Children’s Day

     We celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day and even Secretary’s Day, but often overlook, Children’s Day!  Well, Children’s Day is the second Sunday in June, so let’s look at a few ideas of ways you could brighten the day of an important child in your life on this day for children!

Book Reviews –

• Favorite features –

  • Illustrations show variety of children of different ages, races and physical abilities

  • Includes a Scripture verse to begin the story

  • Provides opportunities to talk with children about getting along, following directions and trusting God as well as explaining how Jesus is our Good Shepherd

   Well written, beautifully illustrated, this is a book children will enjoy.  Extremely well done, Chris, Amy and ZonderKidz!

A Knight to Remember Authors – Cindy Kenney & Doug Peterson Illustrators – Greg Hardin & Robert Vann Publisher – ZonderKidz Ages – 4 – 8

• Favorite features –

  • Fun way to involve children in conversations about important lessons on helping others and putting others first

  • Colorful, bright illustrations

  • Old & new Veggie friends add to the fun

  • Story illustrates a Scripture verse

   Tremendously well done, Cindy, Doug, Greg, Robert and ZonderKidz!  I like how the book goes on beyond the video and provides opportunities for children to spend more time understanding what it means to put others first! 

Bob & Larry’s Silly Slides Author – Cindy Kenney Illustrator – Robert Vann & Greg Hardin Publisher – ZonderKidz Ages – 3 – 6

• Favorite Features –

  • Unique, fun, interactive book

  • Familiar, colorful and loved Veggie Friends

  • Encourages imagination

  • Sturdy board book

   I love how this book provides action for the children to make the story complete!  I love how the text encourages interaction and imagination!  Tremendously well done, Cindy, Robert, Greg and ZonderKidz!

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Based on the Book by – C.S. Lewis Illustrator – Tudor Humphries Publisher – HarperCollins Ages – 3 – 7

• Favorite Features –

  • Incredible, colorful, detailed artwork

  • Excellent job of condensing the story into a storybook for young children

  • Perfect length of story for young children

   Classic book and story retold with incredible illustrations for the youngest children to enjoy and love!  Tremendously well done, C.S. Lewis, Tudor and HarperCollins!

The Giant Surprise – A Narnia Story Author – Hiawyn Oram Illustrator – Tudor Humphries Publisher – HarperCollins Ages – 3 – 7

• Favorite Features –

  • Fun, new story with characters from C.S. Lewis’ Narnia books

  • Bright, colorful, fun illustrations

  • Encourages imagination

  • Opportunities to involve children in the reading of the book by having them make sounds and count

   Children definitely find this book completely enjoyable!  They love to cheer for Puddleglum and Lally and laugh over the giants eating rock sandwiches!  Clever and fun, this book is sure to be a classic favorite!  Tremendously well done, Hiawyn, Tudor and HarperCollins!

• Favorite Features –

  • Continues the Little House Books and stories, by picking it up at the beginning – with Caroline Ingalls

  • Set in the 1800’s, readers will enjoy reading about life in another time

   This wonderful story will help readers see how even tho times were different, people are still the same – we face the same big questions.  Extremely well done, Celia, Dan and HarperCollins!

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe		The Chronicles of Narnia – The Magician’s Nephew
	Full-color Gift Edition		Full-color Collector’s Edition with unabridged audio performance on CD
			Full-color Gift Edition
Author – C.S. Lewis Illustrator – Pauline Baynes Audio Performer – Kenneth Branagh Publisher – HarperTrophy Ages – 8 to adult

• Favorite Features –

  • Classic books with colorful illustrations throughout

  • Top quality paper makes these excellent choices for a gift or to begin or add to a collection

  • CD performance is tremendously enjoyable to listen to

   You absolutely can not go wrong in selecting any of these books/CDs as a gift for anyone on your list!  With the upcoming release of the Disney picture, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the combination of the classic series with quality artwork, paper and readings on CD are long overdue to be added to everyone’s home libraries!  Tremendously well done, C.S. Lewis, Pauline, Kenneth and HarperCollins!

DVDs

• Favorite Features –

  • Four stories, each with a lesson to be learned

  • Colorful, dimensional animation

  • Fun characters children enjoy present “family” in a positive light – loving parents with boundaries, teaching obedient children

  • Motions to engage and involve children actively

  • Encourages imagination and creative thinking

   Great animation, fun characters, entertaining stories – Tremendously well done, Disney!

• Favorite Features –

  • Two animated stories and one animated short

  • Games to involve preschoolers in learning geography, animals/environments, languages, counting, story order and more

   Children will enjoy visiting with familiar friends while learning about their world, and developing beginning reading and math skills.  Extremely well done, Disney!

Pooh’s Heffalump Movie Produced by – Disney Rated G

• Favorite Features –

  • Return of much loved friends in a fun new movie

  • Provides opportunities to talk about important lessons about friendship, understanding and acceptance

  • Tremendous animation, color – I love Lumpy!

   Lumpy makes a great addition to the Winnie the Pooh family of characters!  I sincerely hope we will see much more of Lumpy in movies to come!  Tremendously well done, Disney!

VeggieTales Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Samson’s Hairbrush Produced by – Big Idea

• Favorite Features –

  • Return of much loved Veggie characters in a fun, new movie

  • Provides opportunities for families to talk about bullies and how to treat others

  • Colorful, fun animation

  • Children who have played the video game are already familiar with the character

  • Young adults found tremendous creativity in the story-line

  • Parents will enjoy the humor in this movie!

   Tremendously well done, Big Idea!  This will likely be one of the all-time top Veggie videos!  I love the humor, the story-line and the important message – this one will be tough to top, but if anyone can do it, Big Idea likely can! 

National Treasure Produced by – Disney Rating – PG

• Favorite Features –

  • Exciting, unexpected, tremendously well written story

  • Clever combination of actual historical fact with an engaging, enjoyable fictional story

  • Classic good vs. evil story provides opportunities for families to talk about choices, right and wrong and more

  • Excellent job of working humor into the story-line

   I love this movie!  I sincerely hope there will be another Treasure hunt for these characters to bring us along with them on in the near future!  Tremendously well done, Disney!

Games

Disney Classic Dominoes - Mickey Classic Games Manufacturer – USAopoly Ages - 8 + 1 – 4 players

• Favorite features –

  • Mickey on one side, Mickey Head/ears for “dots” on the other

  • Rules in English and Spanish

  • Attractive metal carrying case with Mickey head/ears handle

  • Double six set

  • Encourage taking turns, playing by the rules, counting and basic math

   Great fun for the entire family!  Unique and fun look, quality construction!  Tremendously well done, USAopoly!

• Favorite Features –

  • Each set has 24 colorful, character cards

  • More than 100 activities – quiet and active

  • Cards on key ring with clip for a backpack

   Great travel, vacation, any-time family fun will encourage reading, imagination and memory skills.  Extremely well done, USAopoly!

• Favorite Features –

  • Simple, easy to follow rules – English/Spanish

  • Group and individual cards

  • Encourages taking turns, playing by the rules, identifying/matching

   Fun game for families to enjoy together!  Extremely well done, USAopoly!

• Favorite Features –

  • 550 piece puzzle

  • Features 18 breeds of puppies

  • Includes dog bowl to store puzzle in or give to your dog!

   If you enjoy puzzles, this makes a great addition to your collection!  Extremely well done, USAopoly!

Peanuts Chess Manufacturer – USAopoly Ages – 7+

• Favorite Features –

  • Hand painted/sculpted pieces of Peanuts characters

  • Encourages strategy skills

   All children should learn how to play chess and this set is one that is sure to be loads of fun!  Tremendously well done, USAopoly!

Monopoly The Dog Manufacturer – USAopoly Ages – 8 to Adult 2 to 6 players

• Favorite Features –

  • Portion of proceeds benefit Canine Companions for Independence

  • Unique board features The Dogs

  • Custom dog money

  • Collectible pewter tokens – golden retriever, food dish, dog house, pug, bone and hydrant

   Monopoly is a game sure to be enjoyed by all – when you add the fun of, The Dog, you can’t go wrong!  Tremendously well done, USAopoly!

UNO H2O Manufacturer – Mattel Ages – 7+ 2 – 10 players

• Favorite Features –

  • Waterproof, transparent, plastic cards

  • Much loved UNO game with a fun, new look!

  • Encourages counting, taking turns and playing by the rules

   This is the cleverest way to make card games – great for use during the summer on picnics, camping trips or just out by the pool as the cards can’t be damaged by water or torn, bent or harmed!  Tremendously well done, Mattel!

• Favorite Features –

  • Encourages bluffing, creativity, thinking fast and determining the bluff correctly

  • Five categories of questions make for an interesting time of outrageous fun

Great game for families, groups, friends – whoever to play together!  Extremely well done, Mattel!

Pictionary Manufacturer – Hasbro Ages – 12 + 3 or more players

•  Favorite Features –

  •  Five fun, challenging ways to play each turn adds to the fun

  • Simple, easy to follow rules

  •  Encourages creativity, imagination and playing by the rules

  • Great game for teams

   Sure to be a loved, favorite game that not only provides a way to enjoy playing together, but also makes great memories!  Tremendously well done, Hasbro!

• Favorite Features –

  • Includes two dvds with clips/600 questions from the movies

  •  Tokens shaped like characters from the movies

  •  Encourages recall and playing by the rules

   For the fan of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, this is a game you can’t go wrong with. Interesting, fun – sure to be a favorite! Extremely well done, Parker Brothers/Hasbro!

Crafts –

Creativity for Kids Manufacturer – Faber Castell

Bobble Head Dogs Ages – 6 to 96 Favorite Features – Includes two bobble head dogs in the kit Includes paint brush, sponge brush, paints and two sided tape Encourages creativity and imagination   Garden Bugz Ages – 6 to 96   Favorite Features – Three bugs with yard stakes included in each kit Paintbrush and paints included Encourages creativity and imagination   Flower & Butterfly Lamp Ages – 8 to 98 Favorite Features – Includes wooden flower base, three paper lamp shades, light bulbs, paints, brushes, markers, sparkle paint, rhinestones, craft foam, tulle butterflies and ideas   Make Your Own Craft Pillow Ages – 7 – 97   Favorite Features – Four easy, no-sew steps Includes pillow, fleece, fake fur, flowers, pom poms, thread, beads, needle and ideas   Paper Lantern Lights Ages – 8 – 98 Favorite Features – 10 paper lanterns with wire frames includes electric cord with 10 tiny bulbs, tissue paper, glue, brush and ideas   Opti-art Ages – 7 - 97   Favorite Features – Includes 20 flat back crystal clear glass stones, self-adhesive images, tie tacks, two side foam tape, paint brush, paint and ideas    As always, Creativity for Kids projects from Faber-Castell are sure to be a huge hit! I really like that they provide all the supplies you need to complete your project and that these projects encourage creativity and imagination. These projects are the perfect surprise to bring out on rainy, summer days! Tremendously well done, Faber-Castell!

Toys

Rescue Heroes Micro Adventures Manufacturer – Fisher Price Ages – 3+

• Favorite Features –
• Play set includes two figures, bear, snowmobile, rescue plane and mountain/avalanche set
• Encourages imagination and creativity
• Colorful, durable parts/pieces

   I am tremendously impressed with this line of play sets for young children! I love that it makes “heroes” out of characters who help/save others! Tremendously well done, Fisher Price!

Pooh Babies Peek ‘n Play Eeyore Manufacturer – Fisher Price/Disney Ages – 9months +

• Favorite Features –
• Soft, cuddly baby Eeyore talks and sings and plays with baby
• Batteries accessible only with a screw driver
• Baby Eeyore can play seven different games/songs with baby
• Sound-activated Eeyore says 25 phrases

   You absolutely can not go wrong with a Baby Eeyore! Peek ‘n Play Eeyore is a delight and is sure to enthrall babies for years! Tremendously well done, Fisher Price/Disney!

• Favorite Features –
• Elmo and Cookie Monster sing and dance with children and encourages them to do the same
• Soft and cuddly friends
• Encourages imagination and movement

   I really liked Cookie Monster! Plush toys that encourage children to move are an excellent new trend. Extremely well done, Fisher Price!
 

Ultimate Beach Ball Sprinkler Manufacturer – Little Tikes Ages – 1 1/2+

• Favorite Features –
• 88” around for lots of summer fun
• let it roll/bounce around or use as a stationary sprinkler
• wild, wet, colorful hot weather fun!

Children will absolutely love playing with this unique sprinkler all summer long! Tremendously well done, Little Tikes!

Plush Puppets Manufacturer – Folkmanis

Eagle Puppet Includes info on how to use for that “realistic” look Information on Balk Eagles interesting and educational 29” wingspan soft, realistic puppet   Giraffe Unique, large puppet Includes interesting facts about giraffes Includes folktale about giraffes 25” tall   Wooly sheep 19” in size unique “wool” makes it soft and huggable includes facts of interest and a poem   Duck 20” in size unique feather-like plush really looks like a duck soft and huggable includes information on ducks and a poem   Goat   19” in size soft, fun and huggable realistic looking includes facts and poem   Bichon Frise   14” in size soft and huggable includes facts and story   Small Panda 14” in size includes facts on Pandas and story extra features – padded and weighted feet, and toe nails extremely soft and huggable   Mini Eagle finger puppet 5” tall makes a great item to surprise children with on a long car ride   Mini Raccoon   8” long plush raccoon is unique   Mini Duckling 4” in size looks like a real duckling   Chick in Egg 4” in size chick can “hatch” out of egg - unique   Mini Skunk   Mini Cow Mini Badger   Mini Rooster     Mini Pig   Mini Lamb Mini Field Mouse           You absolutely can not go wrong with a puppet from Folkmanis! They have a wide variety of top quality, realistic puppets that encourage imagination and creativity. Not only do they make great puppets, but Folkmanis pays such attention to detail and quality that their puppets are plush enough to be a much loved plush friend. Tremendously well done, Folkmanis!

• Favorite Features –
• Tremendously soft, plush fabric
• Soft, sherbet colors
• Easy to clean
• Rattle has bells inside sift, plush animal
• Lovies have soft blanket with animal head

   Creative, soft, incredibly cuddly first friends. Great items for baby showers or for a church nursery to give to new babies. Tremendously well done, Dakin!

• Favorite Features –
• Soft fabric, cuddly little bears
• Pastel colors – blue, pink and white
• Easy to clean

   Great shower gift, makes a baby’s first bear. Extremely well done, Dakin!

• Favorite Features –
• Tremendously soft fabric
• Embroidered heart on each pup

   Lovable, cute and tremendously soft makes a great little gift for any time!

Dream Pets
	Henrien Hippo		Gypse Giraffe
Manufacturer – Dakin Ages – 3+

• Favorite Features –
• Soft, colorful, unique plush toys
• Tag includes date of original release and story of Dream Pets

   Unique and fun these toys will be fun to collect! Extremely well done, Dakin!
 

Mesozaurs Jumbo & mini T-Rex Manufacturer – Manhattan Toy Ages – 3+

• Favorite Features –
• Jumbo Rex is definitely “jumbo”
• Soft, unique, textured plush
• Jumbo has teeth/claws – excellent touch
• Mini provides great, portable fun!

   I love these dinos! Definite “must-haves” for kids who are really into dinos! Tremendously well done, Manhattan Toy! The Jumbo definitely goes above and beyond!

Critterology – Jungle Series/Zoo Series Manufacturer – Manhattan Toys Ages – 3+

• Favorite Features –
• Jungle Series – Elephant, Tiger, Monkey, Zebra, Lion, Hippo
• Zoo Series – Bear, Polar Bear, Giraffe, Moose, Camel and Penguin

   Excellent attention to detail like the mane on the lion and expression on the faces. Great portable size for fun on the go! Tremendously well done, Manhattan Toy!

Whoozit – Zigzaggle Manufacturer – Manhattan Toy Ages – Birth – 12 months

• Favorite Features –
• Encourages reaching, touching
• Colors, sounds and textures

   This is a wonderful first toy for baby! I love the variety of ways it will stimulate our littlest ones to learn about their new world! Tremendously well done, Manhattan Toy!

Rarities Panda Manufacturer – Manhattan Toys Ages – 3+

• Favorite Features –
• Tremendously soft, plush fabric
• Huggable body
• Added features – claws and pads on paws – nice touch!

   This bear is sure to be a much loved friend for years to come! Tremendously well done, Manhattan Toy!

• Favorite Features –
• Tremendously soft, plush fabric
• Huggable friend

   Perfect for sitting on a bed and being a loved friend. Extremely well done, Manhattan Toy!

• Favorite Features –
• Wide and growing variety of clothes and accessories available to increase the fun
• Encourages imagination and interactive play
• Soft, fashion dolls

   Make great, take-with-you friends. Affordable so a girl could have lots of Groovy Girls to play with! Extremely well done, Manhattan Toy!

Royal Renaissance Marcello and Bartholomew Manufacturer – Manhattan Toy Ages – 3+

• Favorite Features –
• Unique, jewel tone fabrics
• Textured, silky plush
• Interesting dragons make a unique addition to a bedroom

   Excellent combination of colors, textures and characters makes unique, sure to be loved for years to come, friends. Tremendously well done, Manhattan Toy!

• Favorite Features –
• Zoo – Panda, Lion, Elephant, Monkey, Tiger, Hippo
• Farm – Chick, Bunny, Cat, Pig, Lamb, Dog
• Variety of colors and textures
• Small, portable fun

   Great to take on a trip or as a gift “add-on” or as an anytime surprise. Extremely well done, Manhattan Toy!

A Life of Faith Paper Doll – Millie Keith and Elsie Dinsmore Manufacturer – Mission City Press/ZonderKidz Ages – 6+

• Favorite Features –
• Includes background story on each character
• Includes interesting information on each piece of “clothing”
• Quality paper and cardboard
• Colorful step back into another time
• Encourages imagination, interactive play and faith

   Any girl who loves the Life of Faith books and dolls will love these paper dolls! I appreciate how attention has definitely been given to quality and detail. Tremendously well done, Mission City Press/ZonderKidz!

Jewelry -

• Favorite Features –
• Nail keyring with Isaiah 53:5 engraved on one side
• Makes a great gift for a teen son

   Anyone who is a fan of the movie, will appreciate receiving this keyring. I appreciate the attention given to quality, design and detail! Extremely well done, Bob Siemon Designs!

Adjustable Rubber Pendant Rubber Zipper Pull Manufacturer – Bob Siemon Designs

• Favorite Features –
• Colorful, silky cords on the pendants
• Variety of pendants with Scripture on back
• Variety of pulls with both sides detailed
• Great price point

   Unique, colorful, fun, creative – great way to brighten someone’s day! Tremendously well done, Bob Siemon Designs! I’d love to see more designs added to these lines!

• Favorite Features –
• 30” adjustable cord
• dove engraving on ends of the nails
• unique pendant made from nails

   This makes a great unisex gift – Extremely well done, Bob Siemon Designs!

• Favorite Features –
• Green glass with colorful flowers
• Available in a number of colors

   Delicate, colorful, unique cross pendant. Extremely well done, Bob Siemon Designs!

Jesus Saves Pendant Manufacturer – Bob Siemon Designs

• Favorite Features –
• Greek writing on one side/Jesus Saves on the other
• Solid pewter

   Simple design with unique appeal! I love the use of languages from around the world to communicate simple messages on this unique pendant! Tremendously well done, Bob Siemon Designs! Certain to be a conversation starter!

Clothes

Butterfly Brocade Dress for Girls Manufacturer – American Girl Sizes - 7 – 14

• Favorite Features –
• Blue brocade fabric with butterflies – unique and beautiful
• Mandarin collar shows the quality and consideration given to design and detail
• Easy to care for fabric shows the attention given to quality
• Pearlescent blue beads give that added “touch” that shows quality and design as well as detail

   Once again, American Girl has designed a dress that is unique, sure to get attention and make any girl wearing it feel absolutely special! Tremendously well done, American Girl!

Bitty Baby Fresh Flowers Set for Girls Manufacturer – American Girl Sizes 2T – 6x

• Favorite Features –
• Definite attention given to detail, design and quality
• Set includes capris, top, sweater and hat
• Extra features include ruffles, quality linen fabric, and crocheted sweater and hat

   This set is beyond adorable! Any little girl who has a Bitty Baby can get the same outfit for her doll and enjoy dressing her doll so they match! I look forward to see what new outfits the designers at American Girl come up with all year long – they never disappoint in design, detail and definitely in quality. Tremendously well done, American Girl!

• Favorite Features –
• Sparkles add to the fun
• Pro-sports look will appeal to boys
• quality t-shirts
• Scripture message on each shirt

   Once again Kerusso has released a number of fun new designs children, and adults, will love to wear! Extremely well done, Kerusso!

• Favorite Features –
• Colorful hats with embroidery to match
• Mesh hat, cool for summer wear
• Adjustable fit

   For the hat collector or for someone who just has one or two hats, Kerusso provides a variety of designs – something for everyone! Extremely well done, Kerusso!

• Favorite Features –
• Cute designs for girls and boys
• Easy to clean
• Attention given to detail and quality

   Make great baby shower gifts – affordable, yet quality clothes. Extremely well done, Lands’ End.

• Favorite Features –
  
• Cool, cotton sundress, perfect for summer fun
• Pockets add to design detail

   Easy to see attention has been given to quality, design and detail. Extremely well done, Lands’ End.

• Favorite Features –
  • Sturdy, durable shorts
  • Loaded with pockets – young boys are sure to love these shorts

• Favorite Features –


• Soft, breathable cotton – perfect for summertime wear

   The shorts and shirt certainly reflect the quality, design and detail Lands’ End is known for. Extremely well done, Lands’ End.

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