MEDIA CENTER
With the help of loveable animals, the Little Books About Important Things book set from THE MOTHER CO. helps kids understand, and parents talk about, difficult subjects. Each of the three books gently propose advice to readers, such as why it is important for kids to check in with a “safe adult” before going anywhere unsupervised, how to express and understand the universality of feelings, and how to resolve a conflict between friends by putting aside their differences. The set includes A Little Book About Safety, A Little Book About Feelings, and A Little Book About Friendship. The colorful books are a fun way for kids to pick up on some of life’s most important lessons at early ages without feeling badgered.
The fun and eclectic style of Jefrey Siler comes to life in his latest kids release, Jefrey Au-GoGo!. The album is Siler’s first composition as JEFREY AU-GOGO the performer, but not his first tryst as a musician. The indie performer with decades of song-writing experience takes his musical talents for an upbeat and playful whirl in this album, which is full of silly accents and hilarious imagery. The album’s first track, “Peter the Pushy Puppy,” uses aliteration to tell the story of Peter’s bad behavior toward his friends. It’s a perfectly zany introduction to what’s to come in the rest of the album. The CD spans musical styles and locations just as sporadically as Siler’s vocals span regions and languages, but it all comes together for an enjoyably silly listening experience.
Classic Bedtime Stories from GREENWICH WORKSHOP PRESS is a new take on classic tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Sleeping Beauty. Illustrated by Scott Gustafson, this enchanting storybook doubles as a piece of artwork. His artistic retelling of eight classic tales is reminiscent of Gustafson’s past best sellers, which include classic nursery rhymes and holiday tales. The professional artwork is not just for children, as art enthusiasts of any age will enjoy the dreamy illustrations. Classic Bedtime Stories takes readers into the magical world of talking mice and cunning billy goats from bedtimes past. Gustafson’s oil painting illustrations offer a new look at familiar and timeless stories kids will want to hear again and again.
The latest release from “kindie” artist KIRA WILLEY, How to be a Cloud: Yoga Songs for Kids Vol. 3 helps parents and teachers encourage kids to get moving. The 22-track album includes nine bonus yoga tracks, which talk kids through simple yoga movements. The album emphasizes simultaneous movement and tranquility while encouraging kids to find joy in everyday life. The title track, a soothing piano piece with imaginative lyrics, follows the upbeat and cheery song “Bloom,” which helps kids to recognize the beauty of nature. As a mother of three and an experienced kids’ yoga expert, Wiley combines sweet melodies and cheerful vocals in a relaxing yet motivating album perfect for any classroom or after-school wind down.
SPECIALTY TOYS & GIFTS
S16
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015