The Alphabet Kids

"Meet the Alphabet Kids:  Allegra, Elena, Isaac, Oni, Umar, and Yang."

Let's take learning the alphabet to another level with 6 of the best children's picture books on the market.  These books are simple yet unique.  Alphabet Kids teach subtle lessons while introducing your youngster to different cultures, customs, foods, music and languages, as well as breaking down ethnic boundaries by demonstrating the similarities we all possess as humans.

Lets take a closer look:

~  Allegra's Apple Tree - demonstrates the need for saving trees by showing smart, kid-friendly ideas for conserving paper.  (Written by Vivian Treves & Patrice Samara).

~  Elena's Birthday Party -  Everyone loves surprises so when Elena thinks no one at the Alphabet Center has remembered her birthday she soon finds out what true friends are all about.  (Written by Liana Perez & Patrice Samara).

~  Isaac's Zoo - At first when Isaac receives two goldfish from his Bubbe he's thrilled, but after a trip to the park his friends convince him that his pets are boring.  Find out what Isaac does that teaches him a valuable lesson.  (Written by Neme Alperstein and Patrice Samara).

~  Oni's Good Hair Day - Oni's first day at the Alphabet Center is challenged when Allegra points out that her hair is "crunchy."  What does mom and dad say to help ease her stress?  Find out in Oni's Good Hair Day.  (Written by Michelle Bodden & Patrice Samara).

~  Umar's Magic Oven - When snack time leads the children to bring in special breads, Umar's father steals the day with his special baking skills and a neat, energy conserving "oven."  (Written by Abed Awad & Patrice Samara).

~  Yang's New Dance - When Yang is busy copying his action figures weird moves, the Alphabet Kids are left wondering.  That is until Yang's grandpa Li Yan Ma comes to class and shows the kids what Yang's moves were all about.  (Written by Dr. Jingyi Hong & Patrice Samara).

This wonderful series of books was created by Allegra Joyce Kassin and illustrated by Carol Nicklaus and Susan Unger.  The Alphabet Kids is a must have!  Check them out at; http://www.alphabetkids.com/

Lets Get Kids Active Again

One in three children in America is obese or overweight. This is an alarming statistic and we can only wonder what the future holds for our kids if this continues to climb.

Healthy eating is a must, but unless we get our kids moving, proper nutrition isn’t enough. So what’s a parent to do?

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center, the #1-ranking fitness center destination for children with 200 locations worldwide, has launched The Activators, a motivational group designed to give kids the confidence that videogames just can’t impart.

Let’s Meet the Activators

Heather, Jamin, Eric and Emma are four talented My Gym teachers who sing, dance, put on silly skits and get kids moving. They combine fun with hip-hopping and bopping well known songs such as Jack and Jill, Itsy Bitsy Spider and Pat-a-Cake. Your little one will have such a blast they won’t even realize it’s good for them - perfect for ages 2-8.

In addition to this wonderful 22 song/skit CD, The Activators also have a web site; http://www.theactivators.net/. The site has photos, printables, videos, and an Activator store (kids can be an Activator too). There’s even a printable membership card so your child can take the Activator Pledge and become an official Activator.

My Gym’s The Activators is a definite first step in children’s fitness motivation and fun.


Want to win 1 of 2 Activators CD’s? Just leave a comment in this Blog Spot telling me what you like to do to keep your kids active. I will do a random draw for the winner at the end of this week.

Good Luck!

American Hereos - Learning Lyrics

With catchy, up-tempo beats and learning-lyrics, American Heroes #3 by Jonathan Sprout is a must have for any family.

This CD makes learning American History fun, plus how many history lessons can you dance to? I found myself bopping to the beat and the chorus lyrics sticking with me long after the music stopped – my favourite is Peanut Man it’s silly, fun, and true!

I had a blast reviewing this CD and you’re kids are sure to love it too. Jonathan Sprout and his crew of talented muscians and singers brings history to life in a whole new way.

Here’s what you have to look forward to on American Heroes #3;

Chocolate King – Milton Hershey
Come Back Home – John Muir
Doctor – Elizabeth Blackwell
He Will Not Give Up – Jonas Salk
The Least I Could Do – Jane Addams
Peanut Man – George Washington Carver
Can’t Stop Running – Wilma Rudolph
What He Wrote – Thomas Jefferson
Pocahontas
Si Se Puede! – Cesar Chavez
Good For Me – “Heroes”
Compassion - Instrumental

In addition to great educational songs, this CD also comes with the lyrics and a quote from each person of history the song is written about. This is a wonderful learning tool for any age of child – start them young. They’ll love the rockin’ tunes and be learning all at the same time. And unlike other kids’s CD’s this one won’t drive you crazy.

Check out Jonathan Sprouts web site at: http://www.jonsprout.com/

In honour of Teacher Appreciation Week, I’m giving away two (2) copies of American Hereos #3. All you have to do is leave a comment in this blog spot and I’ll draw for the CD’s at the end of the week. Good Luck!