May 14th, 2009

Books My Daughter Loves: “I’ll Always Love You”

March 26th, 2009

Product Review: The Perfect Baby Handbook by Dan Hrabi

I wish that I had a copy of “The Perfect Baby Handbook: A Guide for Excessively Motivated Parents” when I was on bed rest during my pregnancy back in 2005. Dale Hrabi has a unique and hilarious way of instructing expectant parents on the proper way to raise a perfect child.

“The Perfect Baby Handbook: A Guide for Excessively Motivated Parents”. follows the same format as that of the overly-popular “What to Expect When Expecting” book given to every expectant mom. However, The Perfect Baby is not filled with the mundane psychobabble from highly-decorated academics. Nope, the advice written here comes from a “flawed adult” who, unfortunately, “began life as an eerily non-verbal baby.”

Take the first chapter of the book in which Hrabi discusses how to choose the perfect name for your perfect child. He answers the age old question, “Are vowels really necessary,” and even helps a couple decided what middle name works best with the first name, “Almighty” for a girl.

Chapter 4 offers parents an amazing and accurate list of the best “gear” for miracle children. Hrabi questions what Picasso might have accomplished had his parents neglected him and not provided him with even the basic tools on the list. Even Dr. Seuss’ failure to achieve Surgeon status may be attributed to his parents’ lack of attention to detail. He would have benefited from the pimped-out stroller, the Bar-Hop baby Bouncer, and the Newborn Hair Scrunchy. I believe that because these items were withheld, Dr. Seuss was left to live out his years speaking in rhyme and forging friendships with little whoosits and whatsits.

Just as funny as the witting is the real-to-life sketching that illustrates the book. They serve as visual exclamation points for very important information. Take a look at the Book Trailer posted on YouTube.

I am almost tempted to scan every page of the book that I found useful and while I will not, I do urge you to buy The Perfect Baby Handbook: A Guide for Excessively Motivated Parents for yourself and for every parent/grandparent and expectants that you know.

Few books solve life’s mysteries and ensure success while keeping the info light, realistic, and interesting all at the same time. This book gets the “Mom on the Rise” seal of approval. I may have to get pregnant again just to test Hrabi’s theory.

http://www.perfectbabyhandbook.com/.

August 22nd, 2008

Product Review: Lilly P Badilly and My Daughter go to Cost Rico

The Adventures of Lilly P Badilly: Costa Rica by Debbie Glade

When I received my copy of the new children’s book The Adventures of Lilly P Badilly: Cost Rica, by Debbie Glade, the first thing that caught my eye was the vivid colors. The cover of the book invites its reader to indulge in rich landscapes and an even richer imagination. I was amazed because while the old adage, “never judge a book by its cover” holds true, as an English Teacher I understand the importance of making reading an activity in which children want to engage.

My daughter thought the cover was amazing as well. She grabbed the book from me and screamed, “Mommy, WEAD. WEAD.” and when “She Who Has Spoken” speaks, we listen. Before I could begin reading, she was entranced by the pictures. I have never been to Cost Rica, but if the paintings in the book are any indication of the scenery, I am missing out on a BEAUTIFUL place. We pointed out pictures of trees and the inhabitants of the rainforest. And, we even practiced our colors. And then we read. The book is rather long, but it is not meant for children younger than four years of age. My daughter was able to sit through a little less than half of the story.

And what a story it is. Lilly, a precocious millipede, along with her grandmother and grandfather, embark on a very unpredictable adventure to Costa Rica. The story is filled with danger, and learning, and experiences that can only be enjoyed through the eyes of a very small..er, millipede.

Better yet, pop in the CD and listen as the story comes to life through the voice talents of the book’s author.  Debbie Glade does a very unique job of portraying each character’s unique personality on the CD. And she had help. Her daughter, who is 15, helped write the lyrics and music, and her husband even pitched in with the songs as well. It is a family book written by a very loving family.

This book is a breathe of fresh air and will provide your child with many hours of entertainment. So, go get one and surpise your little one with this amazing gift.