music or make phone calls, but then what?

How does the voicemail work? And that keyboard? What about all of those cool apps—which ones do you need, and how do you get them? You need a book like My New iPhone to make everything easy.

San Francisco’s No Starch Press has posted a big chunk of its My New iPhone book on Scribd for free, plus is selling it cheap-like-borscht as a PDF.

No Starch has a new version of Wang’s iPhone book coming out with the release of iPhone OS 3.0 this summer. In the meantime, the publisher is making about 50% of the current version of the book available for free. As a special deal, they are offering this PDF for free when you preorder a copy of My New iPhone through the No Starch Site—you’ll get the free PDF emailed to you right away and get the book—covering all of the latest and greatest 3.0 features—when it comes out this summer. You can preorder the book and get your free PDF here. Or you can view a chunk of the book on Scribd here.

Win it! No Starch is giving away a No Starch Press prize package to one randomly selected commenter that includes copies of the books My new iPhone and My New Mac, a No Starch Press t-shirt, shot glass, and mug, as well as stickers! The prize package will be mailed when My New iPhone is published this summer. Leave your comment before noon mst on June 4, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

The Perfect Baby Handbook: A Guide for Excessively Motivated Parents by Dale Hrabi (Harper Collins) is brilliantly funny – hands down the funniest I’ve read (and I just may have read them all). Addressing the phenomena of the over-the-top yuppy parent and spoofing the run of the mill how-to parenting book, Canadian born Hrabi pokes satirical fun at…well, everything about parenthood. He leaves no stone left unturned. Need help naming baby? Check IKEA’s product names. He’ll teach you how to babyproof the planet, perform an imbalance awareness drill, hire dead entertainers for your baby’s first birthday, adopt the ultimate schedule (down to the minute), induce “advanced slumber”, and colour code poop. The artwork is terrific – as funny as the text, perhaps – and the entire book makes me want to hang out with Dale and laugh and myself and everyone else who has ever spawned. If you know someone on bedrest awaiting their first child, this is THE book you need to buy for them. If it doesn’t make them laugh, they need some major therapy. Bedrest or not, I think this book would make an awesome addition to any baby gift.

If you need some more entertainment, check out the Perfect Baby blog.

And by the way – if you’re into competitive breastfeeding? I totally win.

Win it! We’ve got this very book just for you. Or you. Or maybe you. To enter, just leave a comment on this post before noon mst on Friday, April 24, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Though breastmilk certainly is no less than the complete & amazing food of love, after reading Kate Evan’s book I can’t decide if the title is intended with a healthy dose of snark or not. Same goes for the subtitle, “Your Formula For Successful Breastfeeding.” Very clever, if not tongue in cheek.

It’s packed to the brim with (correct) information, inspiration and hilarious (and I’m not just saying that) anecdotes and illustrations, and is by far the best breastfeeding book I’ve read in a long long time. And I’m pretty sure I’ve read almost all of them.

It’s the kind of book I’d like to give to all pregnant mothers (because goodness knows once the baby comes there’s no way they’re finding time to read until they actually have the breastfeeding thing mastered and can nurse & read simultaneously) because it gives all of the details you need to learn to nurse – and, as simple as it seems, there are a lot of details – and also covers co-sleeping, babywearing and postpartum depression in a succinct & research based, yet very down to earth manner. And it’s square, so it’ll stay open hands-free. That way, if neither you or your thoughtful friends were savvy enough to pick it up early, you can read it when you’ve got both hands full of baby.

Win it! We’ve got two copies of The Food of Love to ship to two randomly selected winners. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before noon mst on April 1, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED

I have!

The Book is titled, “The Doll Brokers” by Hal Ross. To give you an idea how much I enjoyed the book, I finished it in one weekend, while my husband was away, parenting two children 4 and under, pregnant. It was a good book.

I did not watch television all weekend, instead I curled up to find out if Ann could pull it all off, despite all the odds tossed at her. The book was paced well, had a few surprises, love, betrayal, scandals, family and of course the toy industry. I was intrigued by the ins and outs of the toy industry as well as the character’s struggles. The characters are strong and I totally rooted for Ann, sneered at Patrick and adored Jonathon. Felicia, the matriarch of the family, is so sweet and totally believable as an amazing business woman.

The Canadian author, Hal Ross, worked in the toy industry for over 35 years and has added that to this great story. Not only does Ann (the main character) have to face the grueling world of the toy industry, she must face her past, a new love and the loss of a dear friend.

Totally a must read. With summer coming (hopefully soon) it would be a great book to curl up with on your hammock or at the beach. The Doll Brokers is published by iUniverse and can be found at most bookstores & on Amazon. – by Chelle

Win it! We’re giving away a copy of The Doll Brokers to a randomly selected winner. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on Friday, March 20, 2009.

P.S. – Happy Green Day!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

If you’ve ever had a kid with sleeping issues, you’ve likely heard of Elizabeth Pantley. She’s a parenting expert & author who has penned a series of “no-cry” parenting books that are all completely awesome. Her newest book, The No-Cry Nap Solution : Guaranteed Gentle Ways to Solve All Your Naptime Problems is no different, and came to my house just in time to get me a few months of sanity. I wish it would have come a year earlier, though, when my kid stopped napping at almost 2 years old.

From McGraw-Hill Publishing:

“Will your child only nap in your arms, in a swing, or after elaborate rituals? Does your child take cat naps–or none at all? Let world-renowned, trusted parenting author Elizabeth Pantley help you. She’ll guide you with the same sensitive expertise and gentle approach used in her other No-Cry bestsellers.

Research shows that naps improve health, mood, growth, and well-being. Yet children often resist the naps they need. The results are fussy, crying babies and cranky, grouchy kids who also have trouble sleeping at night!

In The No-Cry Nap Solution Pantley explains to parents of children ages newborn to kindergarten the importance of napping to both behavior during the day and sleeping during (and through!) the night. She then shares with you her gentle, loving techniques–tested on families of all sizes and circumstances–and shows you how you can customize her solutions for your own family. Pantley addresses issues such as children who resist naps, dealing with schedule changes, turning short naps into longer ones, helping a child go from needing motion to sleep to “stationery” sleep, nursing at naptime, solving daycare napping problems, and more.”

There are so many things I love about this book. I (almost) wish I didn’t finish the Twilight series before reading it! (Sorry Elizabeth – it’s addictive…have you read it?) Most of all, I love that she doesn’t recommend letting your child cry – something I’ve always thought was wrong in so many ways. I also love that she tells readers that it might take a while, you might have to pick a few of her strategies and combine them in a way that works for your own family.

In our situation, with a child who acts like he still needs a nap but has only had two in the last 9 months, this book helped us institute a “hush hour” as an alternative to the nap and/or quiet time we’d been floundering with here and there. Granted – it’s only been three days now, but our little guy has relaxed in his bed with about 30 books until I’ve gone in to get him and we’re all happier for it.

Get some free advice here, and if you need more I’d highly recommend this book!

If you’d like my (read once, but just like new) copy of this book, leave a comment before noon mst tomorrow – Friday, March 6, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Please visit our sponsor:

Many of our readers are bloggers who are proficient designers, SEO optimizers and all around tech geniuses. Many of our readers are bloggers who know how to post from a blogging platform, Tweet a little and use Facebook. Some of you, we know, are simply folks who sit at home entering contests just for fun. We’re cool with all of you, and though we certainly identify more with the first group, this review is leaning a little toward the latter groups.

Christina Tynan-Wood’s How To Be a Geek Goddess from No Starch Press is geared specifically towards women who want to know more about all sorts of technology. Whether you’re buying a computer, surfing the web, shopping for a cell phone, checking your email, wanting to keep your kids safe on the web ro are wandering aimlessly in the electronics aisle, Christina has you covered. She has a great grasp of how the “average” woman and the “average” man differ (yes, I know…none of us are “average”…) and she gives the non-geek woman a comprehensive and incredibly easy to read & understand guide to today’s tech in this book.

How To Be a Geek Goddess is going for only $16 at Amazon right now, and qualifies for free super saver shipping.

Win it! We’re giving away a copy of this fab geek read! To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on March 6, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

The KidDictionary: A Book of Words Parents Need But Don’t Have by Eric Ruhalter

As the title clearly states, this is a book about words that don’t necessarily exist in the Dictionary. But these are words that every parent has encountered and which describe the situation just perfectly. The entire time I was reading this 178 pages book, I had a smile on my face and was nodding almost constantly. After a couple of pages, I even started sharing them out loud with my hubby who did the same!

I don’t have words to describe these words. Let me just try and use them instead.

There are times when I’m driving and my kid gets Whyahrhea where the chain of ‘whys’ just don’t stop even as I come close to making myself bald. Or when my kid keeps yapping on and on about something and in response, I start ‘yupping,’ even though I haven’t consciously listened to a word he’s said. And don’t get me started on cleaning his car seat which is almost always chock-full of ‘kiddles,’ those pesky little crumbs that magically appear even if the car’s been vaccumed just seconds earlier! And finding the ‘curdler,’ that sippy cup full of milk that’s rolled way down in that unreachable little corner, just about puts the crowning glory in an already stinky day.

These and many, many other creative words perfectly capture and describe with wry humor every kind of situation that hapless parents are often subjected to. All in all, this is a Dictionary that entertains as well as it educates!

Buy it from Amazon, or pick it up directly from Eric and give him a bigger percentage of the sale – for the same price of just $11.95! - by Rashmi

Win it! Eric is going to send a copy of The KidDictionary to one randomly selected T.O.P. reader! To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on February 27, 2009. If you’re feeling creative, leave your best made-up kid word for an extra entry!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Is your child having problems in school? Is he struggling with reading or having difficulty keeping up?

As an early childhood teacher, I know that good reading, vocabulary, and spelling skills make an essential foundation for both academic success as well as lifelong learning.
Sylvan Learning Workbooks & Learning Kits are an awesome resource that I’d have no problem recommending to the parents of any of my students who are struggling.

The teacher-reviewed, curriculum-based activities and exercises in these books are great for helping a child achieve success with reading, provided that they’re worked through with a loving and patient adult.

There are individual books for reading, writing, vocabulary, spelling, beginning learning and language arts, and awesome 3-in-1 Super Workbooks that include reading, spelling & vocabulary (a $40 value for under $20!). While my own children are too young to benefit from these books at this point in our lives, after having looked through them I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase one if they struggle in the future. It’s like bringing the tools of Sylvan Learning Centres into your home, and for a lot less money.

Win it! We’ve got 1 copy of each of the 4th grade workbooks to give to one randomly selected reader. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on February 26, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Publications International, Ltd., has created a (relatively) new interactive product, Poingo to make books literally “come alive” for children. It’s a pen that senses locations on the pages of special Poingo books with a tiny infrared camera mounted in its tip.

“Children ages 3-7 will love using the pen-shaped Poingo to touch pictures or text, and bring their favorite characters to life with words, sounds and music. Almost everything on the book’s pages comes alive, engaging the child and making their reading, and learning, experience an unforgettable one.”

We were sent a Poingo starter kit to review and are totally digging it. Because it’s inevitable and is the first question I’m always asked when someone sees our Poingo…on with the comparison: There are currently several similar products on the market, with the Leapfrog TAG being the main competitor. We don’t have a Tag but borrowed one from a friend for comparison sake. There are a few major differences as well as some similarities noted when we used both for a few weeks. They both have their positives and negatives and, in our opinion, there is no clear winner. It’s all a matter of preference.

Our observations:

*Locally, the Poingo system is at least $15 cheaper at regular price for the starter kit. ($35 vs $50.) The price point of Poingo makes this cool technology available to more families.
*The Poingo sound is not as crisp nor as clear as the sound of the Tag.
*With Tag, you can point at individual words on the page and Tag will read just that word. Poingo only reads the entire page which is very frustrating for the child who is learning to read and wants help with only a few words. It took us a long time to figure this out, but the pages’ narration can be interrupted with another tap that the pace can be controlled.
*They both claim to have several books available but I can only find 2 books for the Poingo (Nemo and Cars – my son loves them both!) but over 20 for the Tag.
*Poingo looks all contain licenced characters but the Tag system offers much more variety.
*Both systems run on 2 AAA batteries. The Poingo’s 256 MB of internal memory is much larger than that of the TAG’s 16 MB, and it can store up to 50 books where the Tag can store only 6.
*For the Poingo pen, you have to go online to download more content by way of a USB port . I had no luck in doing this and received no response from the customer service (disservice?) reps after several attempts so we’re still just using what the system came with.
*The Poingo has two volume levels and a headphone jack. The Tag has a headphone jack.
*Both systems are targeted to a similar age group (preschoolers and early school aged children, 3-7 for Poingo and 4-8 for Tag) but the books rip incredibly easily. They should both be built much more sturdily and perhaps coated in something plastic or rip-resistant given their target audience. In my opinion, both systems should say 2-6 or 7 because my early reader loves his Poingo system at 2.5 years and anyone over 7 is likely going to think it’s a little “babyish” according to the 7 year old who played with ours.

While they both have their annoying features, I’d actually love to have both in my house because they also have their good points and the kids love them. The technology is very cool and there’s so much potential. I’m waiting for the Poingo and Tag v.2 to be developed and I want to try them!

Win it! We’ve got a Poingo system for one reader to try! To enter to win, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on February 4, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

My children love books. We read all the time. My daughter likes books that include cats and creatures form the sea, whereas my son likes trucks, diggers and animals to be part of the story.

What if our children could be part of the story?

Little Bunny Press does just that – They publish customized children’s books starring your child! I was fortunate enough to be provided the opportunity to go through the process to share with you.

You start off by heading to the Little Bunny Press website where you set up an account in minutes then get to work customizing your book. I have to admit I got a little frustrated preparing the pictures. For an extra $10, Little Bunny Press will prepare the photos for you, and if you do not have experience with a program like Photoshop, I would really recommend paying the extra. However once I got the pictures just right, the process was really smooth.

The book arrived very quickly, and during the holiday season no less, and it is truly gorgeous. It looks and feels like any children’s book you would find in a bookstore. The best thing about this book is what happens as you read the story. When your kids see themselves starring as the characters, you get squeals of delight! My preschooler exclaimed me when she went on that adventure, “I didn’t know that I have rode a submarine before, Mommy!” The kids totally enjoy the book and being the main characters. We ordered the Underwater Adventure! book, as it included two main characters.

Oh! Did I mention the book is published on 100% recycled paper, using non-polluting renewable resources to manufacture it? YEAH! All that and they sell for just $17.95. A green Mom’s dream for books. This book will definitely be a favourite on our bookshelf for years to come. – by Chelle

Win it! We’re giving away a Little Bunny Press book of your choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post after visiting
Little Bunny Press to choose which book you’d order should your comment be randomly selected. Contest closes at noon mst on January 13, 2009.

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

PLEASE NOTE – This giveaway was never received by the winner and the owner of this company chose not to respond to our many attempts to contact her. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU SHOP HERE.

One of the trends I’ve noticed in children over the years – in my classroom and elsewhere, and it’s not a good one, is that many of them are less than empathetic (insert your own pet peeve here – respectful of adults is another one I’ve noticed). I don’t know the reason. More parents working long hours? Parents trying to be friends instead of parents?

Whatever the reason, the things that are suffering are all character traits that we, as a human race, should be concerned about.

Life’s Building Blocks is a company founded by Vikash and Juli Sanyal, two SoCal parents. Their goal was to develop character building products that would be fun for kids and easy for parents to use and they’ve succeeded with their award-winning lineup of age appropriate products.

In addition to creating Zaki, my child’s favourite lovable, talking, plush “character chameleon,” they placed Zaki in the midst of the Spruce Street Six — a group of best friends in the third grade. In the stories, the friends who make up The Spruce Street Six encounter many of the common ethical challenges that confront children everywhere. The stories highlight both the strengths, weaknesses and virtues of each of the children making them seem very real to the children reading. Because of that, the ethical decisions made in the book are easily transferred to the decisions they are faced with in their daily lives.

Zaki himself is geared toward children aged 3-6. My three year old is just at the youngest appropriate age and he loves it, but I can see how he will grow into using it more often. Actually I can see us pulling out Zaki as a teaching tool when we need to readdress some of the basic character issues. He sings “Zaki’s song” and has six short stories and rhymes starring the Spruce Street Six programmed into his innards. The best part of “Storytelling Zaki”, in my opinion, are the fins on his back which change colors when the kids are in situations where they should stop (red), slow down and think (yellow), or go for it (green)! It was the first thing to get the attention of my son and definitely the part that kept it. It gave us the opportunity to chat about the situations in the stories and ensure that he actually understood the thought processes going on in the characters. Zaki sells for $30.

The Spruce Street Six Chapter Books, for ages 6-9, feature characters Honest Jake, Jessica the Brave, Calm Carlos, Lauren Never Quits, Jarrett the Just and Kind Shawnie who, with Zaki’s help and their own consciences, take readers on fun adventures that use real dilemmas & ethical problem solving skills teach character building while they enjoy a good book. They sell for $6 a piece.

The related Spruce Street Six Activity Books help reinforce the moral lessons learned in the books via puzzles, short stories, word searches and crack coded messages. They also sell for $6 each

I’m glad to see more products that do more than sing songs and blink, and character building is one of the most valuable goals for a toy that I’ve seen yet.

Save 20% off a purchase of $15 or more with the code top20 through 12/31.

Win it! Thanks to Life’s Building Block’s we’re giving away one of each of these awesome character building products to one lucky winner. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on December 29, 2008.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED – Congrats to Beth!

It was only a couple of months ago that we reviewed the first book from The Little Environmentalists. Their new book, I’m Turning Green, is perhaps even better than the last.

Retailing for just $7.95, the newly released I’m Turning Green is a great book to educate even the youngest of children about the ways even someone their size can make a positive impact on our beautiful planet. It gives kids tips to conserve energy, water, and natural resources. As a little girl turns green from head to toe, kids learn that the little things that they do around the home can actually help save the planet that they live on. Each page consists of a statement about something a child can do…“I help to recycle our glass, aluminum and paper. What do I see happening to me? All of a sudden I see my arms turning green!” and an additional ‘Did you know?’ fact that can start some great ongoing conversations around environmental protection at the child & family level. We’re thoroughly enjoying this book and I’m sure your family would too. Just be prepared to be nagged whenever you forget to be a good environmental steward.

Win it! We’ve got a copy of this book to give away to a reader. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on December 18, 2008.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Take English courses through an online university and write your own book.

My family has been reviewing the eebee’s Adventures series of baby books from every baby. I’ve got to tell you – when I heard the name eebee, I was pretty sure they’d be incredibly stupid. Because, come on. eebee?

But honestly, these are some really super great baby books! Available at Barnes & Noble for $15 each, they are the perfect addition to a baby gift, first birthday gift, a Christmas package or your own bookshelf.

There are three single books and a two book package, all of which are much more than your average soft book. They’re interactive in ways that are engaging for infants and entertaining for toddlers, too.

A little blurb on each from the press release:

eebee’s Having a Ball Adventures: Babies will play around with some big ideas in this adventure: up, down, over, under, in, out . . . and my turn—your turn. This interactive book includes a soft, tethered ball, inviting babies to exercise social, motor, language, and thinking skills in games from catch with eebee to basketball.

eebee’s Laundry Time Adventures: Babies will explore words, sounds, and textures; exercise fine-motor skills; play imaginatively . . . and get the laundry done. Interactive play activities include taking towels out of the laundry bag and putting them “into the washer”; spinning the peek-a-boo washing-machine wheel; hanging eebee’s pajamas on the line; and putting them away in the drawers.

eebee’s Peek-a-Boo Adventures: Where’s eebee? On the cover of this book, open and close the curtains. Inside the book, look for eebee behind a silky purple scarf, inside a big, shiny raincoat, and behind a movable stack of soft blocks. From exploring textures to anticipating outcomes, there’s no hiding the opportunities for playful skill-building in this exciting search.

eebee’s Hug and Splash Adventures is a two-book set in which each book is also a game. All About Me & You is all about eebee’s body, and a baby’s body too. Fold-out the book-sized mirror to “look and play” along with eebee. Exercise your baby’s social, motor, language, and thinking skills, exploring the body from head to toe! Eebee’s Bath Time Adventure is sure to float a baby’s boat. Open the book and place it cover-up in the tub. Watch eebee float! Submerge the book to fill the squirter and then squeeze it for a gentle spray. Press eebee’s tummy—squeak—eebee’s all clean. As eebee takes a bath, every baby will play and learn with water.

My two year old has claimed the Bath Time Adventure book for himself and delights in squirting his baby sister in the tub and then trying to keep it away from her until he gets a chance to do it again! Both children love the other books and I love that they’re entertaining enough to give me an occasional few minutes of uninterrupted latte drinking.

Save 10% on purchases made on www.eebee.com with the code eebee.

Win it! Three readers will each win a copy of eebee’s Laundry Time Adventures. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on November 4, 2008.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED

When I was a kid, I was lucky enough to spend my days making mud pies, running & crawling through prairie fields & avoiding worms while jumping in puddles. In a sad turn of events, many of today’s children not only suffer from nature deprivation but they now, more than ever, need to start their environmental education early in order to save our strained Mother Earth.

Luckily, new company The Little Environmentalists has just released the first in their series of children’s books addressing just that. Nature Discovery In My Back Yard is geared for preschoolers & early readers. It follows a little girl as she explores her back yard and discovers what is out there to see when she just takes a little time.

The book sells for just $6.95 and is available from The Little Environmentalist. You can also print this sheet to go along with it.

Win it! We’ve got a copy of Nature Discovery In My Back Yard to give away. To enter, leave a comment on this post before 5 pm mst on October 27, 2008.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Every child loves to see their name in print and if there’s a way to make seeing your name in print more exciting, it is seeing your picture along side it. Proud Canadian company Mini Me Books has gotten it just right with their creation of The Octopus Book.

There are three available options, all of which are fantastic and only get better as you put a few more dollars into it. The first, with personalized text including the name of the child and their parents, sells for $32.99. For $39.99, you can personalize the names of the characters, and upload an image of your child. Finally, for $49.99 you can personalize text and photo for your child and 2 adults. My son has the $49.99 edition of The Octopus Book and I can tell you very honestly that it’s worth every penny and you will love it as much as your child will! The quality is second to none – better, in fact, than many of the thousands of books that fill my house and classroom from bookstores and other sources. The pages are thick and shiny and the paper is certified to the environmental and social standards of the Forest Stewardship Council. The binding is sturdy and tough, and the integration of the uploaded photographs is professional and…perfect. This does not look like a homemade book. It’s one that we have read daily since it arrived and will continue to read for many years.

Sure, it’s more than you’d spend on an average book at the store…but this is no average book. If you’re able to make the investment for your child, I assure you that you won’t regret it. I highly recommend it.

Save 10% on your Mini Me Book purchase with the code TOP10.

Win it! We’re giving away a personalized Mini Me Book valued at $49.99 to one lucky TOP reader! To enter, leave a comment on this post letting us know what little person in your life would be the lucky recipient before 11:59 mst on October 10, 2008.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

There are very few magazines that I feel are worthy of my money each month, either at the news stand or via slightly less expensive subscriptions. My short list just got one longer with my introduction to Kiwi Magazine. The content is second to none – I don’t think there was one article I didn’t thoroughly enjoy in the latest issue. Covering topics like budgeting, crafts, cooking, vaccination, memory making, wellness, style, play and more, and all from an organically green perspective, it’s like your favourite parenting magazine without the adds for hot dogs. Speaking of advertising, Kiwi has it’s fair share but through it I’ve been introduced to healthier & more organic options for things I have never allowed my kids to experience. Organic & chemical free sprinkles for our ice cream? Heck yes! There’s even an article showcasing some organic and natural alternatives to the dreaded hotdog that I had no idea were available. Did I mention an annual (bimonthly) subscription is only $11.95? If you have a family and any desire to green up your life, Kiwi magazine is for you.

Be sure to check out the great resource that is the Kiwi Magazine website.

Win it! We’re giving away a one year subscription to Kiwi Magazine to one lucky reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before midnight MST on September 16/08.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by the fabulous James Patterson is presented as a book that will get young boys reading. My sense of humour indicates that I’m a 12 year old boy inside, and my love for this book proves it. I’ve read all of James Patterson’s adult novels and thoroughly enjoyed them, which was the main reason I decided to review The Dangerous Days of Daniel X.

Patterson created Daniel as a character with a tremendous power – the coolest of all super powers…the power to create. As an alien hunter trying to avenge the death of his mother and father, Daniel keeps himself alive by using his way-cool power. The book starts out with a preying mantis-like character entering his family home and killing his parents. He’s left alone and his character is often heartbreaking, manifesting friends and family with his power to keep himself company. Through the rest of the book, Daniel aims to kill all of the aliens on “The List.” The majority of the plot focuses on number 6 on the list, Ergent Seth. Without giving any more of the plot away, I’ll just say that he’s a crazy powerful & most dangerous alien and you can read the book to find out what happens.

It’s completely age appropriate for a young school aged to tween boy, with juvenile language (in a good way) and short 2-3 page chapters, but has amazing crossover potential. Dare I say, kind of like Harry Potter? When I read a little bit of it to my husband, he thought the aliens sounded a little “Men In Black-esque” – full of the action that boys love with a little of the silly and none of the frilly. My 2 year old boy, of course, didn’t read it but I’ll definitely be filing it away for him for when he’s somewhere between 6 & 12 when he’s sure to love it. It’s the kind of book I’ll likely read to him in grade one or two and he’ll read again alone when he’s in grade 3 or 4. It’s not written for teenagers so anyone older than that likely wouldn’t be interested but for the younger set and the adults like me who love childrens literature it’s fantastic.

Win it! I have one brand spanking new copy of this book to ship to a reader. Leave a comment on this post by midnight tonight to enter. One winner will be drawn at random and emailed bright and early tomorrow morning. It’s all packaged up and waiting for an address. Maybe yours?

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED…PACKAGE MAILED THIS MORNING!

I am incredibly embarrassed to say that I received this book over two months ago and didn’t get a chance to even open the cover until my unplugged time last week. Once I finally did sit down with it, I couldn’t put it down. And that’s saying something for a mom of a newbie and a barely two-bie.

Somebody’s Daughter, by Marie Myung-Ok Lee, is about a young woman named Sarah who was born in Korea and adopted by a caucasian couple in the American midwest shortly thereafter. After a life of feeling like she never really fit, she dropped out of university and traveled to Korea to study the language and eventually began the search for her birth mother. Marie writes very eloquently and interweaves the story of Sarah and her birth mother Kyung-Sook in such a way that I felt that I stepped into each of their lives for the hours I was reading. How someone who wasn’t adopted herself can present both sides of the story in such a realistic way is beyond me. It takes incredible talent to write a book like Somebody’s Daughter and I’m so glad I found the time to read it. I’m tempted to give away how it ends, but you’ll just have to read it. It would be an amazing book club pick – it’s a book that almost anyone would love whether you’re looking for deep conversation or just an escape into the land of literature.

Win it! Marie is giving away a copy of Somebody’s Daughter to one reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before noon MST on July 30/08.

Get up to three additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

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CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED – Congrats Michelle!

When I heard the title of this book, I knew we’d love it.

Child of Wonder: Nurturing Creative and Naturally Curious Children by Ginger Carlson is designed to nurture children who think, wonder, and love to learn. It’s a well-organized, easy-to-read collection of inspiring ideas and techniques to guide children’s creative development. A thoughtful, engaging resource for parents and educators seeking to understand creativity and to encourage it in practical ways, this guide illustrates multiple intelligences and learning styles and provides tools to develop a creatively supported environment that cultivates family participation. An array of complementary hands-on activities explore topics such as imaginative play, math, movement, music, cooking, science, storytelling, visual arts, questioning, cooperative games, media, and nature.

TOP Contributing Writer Grace reviews this book for you all the way from Dubai, UAE.

I have to admit, I felt a little guilty while reading this book because I realized how much my child is missing in the creativity department. My four year old is creative in her own way but I think it is the product of creative stimulation she gets mostly in school, and not at home. With the limited time I have because of working full time, 6 days a week, I lack the time to research for fun activities to do with her. I know, that should not be a reason for not coming up with fun and creative things to do with her; I do buy books and we read a lot at home because we have no television but sometimes I do wish to find some other ways to nurture her natural creative spirit. The book reading and coloring books can become a monotonous routine.

Thanks to this book, I can now plan things to do with my daughter every chance we have.

The book provides a rich resource of ideas, creative things to do line by line! With this one copy, I know my activity planner will be filled until she is old enough to do things on her own! I like the part where it explains that we should not prevent kids from exploring and experimenting things, no matter how messy or how different the outcome from our adult point of view. I know so many parents are guilty with this one, including myself. Now I know better. This is one book each mom and dad should have. - Grace

Order your autographed copy here. Check out Ginger’s blogs for more of her wonder-ful writing.

Win it! We’re giving away a signed copy of Child of Wonder to one randomly selected winner. To enter, leave a comment on this post. Any comment is fine, but we’d love to hear your own thoughts on childhood creativity, childrens’ sense of wonder or ideas for creative and wondrous activities. Contest closes at noon MST on June 5, 2008.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

I’ve always been a very happy person and can see the positive in almost any situation. I believe that happiness is a choice. You may not be able to control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it. I tend to find the “Negative Nellie” type of person annoying and energy draining and choose not to spend my time with them.

Since having children I find it even easier to find joy in every day things – like the dew on a blade of grass or the feel of the rain on my head as I stomp in a puddle.

Focus Friends is a mom-run company out of Colorado producing a series of children’s books and products based on characters called Focus Friends. Each of the characters created by founder and author Lisa Rey Marks is imbued with a special gift or valuable trait and the books and products provide a springboard for teaching young children to develop the positive thought patterns and emotions that will help them to live happier lives.

The debut title, Joy Is The Greatest Gift, features Joyann – a friend with the focus of creating joy. With colourful illustrations and flowing rhymes, it’s a book that captured the attention of my children and would do the same for yours. And while books are always preferred over tech toys, books with positive lessons like this are absolutely first-rate in my book.

Win it! Focus Friends is giving a copy of Joy Is The Greatest Gift away to one TOP reader. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on May 20, 2008.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED – CONGRATS CINDI!

If you’re like me, the excitement of that little plus sign was soon replaced with questions…lots and lots of questions. From how to deal with round-the-clock nausea, to how I was going to find an outfit for my shower that wouldn’t make me look like a beached whale; my mind was racing. I asked my mom, my friends, my mom’s friends…anyone who had experience was fair game. As a fashion-conscious woman, I was concerned with looking my best during my pregnancy. I wanted to radiate the joy I felt over the life that was growing inside me.

If you’re pregnant today, you know that books on pregnancy abound. Last time I checked Amazon, I saw over 100,000 books on pregnancy! A majority of these books educate moms-to-be on everything from dealing with common pregnancy discomforts to breathing your way through labor pain. I have yet to read a pregnancy book as unique, uplifting, and down-to-earth as The Hot Mom To Be Handbook: Womb With a View. Jessica Denay, author and founder of the Hot Moms Club provides advice to pregnant women on embracing their beauty and confidence as a mom while retaining their sense of self. This is THE book for pregnant moms who want practical, attainable tips that will help them look and feel like the hot mama they are all pregnancy long!

The Hot Mom To Be Handbook reads like a conversation with your best girlfriend.
Each chapter corresponds to the 9 months of gestating. Jessica Denay compiles her experience as a mom along with that of other hot moms to provide suggestions and advice on everything from engaging your inner calm to maintaining your sense of humor throughout your pregnancy. Above all I love how she empowers women to trust their maternal instincts and intuition about themselves and their growing babies.

My favorite aspect of the book is the journal questions at the end of each chapter. They motivate and encourage moms to creatively reflect and document the various aspects of their pregnancy that are threatened to be lost once sleep deprivation sets in. The Hot Mom to Be Handbook is filled with inspirational quotes, satirical narratives, and innovative resources. You’ll laugh as you relate to other moms. Sit down with this fun, light-hearted informational book written from one mom to another and embrace the hot mama that you are! - Caryn

I could easily summarize what I feel after reading this book in one sitting: I wish I read this before I got pregnant 5 years ago!

The Hot Mom To Be Handbook, Womb with a View by Jessica Denay made me laugh at the funny analogies, got me teary eyed with the heart-warming stories and had me nodding and nodding remembering all the hilarious old wives tales and scary birth stories I was told when I was pregnant. Thanks to books like these, today’s moms are stronger, sexier, more confident and smarter than ever.

I have also learned that moms should not abandon their personal goals, fulfillments and fashion just because they have children. I admit I had been neglecting myself thinking that all those things (including fashion!) pale in comparison to my child’s needs and desires. Now, five years after giving birth, I am ready to reclaim the fun and improve my outer appearance. I do want to be a hot mom! - Grace

See Jessica and Trista on Entertainment Tonight here.

Win it! We’ve got a copy to give away! To enter, leave a comment telling us a bit about your (or your partner’s) pregnancy. Did you/Do you feel hot? Did it suck beyond suckage? Do share! Contest closes on April 30 at noon MST.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

Happy Earth Day, dear readers. Today, more than ever, we’re thinking about ways to include our children in all of our earth saving activities.

The great new book My Bag and Me (only $8.58 right now at Amazon via that link) is a fantastic addition to any home library.

It’s a rhyming story book that teaches lessons about reusing shopping bags to save the earth, and there’s a (cute!) reusable bag for your child built right in to the book. The story is very short and concise, but within those few pages addresses some great concepts – saving the land and sea, setting an example for others, reminding your parents to be earth-friendly, and that we can all make a difference. I love it, my son loves it, and thanks to this book and bag I’ve got a little helper that ensures I’ll never forget my bags in the car again. (I used to forget them 9 out of 10 times, so that’s great!)

Win it! We’re giving away a copy of My Bag and Me to one reader who leaves an Earth Day comment on this post. Entries must be received by midnight MST tonight to qualify!

CONTEST CLOSED

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

Kate Trueblood understands the complication of balancing a career and family. She is the mother of two children, a writer, and an Associate Professor at Western Washington University.

Trueblood’s most recent novel, The Baby Lottery, was chosen to appear as a Book Sense Pick in 2007, and she was selected for the Jack Straw Writer’s Series in the Northwest. This book deals with many of the issues facing women today, including pregnancy vs. abortion, career vs. family, and marriage vs. divorce. The story follows five old college friends as they struggle to come to terms with their lives.

Kate sees The Baby Lottery as a piece of literature that challenges social questions and does not fit into the category of chick lit, and we totally agree.

How would you feel if one of your oldest and closest friends chose to have a late term abortion? How would you react? Would you support her? Would you judge her choice? And, what about your own choices; are you content with the choices that you have made?

Kathryn Trueblood’s second novel, The Baby Lottery, is a piercing, insightful examination of the decisions women make about motherhood. Told through the voices of five different women, the story centers around one of the women’s choice to terminate her pregnancy. The bonds of friendship are tested and strained as each woman reacts to the abortion based upon her own circumstances and experiences. Each perspective is profoundly different, but each reaches the same conclusion; there are no easy answers.

Kathryn Trueblood is a truly gifted writer. She has crafted a story that grabs you and won’t let go; each page leaves you hungry for the next. Also, the language in The Baby Lottery is stunning. I found myself rereading passages just to savor the words. The characters are well developed, and I could relate to each of the women in some way. Entertaining and deeply provocative, The Baby Lottery definitely deserves a spot on your reading list. – By Kelli

Nan, the non-judgmental nurse; Jean, the bitter and opinionated ex-social worker; Virginia, the overworked and underappreciated lecturer; Tasi, the detached career-oriented professional; and Charlotte, the alcoholic enigma – this is their story. Their friendship has survived over the years through turbulent relationships, lost loves, life changes, career upheavals, motherhood and failed pregnancies etc. But when Charlotte announces her decision to have a late-term abortion, it acts like an earthquake, arousing varying reactions among her friends and shaking their friendship to the core.

With poetic language and realistic imagery, Author Kathryn Trueblood takes the readers on an unforgettable journey into a woman’s life – the choices she has to make, the consequences she has to endure, and most importantly, the life she can bring into this world or take out. The viewpoints and experiences of the friends provide an intelligent and varied perspective into the hot topic of abortion and other issues close to a woman’s heart. The characters all act and react in a way that feels so true to life. It’s easy to relate to them, finding a bit of Jean’s longing or Nan’s pragmatism in ourselves. Their pain is our pain, their lives are our lives. What I liked most and what felt very real to me was that the problems weren’t resolved in a bid to provide a happy ending, but rather the hope of a better future was conveyed.

Simple and elegant, this is a story that will live long in my memory for being one of the most engaging books on female relationships and motherhood. - By Rashmi

Win it! We’ve got two copies of The Baby Lottery to give away. To enter, leave a comment on this post by April 25. Any comment will qualify, but we’d love to read about your opinions on the book or the social issues therein.

Get up to three additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

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Maximum four entries total per person.

CONTEST CLOSED

I have heard new parents wonder what they’re supposed to do all day with their baby. You can only spend so much time rocking, walking and staring at black and white toys, right?

Honestly, the baby thing came easily to me and I’m good with the K-5 crowd, but between the ages of 2 and 5 I’m a little short of ideas.

I recently read Play & Learn: 1001 Fun Activities For Your Baby and Child from the supposed world-renowned Gymboree company. I say supposed because I was shocked to learn that Gymboree was more than a cute kids clothing store. Yes, I live under a log.

The 1001 activities are sorted into 11 age groups (from 0+ months to 5+ years) to meet typical developmental milestones. The design is colourful and engaging and it’s easy to read cover to cover or pick up and point to one activity you’d like to try that day. The activities cover every topic, including music, arts & crafts, science & nature, family interaction, active play, outings and more.

This is an awesome book and one that I’d highly recommend for parents of newborns right up to pre-schoolers. It would also make a great baby gift.

Also from Gymboree, my son has been reading Shapes and Numbers. Though not enthralling in any way, they’re great for their simple illustration and the inclusion of the words in French, German, Spanish, and Italian in addition to English. My two year old loves to point and label and these books are just right for that type of kid. And if I ever need to know how to say “crescent” in German, I’m all set.

Win it! Win a copy of Play & Learn: 1001 Fun Activities For Your Baby and Child – just click the image above to view the book online and leave a comment telling us one activity you find in there that you’d recommend to a parent needing ideas. Contest closes April 8, 2008.

Get up to two additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

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Subscribe to our RSS feed. eave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your new subscription.

Maximum three entries total per person.

CONTEST CLOSED

Scrapbooking is one of my favourite hobbies, but you’d never know it to look at our office. There are drawers and bins full of supplies and stacks of pictures just sitting there silently tormenting me. My son is two next month and I haven’t scrapbooked a single page since his first birthday montage. Pregnancy, moving, returning to work, birth, living with two monkeys and a busload of badly behaved pets…it all adds up to no free time for my hobbies.

I’ve tried a bit of digital scrapping and there’s some great stuff out there but the time it takes to Photoshop everything all together and make it just right is more than I have. And then when I do finally complete a page, how the heck do I print a quality 12×12 inch page to fit my albums? My printer isn’t that large, and none of the local stores offer a 12×12 option.

Enter How Fast They Grow, a mom-owned full service digital scrapbooking site. With their patent-pending Digi-scrapbook program, you can scrapbook if you can upload photos, drag & drop, choose colours and type. There is seriously nothing to it, and the final product is amazing! There are a ton of templates to choose from and more are being added all the time.

I was getting down on myself when my daughter was 2 months old and I hadn’t even scrapbooked her newborn photos. Not one single page. It was shortly after that when I received an email from founding mom Cathy Bennett about How Fast They Grow and I decided to give it a shot.

Within 2 hours I had a dozen pages completed. The one pictured at right took me approximately 4 minutes! I ordered them online and they were on my doorstep within a week. If I had to do those 12 pages sitting at my craft table, it would have taken me a dozen or more hours spread over several months when I could find a few minutes here and there. At $7.50/page, it’s hardly more costly than an embellished scrapbook page I’d make by hand. Yes, it sounds expensive, but when you consider the thousands of dollars sitting unused in my scrapbooking area I’m actually saving money! (At least that’s what I plan to tell my husband.)

Membership in the site is free. I suggest you join and make some pages to see what it’s like. You don’t pay anything unless you place an order. It’s fun and more than a little addictive!

The pages are true 12×12 and will fit in any standard album, but albums are also available from their online shop. And gift cards! Say hello to my dream baby gift. (Or stocking stuffer. Hint hint, husband.)

How Fast They Grow is currently only shipping to the US but there are plans to add Canada and Europe very shortly. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear. In the meantime, MyUS, Ship Happens Sumas or another such site can get your pages to you anywhere. (Disclaimer – I’ve never tried either of those sites but they sound cool to me. Let us know if you have any experience with them or know of another one. We’d love to check them out. I’ll open comments on this post.)

Save 20% with the code TOP until Friday, April 18, 2008. At just $6/page, you can’t beat it!

Review by Andrea, T.O.P. Contributing writer and owner of the fabulous EcoBaby Canada

I really enjoyed reviewing “The Frantic Woman’s Guide to Feeding Family and Friends” by Mary Jo Rulnick. This book could not have come at a more appropriate time. I have to admit, I am a frantic woman, and this book somehow made that okay.

The book goes over everything, including kitchen organization, a list of all the staples you need in your cupboard, and there are tips and tricks throughout the book to make your life a little easier. Mary Jo Rulnick even tells you how to unload and store your groceries!

The book is laid out in a seasonal sort of format for recipes and such, including a meal plan for fall, winter, spring and summer. To top it off there are also some meal plans for special occasions like PMS and kid’s parties. The preplanned recipe schedule really takes the brainwork out of it, and hence, takes the stress out of it.

I’m one of those women who freaks out at about 5:00pm when I have no idea what I should cook. This was not the case for the past week or so though. I followed the winter meal plan 2. All I had to do was photocopy the grocery list, go grocery shopping, and follow the instructions. So for the past week, I still didn’t know what we were going to have at 5:00pm, but all I had to do was open the book and follow the instructions. Seeing as I already did the essential grocery shopping, I knew I had everything I needed. Plus, I could get everything at my local grocery store!

This book has seriously taken a huge stressor out of my life, and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs to relieve a little dinnertime stress.

Now all I need is a frantic woman’s guide to getting all your kids to bed before 8:00pm, or maybe a frantic woman’s guide to housework!

Buy it at Amazon.

WIN IT! We’ve got a copy to give away to one reader. To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with FRANTIC! in the subject line by midnight MST on 3/13/08.

Get an additional entry into this contest by blogging about it!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Email the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry) to theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with FRANTIC! in the subject line to receive your second entry.

Congratulations Cindy!

Raising kids is a huge responsibility. No big shock there. However, raising them should encompass more than assisting them to survive to legal adulthood. As parents, we also have a responsibility to teach our children to be savvy with their finances and give them more than a fighting chance at future financial security. You know, so they’ll spring for the very best in senior care facilities for their fabulous parents.

Financial literacy expert Susan Beacham and NYT bestselling author Lynnette Khalfani Cox have joined to co-write a series of smart & creative picture books which teach children some real life money lessons. The Millionaire Kid$ Club books – two volumes so far – use situations that children could easily imagine themselves in to teach that there are four things that you can do with money: save, spend, donate or invest.

Susan Beacham is also the creator of the cool banks pictured at right – a pig, cow or football with four sectioned areas for cash designated for saving, spending, donating and investing. I’m fairly sure I would have loathed that delayed gratification as a child and very likely would have benefited from using a bank like this.

Win it! We’re giving away a cow bank and book set to one lucky winner. To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com before midnight MST tonight with MONEY in the subject line and tell us (a)why this bank and book set will benefit your child or (b) a money horror story from your past that you’d hate for your child to re-live. Good luck!

Congratulations Jared!

Given my love of shopping for kids clothing online, I was both delighted and a teeny bit sad to discover the wonderful gifts available from Gifted Grasshopper. Delighted because there is truly no better gift than the gift of literacy, and a little sad because now that I have these awesome gift bags bursting with books in my radar there’s bound to be a lot fewer clothing purchases when a new baby arrives.

Founded by two first grade teachers turned moms Laura and Jen, The Gifted Grasshopper “is the result of a lifetime love of children’s literature, a love for sharing wonderful stories with children and for watching their eyes sparkle as they discover a new favorite book or author.”

The gifts come in four sizes – petite, small, medium & large – to fit every budget and there’s a large selection under $25. The signature tote bags are stuffed with books sorted according to age level and come with Gifted Grasshopper Glasses (to help your child spot new letters or words or even give them special reading powers), a Gifted Grasshopper bookmark with parent tips on it, and the adorable Griffen the Grasshopper as a special reading buddy for the recipient child.

Looking for a special theme bag? Laura and Jen will create a custom bag just for you when you.

The Gifted Grasshopper gives away a $44.99 bag each month to those who sign up for their e-mail list AND a $24.99 bag each month tho those who comment on their blog.

Save 10% on purchases of $24.99 or more with the code PARENT10.

Time To Feed Baby is a journal for recording your baby’s feeding schedule. While it might seem silly to experienced moms or those without children, as a first time mom it is often essential to track feedings, poops & pees and other details in a pretty little book. Sometimes it’s for health reasons and at other times it’s just for the sake of the mother’s sanity. (For subsequent kids you don’t have a spare second or a free hand to write anything down, so it’s a good thing we’re usually more relaxed about this stuff!) Either way, Time To Feed Baby is a great resource.

Sure, you could use any old notebook but why would you when you can have a great bound keepsake book for only $10? Time to Feed Baby also includes a pocket in the back for storing articles, doctor information, and other loose notes. It works for both breast and bottle fed babies and is completely gender neutral, making it a great shower gift too!

It’s another weekend giveaway! To enter to win your own copy of this book, send an email with TIME TO FEED BABY in the subject line and your full name and mailing address with blog link if you have one in the body to theopinionatedparent@gmail.com before midnight MST on 2/17/08. One winner will be selected at random. Congratulations Stacey!