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Want to go beyond Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja and find some really good Apps for kids? But where to look instead of trolling the top ten lists on iTunes? Here are some sights that offer reviews and ratings:
KinderTown - reviewed by educators and grouped by subject. They only target ages 3-6.
Famingo - tests apps while looking for ease of use, educational value, entertainment level, family friendliness, and appropriateness for all ages.
Read the full article: Curating Children's Content: Who Is Doing It, And Why? on Wired Magazine's Geek Dad column. |
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There are two new movies coming out that are based on children's books and we're pretty excited.
The Secret World of Arrietty is based on The Borrowers by Mary Norton. A favorite from 1952, it tells the story of a four-inch tall family that borrows items from their larger neighbors. This film is presented by Disney and Studio Ghibli - two powerhouses from America and Japan - and features the voices of Amy Poehler and Carol Burnett.
The Lorax of course, is based on the Dr. Seuss book of the same title. The plot has been expanded to include a romance, but the environmental message is still there. The hero is trying to find a real tree for the girl he loves.
 
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Here's something for all the Lego fans out there - did you know that you have your very own social network? It's called Rebrick. And it features a lot of cool Lego projects and ideas. See something you like? Just "ReBrick" it. Check out the awesome Oreos and milk below.
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The Mothers' Center Circle is hosting an evening discussion group - All moms are welcome!
Join us Monday night, January 30 from 7-8:30pm in the small room at the Rockville Centre Public Library for the introduction to an on-going conversation inspired by the words of our "Woman In Washington" blogger, Valerie Young. We are creating a forum for educating ourselves about current public policy and how it affects our lives as mothers and as women.
Please contact Karen Buckley with any questions and to RSVP at 707-3202. |
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Super Smash Brothers Melee Tournament |
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Just a reminder: Registration has started for the very popular Super Smash Brothers Tournament. This time around we'll be using the Game Cube! The tournament will take place Saturday, Feb. 4 @ 11:00 am for grades 4-6 and @ 2:30 pm for grades 7-12. RVC Cardholders can register at the children's reference desk. |
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Let's get in the time machine and talk about some picture books from back in the day. First, let's go with an obscure favorite from my childhood: Teaser and the Firecat by Cat Stevens (1972). Before he got a little wacky, Mr. Stevens wrote and illustrated this book which shares its title with one of his albums. In the book, the moon falls from the sky and a young boy and his cat try to get it back to where it belongs.
Virginia Lee Burton is best known for Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, but The Little House (1942) is also a gem. Probably the first and maybe only children's book to address urban sprawl, it is beautifully illustrated and won the Caldecott Medal.
And finally, everyone knows A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, but his other books are just as wonderful. Two of my favorites, which also feature Peter, are Whistle for Willie (1964) and Peter's Chair. Whistle for Willie is a summer book and Willie is Peter's dachshund. In Peter's Chair (1967) there is a new baby sister in the house that Peter must share his things with.
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Wildwood by Colin Meloy was one of my favorite book of 2011. It is written by the frontman of the indie rock band The Decemberists and illustrated by his wife Carson Ellis. It's a great wintry read, and since I read it over the summer I'm going to pick it up again this January. Check it out today from the library or read the first four chapters right now on the Wildwood website. |
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Just for Kids 
