The Baby Signing Book, 2nd Edition Review

***Disclosure-Sample product was received to review.  All opinions are my own based on my personal experience.

My daughter, Lil Bit, was having problems communicating at day care.  Many friends, mothers, suggested I teach her sign language.  I thought it was a great idea.  From before she was born I had wanted to teach my kids sign language.  We had already been playing with a couple of words here and there that we learn from the baby channel.  But I didn't have all the words, or something to reference to.  So I needed a guide/book to help me.

I was offered the opportunity to review The Baby Signing Book, 2nd Edition.  It has helped me learn more words and to practice.  Teaching Lil Bit a few words.  It is learning for her and for us.  We will have to keep practicing and hopefully this helps her communicate better with others.  I can't wait to be able to sign a whole nursery rhyme or song!!

THE BABY SIGNING BOOK, 2nd Ed.

Includes 450 ASL Signs for Babies & Toddlers

 

Babies can learn sign language before they can speak, and sign language gives them a way to express their wants and needs, easing their frustration (and yours). Signing allows parents, siblings, caregivers and grandparents to know what a baby is thinking, curb challenging behavior, and have fun "chatting" about daily activities. 

Communication in any form, whether through words, cries, signing, or body language, allows us to bond with those around us. The ability to communicate enables one to connect, learn, and grow. 

The interest surrounding baby signing only continues to increase as more parents embrace this means of communication with babies before they can talk. This quick and comprehensive 'course' in baby signing features a program that caregivers can customize according to their family's needs and offers age-specific advice on how to teach sign language as your child grows and develops. 

This bestselling book on baby signing has been updated to include more ASL symbols, additional case studies and updated information. 

Part 1 of the book provides an introduction to signing with babies and young children. 

Part 2 is an illustrated dictionary of 450 ASL signs. 

Part 3 provides songs and rhymes you can sign with your child.

Special features include:

• The top five signing tips
• A program that parents can customize according to their family’s needs
• Answers to frequently asked questions
• Instructions on the five distinct components of ASL signs: body space, hand shape, movement, palm orientation and facial expression 
• Age-specific advice on how to teach sign language as your child develops

By simply following this book, a special world of communication awaits you, your family, and your baby.

SARA BINGHAM is the founder of WeeHands, the world’s leading children’s sign language and language development program for babies, toddlers and preschool children. She holds a BA in Linguistics and one in Psychology, as well as a post-graduate diploma in Communicative Disorders. Sara is the proud mother of two signing children and a frequent contributor to parenting magazines and baby-related professional websites. She lives in Ontario.

Great Expectations Best Food for Your Baby & Toddler

The definitive guide to infant and toddler feeding—from first foods to meals your child will love
To ensure that baby gets the best, most wholesome, and natural food possible, go homemade! The newest entry in the acclaimed Great Expectations series focuses on easy preparation of nutritious baby and toddler meals at home—from the first finger-foods to more than 130 delicious kid-tested recipes that will lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating.

The book teaches parents how to select the right food, set up a pantry (with a guide to key kitchen equipment), establish smart eating routines, and introduce a wide variety of tastes and textures. It also explores today’s most pressing nutrition issues: Should you buy only organic food? Is it healthy to restrict a toddler's calorie intake? Is a vegetarian diet good for a very young child? Additional resources include information on breastfeeding and food allergies, as well as a comprehensive listing of whole foods companies and products that make healthy eating faster and easier.

My thoughts-I love how much I learned from reading this book.  I have been using it as a guide book.  We were already making Lil Bit's food at home and now I have a recipes to follow.  Here are tips from the book: 

 ***Disclosure-Sample copy was received to review.  These are my honest opinions.

Baby Unplugged Books

Baby Unplugged books were written by pediatrician and father of three, Dr. John S. Hutton (he also owns a children’s bookstore), Baby Unplugged is a celebration of "old-school" experiences and icons of childhood; educational not as an overt means to some baby/toddler academic end, but as a natural byproduct of a child's desire to play and connect with people and the world.  They are an antidote to the legions of screen-based curricula and gadgets marketed to make children smarter, faster, often contrary to normal development, with no evidence of efficacy.  Illustrations by artist Andrea Kang.  To-date there are seven books in the series -Pets, Yard, and Blanket were the first three out, with Book, Box, Beach, and Ball all just released mid – June.  The series was a winner of a Mom's Choice Awards Gold Medal and was named a Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year.  In addition to the series, Dr. Hutton writes a supporting blog at www.babyunplugged.com. 

  What’s the best gift for a baby or young child?
Their answer: A box.
Developed by board-certified pediatrician and store owner, Dr. John S. Hutton and veteran art educator Kelli Gleiner, inspired by equal parts science and nostalgia, blue manatee boxes™ are custom gift boxes containing selections of hand-picked children’s books, addressing the developmental needs of kids under three. Everything about them is designed to spur togetherness and creative play, from the books, to the packaging, to the box itself.

blue manatee boxes™ invite customers to think as “outside of the box” as they wish, with boxes organized into popular themes – e.g. vehicles, classics, lullaby - a Build Your Own option, and plenty of help.  The books inside are best-of-breed, deserving a place on every child’s bookshelf and fun to read over and over.   They are easy to order and customize from the tranquility of home, with a fixed price for each of three sizes – 3, 6, or 9 books - including free shipping. 

Blue manatee boxes on Facebook or Twitter

Lil Bit received a blue manatee box and this is what was in it.  I love the concept.  It was so easy to go to online and order her box.  Once I ordered it.  I received a confirmation email.  And last night she got her box.  Inside the box was a big crayon, She really enjoyed playing with her box.  And then she sat on my lap as I read her the books.  I love the colors.  They were easy to follow.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Sample product received for review.

Ghost Buddy #2: Mind If I Read Your Mind? Review

Do you have a kiddo that loves to read?  Does your kiddo like to read series?  My son Matt has been an avid reader since elementary school.   He loves book that come in a series.  He wants to read more and more about what is going on.  One book is just not enough.  I grew up reading Scholastic books.  And now he is growing up reading them too.

Check out Scholastic’s release of Ghost Buddy #2: Mind If I Read Your Mind? by New York Times-bestselling authors Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. Ghost Buddy #2 is the follow-up book to the very successful 1st in the series, Ghost Buddy: Zero to Hero. 

“Billy and Hoover are back in the hilarious new series from bestselling authors Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver!It's time for Moorepark Middle School's annual Speak Out Challenge, and Billy Broccoli thinks he's got it made. With his best friend Hoover Porterhouse—the ghost with the most—by his side, Billy’s got the competition in the bag. Who wouldn't vote for a demonstration on mind reading?But when Billy lands a spot on the sixth-grade team, he starts spending more time with his new teammates than he does with Hoover. And the Hoove plays second fiddle to no one! If Billy's not careful, his secret weapon might just vanish into thin air, leaving Billy to pick up the pieces of a demonstration-day disaster!” 

My thoughts-I like that this book is about Billy in middle school.  My son Matt is entering 8th grade this year.  He so could relate to middle adventures.  Like in the book, I can so relate to a friend feeling outcast.  And when it all blows over, it can really explode.  It is a great read, even for a grown up.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Sample book received to review.

Roger Nix President at Age Six

First time children’s book author Nick Dazé, is in the final days (63 hours to be exact) of his campaign to raise funding to independently publish his children's book Roger Nix President at Age Six. 

The story is about kindergartener Roger Nix, an ordinary boy: Roger loves kindergarten, playing make-believe, and hanging out with his imaginary friends (a baby donkey named Jack and a baby elephant named Abe). But when he learns about the plans of Old Man Plee, a perennial presidential candidate, to shut down schools and send kids to work in factories as an austerity measure; Roger decides to run against Old Man Plee as a defender of “school and summer vacation, learning and imagination”. Of course Abe and Jack are there to help him every step of the way.

Nick Daze and his incredible Kickstarter campaign (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787960356/roger-nix-president-at-six) have already raised nearly $22,000 and only has $8,000 more to go in order to put the book into production.  The book has been fully written by Daze and the illustrations beautifully crafted by Bill Robinson www.FlimFlammery.com . Each $30 pledge towards the Roger Nix campaign comes with a first edition hardcover copy of the book, delivered in time for the new school year this fall.  This is a timely story that is fascinating, engaging, and a thought-provoking read for both kids and parents written by a imaginative adult who was encouraged to explore his imagination as a child.

Here is an excerpt from the book:

Roger stood up quickly. He had something to say
With a wink from Jack and a trunks-up from Abe.
“I’ll run against him,” Roger said with a shout.
“I’ll run for president, have you no doubt!

To close school would be nothing short of a crime
You can't fool all us kids, not all of the time."

He stood on his desk and they all watched and wondered
As Roger kept talking, his voice boomed and thundered.
“We’ll beat him and keep all the schools as they are
Or make them way better. We’ll shoot for the stars!
We go to school so one day we'll go far,
Not because it is easy–because it is hard!

We are KIDS! The whole point is to learn and have fun
And to use our wee noggins...

THIS RACE HAS BEGUN!"

So Abe, Jack, and Roger got to work right away.
"That kid's on to something," his parents would say.
He made lots of speeches; he shook lots of hands
He toured a big factory that made rubber bands.

Then one night on the tube, to Old Plee’s disdain,
The news ran a story on Roger’s campaign.
“Roger Nix, daydreamer and ultimate kid,
Is gaining on Plee in his presidential bid.”

But everyone knew that sooner or later
Roger would have to be quite the debater.
Because one night soon, under some bright marquee
A debate would take place between Roger and Plee.

Please find more information and link to donate below if interested:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787960356/roger-nix-president-at-six


***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

TO SELENA, WITH LOVE by Chris Perez

So most of you do not know that I LOVED SELENA!! SELENA was the Tejano music artist who took the Latino music world and made it hers. All the little girls, including me, wanted to be just like her. As a fan, I loved her spirit and energy that she always showed her fans on stage and off. I went to every concert here in Houston, including the Rodeo one where she performed in the famous beautiful purple outfit. I received a copy of this book to read and I am so glad Chris wrote it. As a true fan, we always said we were robbed. SELENA had so much for us and she was taken too early. Before her death, she had just mainstreamed into English music. Her voice was different from anyone, and up to this day no-one has replaced her or ever could. Every year I remember her on her birthday like if she was part of my family. Today is SELENA's birthday. April 16, 1971 – March 31, 1995 WE LOVE YOU, SELENA!

Anyways, my thoughts about the book-It is great. Thank you Chris. I always knew their love was true. It is a must read for all SELENA fans. Get behind the scenes into their lives. Find out how they met, and their love progressed. I loved every minute of every word, and every page. Closure is hard, and think for some of us fans, as well as Chris, we never got that. But at least with this book, we can all start the healing together.

“Lots of people asked me to write our story after Selena passed. I always said no. My feelings were too private... I was too busy desperately trying to wall off that part of my life completely...I have begun to realize that, by burying everything, I've actually been living my life with blinders on, just putting one foot in front of the other without really moving forward at all...Selena loved as hard as she lived. We loved her in return – her family, her friends, her fans, and me, her husband, who felt like the luckiest man alive every time Selena said my name. This book is for her."
– Chris Perez, from “TO SELENA, WITH LOVE”

Vesper Public Relations: Los Angeles, February 28, 2012. In 1995, Selena was the most popular Tejano recording star in the world, and she was looking forward to a future that seemed like a dream. After years of traveling the country in a bus, struggling to make a name for her, Selena had finally found success: a number one single, a Grammy Award, an upcoming English language album and, most importantly, a husband that she loved and was looking forward to building a life, and a family, with. But in a flash, it was all taken away. After her shocking murder, husband Chris Pérez was left to pick up the pieces of his life and find a way to move forward. Now, for the first time, Pérez tells his story in the intimate and moving book.

TO SELENA, WITH LOVE by Chris Perez
Celebra Hardcover; On-sale: March 6, 2012 Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Target. $24.95; ISBN: 978-0-451-41404-5

ALSO AVAILABLE AS A SIMULTANEOUS SPANISH LANGUAGE TRADE PAPERBACK PARA SELENA, CON AMOR; $15.00; 978-0-451-41405-2

From joining Selena’s band and realizing he was falling in love with her, to hiding their relationship and finally confessing to her family, getting married and buying a house, and planning their future family, Pérez details their ups and downs truthfully, meaningfully, and movingly. And his honesty is never more devastating then in his description of the black hole of depression he fell into after Selena’s death. “TO SELENA, WITH LOVE” is the never-before-told story of the man who loved a superstar, his wife, and had to cope with losing her at the hands of a brutal murderer who was once considered a friend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chris Perez is a Grammy-winning American guitarist and the widower of superstar recording artist Selena. He won a Latin Grammy for his 2000 solo album, Resurrection. Since 2006 he has been a guitarist for A.B. Quintanilla III y Los Kumbia All Starz. He lives in San Antonio, TX.

Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children’s trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Berkley Books, Dutton, Frederick Warne, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Grosset & Dunlap, New American Library, Penguin, Philomel, Riverhead Books and Viking, among others. The Penguin Group is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.

***Disclosure-I received a copy of this book to review. I am a true SELENA fan!! Always will be! These are my honest opinions. This book has been Independentmami read and Independentmami approved!!

Never Give Up: How to Find Hope and Purpose in Adversity Book Review and Giveaway***CLOSED***

I want to share a new book Never Give Up: How to Find Hope and Purpose in Adversity (Cypress House, Sept 2011), the story a 14-year-old’s courage and unwavering optimism through brain cancer, and the legacy of community service she left behind.

Meeting the need for “normal”Let It Be foundation helps families through life-threatening diagnosis by restoring a sense of normalcy LOS ANGELES – When Ruthe Rosen’s family learned that 14-year-old Karla had an inoperable brain tumor, they did what any family facing life-threatening illness would do: they put their normal lives on hold, sought the best doctors, solicited prayers, and clung to hope. Karla’s year long cancer fight evoked a community-wide outpouring of love, support, media coverage, and magical moments. She received private guitar lessons from James Valentine of Maroon 5, got to meet her hero pro-surfer and Soul Surfer author Bethany Hamilton, was given a $2500 shopping spree, and got a surprise room makeover worthy of a TV special. But more than any of those wishes granted in her final year, all she really wanted was to “be normal.” In Karla’s memory, her parents, Ruthe and Michael, founded The Let It Be Foundation™ (www.theletitbefoundation.org), a nonprofit organization that helps restore a sense of normalcy during life-threatening pediatric illness. A source of ongoing support not just for the sick child but also for the entire family, The Let It Be Foundation partners with families as they battle the most serious illnesses, because when a child is sick, the entire family is rocked. When illness strikes, medical expenses can overwhelm a once financially stable family, not to mention a family already living day-to-day. The stress and financial strain can damage even a strong marriage, and siblings are left feeling despair and loneliness as all of the family’s attention centers on the sick child. That’s why the foundation works to meet families’ everyday needs with housekeeping, grocery shopping, lawn care, meals, and transportation, sibling play dates and family outings. Through donations and private funding, they help with the normal day-to-day activities that get lost in the process. They also created a Youth Leadership Program to help the sick children they serve feel like normal kids again. Drawing on local student volunteers to give back to the community, members of the Youth Leadership Program befriend the kids, take them to local baseball games, bring them cards and handmade gifts, and hold fundraisers for special projects like Room Enhancements. The students work with local designers and construction companies who volunteer their services, making sure the rooms are kid-approved. Ruthe hopes The Let It Be Foundation will serve as a national model for community service. “If your heart’s desire is to help someone in need, just do it, and know you are making a difference,” she says.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR- Ruthe Rosen’s book, Never Give Up: How to Find Hope and Purpose in Adversity, passes on the meaningful lessons she learned from living with her daughter Karla’s cancer. It is a remarkable story of faith, hope, and joy in the face of the unimaginable. RUTHE ROSEN (www.rutherosen.com) is a family advocate, speaker and author. She is the cofounder and CEO of The Let It Be Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps families with children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. She shares her journey as a public speaker to healthcare professionals and to parents and families coping with a sick loved one. She has been recognized for her community service with many accolades. She was named the 2010 MLB and People Magazine “All Star Among Us,” and in 2009 received a “Making a Difference for Women Award” and an award for “Outstanding Citizens of the Year.” She lives in Chino Hills with her husband, Michael, and their two boys.

My thoughts-There are not enough words in the dictionary for a mother's love for a child. I am have a 10 yr old son, and am currently pregnant with my Lil Bit. And I would do anything for my kids. Life throws us challenges at times, and it is hard for us as adults to understand. Can you imagine a child? What they feel and what they are going through? The issues and dilemas they are dealing with. This book does just that. It gives us a view. It shows how strong a person or persons can be. And that sometimes, just being Normal is not that bad. It really made me reflect on my life, my challenges (which are not so bad compared to others), and the way I see and enjoy.

Would you like to win a copy of this book?

1) Be a blog follower. (1 entry)
2) Be a twitter follower. (1 entry)
3) Tweet. (1 entry/per day)

Win a copy of Never Give Up #giveaway @independentmami ends 10/31 http://tinyurl.com/3humjvl


4) Facebook Share. (1 entry/per share/per day)
5) Linky Share. (1 entry/per linky)

This giveaway ends on 10/31 at 8 am. 1 winner will be randomly selected. Please leave your email in the comment. US and Canada only. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Good Luck.


***Disclosure-I received a book copy to review. These are my honest opinions.

Pretty Neat book review and giveaway***CLOSED

Perfection, Control, Organization, these are things that go through my head all the time. Call it an OCD of some sort. (I color coordinate my clothes. I have all clothes in drawers like a department store, and yes I worked at one for 6 + years. My pantry is organized like a grocery store as well. I can keep going on and on) I am a creature that has to have everything my way. (I keep schedules, and calendars, have done so since I was in school. I schedule activities ahead of time, and plan out my days, weeks, months, and year.) I have to have control or else I feel helpless. Many of my friends always seem to think I am so organized. The more they think it, the more I have to keep it up. With a full time job, sometimes two, being a single parent, and now married, life is taking a toll on me. Lately, I just cannot seem to get organized or keep that control I need to have. It try to catch up on the weekends but my weekends do not seem long enough. And during the week, work, and everything else comes to play. I use to have everything under control, and now I just do not. I think trying to get it back into control has been so hard. And now I am learning to understand that I do not have to be perfect. I do not have to please everyone. I can only do what is in my control.

I was giving the opportunity to read and review, Pretty Neat by Alicia Rockmore & Sarah Welch. This book had me at the first quote, "The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."--Anna Quindlen
This brought me to tears. Sorry but I have been at a very emotional state lately trying to figure out what has been wrong with me. And this line hit a chord with me. I think I had all my thinking all wrong. I lost my priorities. Letting go of control is so very hard. But I am learning to delegate some and let go. At my job, we have had several receptionist/my assistants over the last 3 years. Every time I have taken personal, like it is my fault. But I am understanding now that there are things that are out of my control. All I can do is teach them their job to the best of my ability. I have no control over their choices that they make or do not make. The same goes with friends. Losing a friend can really turn my world upside down. Someone told me I love too much, and this can really become a problem. I am the type of person who cannot say NO to people. And if asked to do something, I always say yes. My mom always told me my friends take advantage of me. But I am tired of making excuses for what I do and do not do. As in the book, I can no longer be a control freak. I am learning to use tools like Microsoft Outlook to help me with my organizational skills. I was so set in my ways that suggestions like this would have sent me up the coop. Just this past week, I learned how to organize a meeting for everyone at work. I felt great. Now, I have to say that I was very resistant when reading chapter 8, Clearing the Clutter. My husband would love this chapter. I have been known by him to be s small hoarder. Just before reading this book, him and I had a conversation of all the stuff I have in the garage and why the car does not fit. Yeah, issues of letting go again. I have been using my extra bedroom as my misc room. When we have guest over and I have not had time to clean, everything gets thrown in there. And now I have 2 rooms but I am putting a stop to this. I am taking a room at a time to declutter now.
This book has helped me so much with all the little things I was not understanding of my perfect imperfections. These little lessons go from my home to my work. I could not have read this book at a better time. You know, Spring cleaning is going to take a new meaning for me. I have a whole lot of cleansing to do. This book is for everyone. It is great. It has suggestions, workouts, other women's stories, and much, much more.

Do you suffer from Cluttertosis? Is your life out of control? Do you need to do a little Spring cleansing? Win a copy of Pretty Neat, enter here...

1)Share the area of your home or life that has become the biggest source of organizational stress. (1 entry)

2)Share one tip for how to delegate an organizational task inside your home. (1 entry)

3)Confess a funny story about either an area that has become out of control inside your home or a way in which you have given up organizing and covered up instead (i.e. shoving items under the bed, designating one room or closet as the catch-all, etc.). (1 entry)

This giveaway ends March 21, 2011 at 8 am. 1 winner will be randomly selected and will have 24 hrs to claim their prize. Good luck.


***Disclosure-I received this book to review. This book has been Independentmami read, and is Independentmami recommended as a good tool. Again, these are my honest opinions.

Winner Announcement-Love & Respect Book

And the winner is...

Blogging ExtraLite said...
4

I would like to win this book because I believe that marriage is FOR A LIFETIME and I could always learn new ways to help me become a better wife!

corellana86@aol.com

February 20, 2011 11:17 PM