As we wind down our maiden voyage with the Homeschool Crew, I thought I'd take some time to share about some of the great products that the Crew has received to review this year.  Though I haven't had opportunity to use all of them yet, some are really impressive and I wanted to just give my 2 cents (which, truthfully, doesn't hold much weight next to the Crew's wonderful reviews).  So, basically, if you want a REAL QUALITY review, be sure to stop by the Crew blog and check out the review links there.  But, if you want MY opinion, keep reading (lol)...

All About Spelling - this was a program that I had not heard of before my work with the Crew.  I did not actually start with this program this year as both of my girls have always excelled in spelling, and it just seemed easier to continue with the spelling program that Gracie was currently working through.  This program, though, is so thorough in approach, with magnets to be used on a magnetic white board, etc. that I am very impressed.  Later in the year, the Crew received another product from All About Spelling - an e-book called All About Homophones, that I really, really liked.  Homophones are an often overlooked area of study and one that is very important, especially for strugling spellers or those who do not have a firm grasp on the language.  This e-book was just plain fun.  It's divided up by grade level and is filled with fun ways to introduce and teach homophones.  I would highly recommend it, and will definitely be making use of it throughout the years to come. 

Salem Ridge Press - if you're looking for great books for your children to read, you need look no further than Salem Ridge Press.  This company has taken old, out-of-print books (that are good and clean) and reprinted them in beautifully bound paperback editions.  We've read through a few of them now, and I've been very impressed.  There's certainly not the type of book that you'll find at your local bookstore; but they are the type that you can hand to your children or read aloud to them without worrying about the content.

Deeper Roots - I cannot brag about this Bible curriculum enough!  I searched high and low for a Bible curriculum to use with Ashley and was hard-pressed to find something that is not dumbed-down.  Finally, we found just what we were looking for from Deeper Roots.  Though there is a good bit of teacher participation needed for  this program, it's a great opportunity to sit down WITH your child and teach/learn about the Bible together.  The one that we received was Discovering Our Amazing God.  We started it during this school year and plan to continue working through it next year.  I would highly recommend these Bible studies and will be purchasing more of them in the future.

Friendly Chemistry - Though I did briefly look through this program, I did not use it so cannot offer my personal opinion of it.  I did read through all of the Crew reviews of this one, though, and even though some mentioned things like misspellings or typographical errors, etc. the consensus does seem to be that this program really is "friendly".  That's important to me, as I HATED Chemistry is high school and have  been dreaded the prospect of having to teach it.  We have not totally decided which science that Ashley will do next year, but if we decide to get Chemistry out of the way do Chemistry, we're going to use this friendly curriculum for sure.

Motherboard Books - Again, I have not actually used these programs, but have had opportunity of looking through several of them (both as part of the Crew and for my E-Book Reviews Specialist position with the Schoolhouse Store).  When I was in high school, that was the era of  Computer Literacy class.  I remember learning things like binary code, and how to type in some text to create a repeating line of text.  Big whoop!  A lot of good that's going to do me, 20+ years later, when it's time to teach computer-themed subjects to my own children.  Enter Motherboard Press.  I received some Computer Science books from them that I plan to use with Ashley next year and I think we'll both be pleased. 

Math Mammoth - I have used Math Mammoth several times in the past.  I would highly recommend it if you're needing something to supplement a current math program.  For example, last year Gracie breezed through her 3rd grade Abeka math book in 1/2 the school year.  I wasn't prepared to purchase the 4th grade curriculum, so I ordered the 4th grade Math Mammoth e-books instead and she started working through them.  It gave her a nice way to round out the year with math, and gave her a head start for this school year.  In addition to the grade-level e-books, Math Mammoth also offers specialized workbooks - such as ones on fractions, etc. so if you are looking for extra help in a certain area, you can easily find it with Math Mammoth.  I also like these products because you can just print out the pages you need, when you need them (and I always just store the answer keys on my computer).

The Critical Thinking Co. - I've been receiving their catalogs for years and have never actually ordered anything from them, though I've certainly been intrigued.  This year, I was blessed to receive their entire Building Thinking Skills program, which covered preschool through high school.  Both girls quickly grabbed up their appropriate grade-leveled book(s) and got to work.  We've been using them as fill-ins throughout the year (when they have a day when they get finished really quickly, or just want something fun to do).  These  books are just really amazing.  Even I have fun sitting down with them and working with them.  There is even a book for Ian - he LOVES it!  I was amazed how quickly he was able to pick up on the concepts and he just loves having his own school book. 
Later in the year, they sent out their Mathematical Reasoning program, which is for preschool through 2nd grade.  These can be stand-alone math curriculum books.  I love the bright-colored pages and think that they might be just the ticket for Ian in a few years, but you'll just have to keep reading my blog (for a few years!) to find out!

Insight Technical Education - This is a company that I hadn't heard of before; or, if I saw their ads in TOS, I ignored them for whatever reason.  We received an Accounting course from them that we're planning for Ashley to use for math next year.  She absolutely hated algebra, and though I think she'll do better with geometry, I think we both need a break.  Since Brian does accounts payable at work each day, he should be able to help her out with math next year (phew!  I need a break!)  He looked over this course and thought it looked quite thorough, so we shall see.  We also received their Create-a-Sketch book, which Gracie really enjoyed.  It's a great way to introduce drawing concepts to all ages and is a wonderful way to lead in to other things (such as drafting).

Cadron Creek - Ashley is using Where the Brook & River Meet (a unit study on Anne of Green Gables) this year, and we also have Prairie Primer (a Little House series unit study).  So, when I heard that Cadron Creek was participating in the Crew project, I requested Further Up & Further In (based on the Narnia books).  Because it's more targeted between the ages of my 2 girls, I'm hoping to pull that one out and use it, probably in a year or two, with Gracie.  Stay tuned.....  I do really like these unit studies from Cadron Creek, though the unit study (I'm finding) is definitely not our first curriculum choice.  I do see the value in the method, though.

Clear Water Press/One Year Adventure Novel - This is probably the curriculum that I am most excited about.  Ashley and I sat down and watched the introductory material for this one afternoon and we couldn't stop - we just kept watching more!  This is going to be what we use for her for language/literature next year.  Using this approach, by the end of the school year, your child should have written a full-length novel. Since writing is a passion of Ashley's, this seems to be a PERFECT fit.  The classes involve watching a dvd lesson (given by author Daniel Schwabauer), and then following it up with workbook-type activities.  There is a website where you can join the forum, and (with your purchase) you receive a license for direct help from the creator as well.  This just looks SO GOOD, that I'm considering purchasing an additional workbook, so that I might go through the course along with Ashley!

WriteShop - We've received a few WriteShop products for review this year.  The first was the StoryBuilder cards (that I have previously reviewed for the Schoolhouse Store).  These are a great little resource to have and an awesome tool to use to encourage writing and creative thinking in your children.  They are so versatile in their uses that they are very much worth the small cost to invest in them.  More recently, we received WriteShop Primary Book A.  This book is a super way to start even your young ones on a writing adventure!  Originally I thought I might be able to use this book to encourage Gracie, but upon closer inspection, I realized that it really is too young for her.  However, I'm tucking this one away in a safe place and will be pulling it out for use with Ian in a few years (I already know he's got the imagination to make this one work!)

Math Tutor DVD - While many of the Crew members found these DVD's dull and somewhat boring, I have to step out and say that Ashley and I really liked them!  We sat down together and watched the Algebra 2 Tutor and we both thought that the instructor seemed very nice, was easy to listen to, and gave clear directions.  My only wish was that I had the worksheets to go along with the DVD's, to make this a more well-rounded course.  (The worksheets are avaible on the website.)  So, though I'd definitely recommend the purchase of these DVD's to anyone who's struggling in math or really loves math, I'd encourage purchasing the accompanying worksheets (which come on a cd-rom for printing at home). 

Bible Story Songs - We received the entire collection of these great cd's.  Around our house, we love music and we sing a LOT!  Ian is a great little singer and actually sang before he talked!  So, he was especially taken with these cd's and is always asking me to play them for him.  We've enjoyed them both in the house and in the car - the catchy and sometimes familiar tunes make picking up on the lyrics fairly simple.  These are great for in-home use or with a church group. 

Heads Up - We received the neatest little assortment of goodies to help you mark your place in a book.  I was just extremely impressed.  Heads Up specializes in products for kids with special needs.  I believe that each child has some of their own special needs - whether slow learners or gifted; and, let me tell you, this company has something for everyone!  I'd encourage checking out their website.

Artistic Pursuits - once again, I was blessed to receive the entire line of art curriculum from Artisitic Pursuits and I'm so glad I did!  I had heard of this program before, but never had opportunity to look at it.  My Gracie has a real artistic bent and I've been hard-pressed to find a curriculum that is easy for me to teach and that she also enjoys.  This program is it!  Though I must admit that Ashley (who hates drawing, etc.) wasn't impressed with the high school level books, I was!  I'll definitely be holding on to them for Gracie, as I know she'll love working through this entire program over the years to come.  This is one I'd highly recommend, especially if you've been considering it but just weren't quite sure!

Five in a Row - I think everyone who has even done any kind of research into homeschool curriculum has surely heard of Five in a Row.  Great company, great concept!  I previously reviewed this curiculum for TOS - click the link under Homeschool Curriculum and Resources in my left-hand sidebar to read.

Bonnie Terry Learning - this is another company that specializes in products for special needs kids.  We loved the Sentence Game!  It's an awesome way to introduce and learn the parts of speech.  I wish I had this game back when I was trying to cement them into Ashley's brain!  Now, it's not too late for Gracie. 

Apologia - need I say more?!  Seriously, this is the best science curriculum available to homeschoolers, hands down!  You can argue if you want (leave a comment) but I'll still think I'm right on this one.  I've looked and certainly found no better!  We've used both their elementary science books by Jeannie Fulbright and their high school level books by Dr. Jay Wile.  We've been impressed with both, and will continue to both use and recommend them to anyone looking for a good creation-based science curriculum.  (As a matter of fact, Gracie just selected the Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day book for next year.)

TruthQuest History - I'm really impressed with this approach to teaching history and wish that I had a better local library (though, I must admit, and have said this before, I HATE the library because they want me to return the books!)  Anyway, if you're got access to a great library, then I would totally recommend TruthQuest as a possible history curriclum for your family.  The author has taken so much time to put this course together, and it's extremely obvious from the moment you open the book!  When I strike it rich and can finally purchase all the books that I want (oh, and build on a room to house them), then I'm definitely going with TruthQuest History too!

Schleik Action Figures - Wow!  If you're looking for some well-constructed, true-to-life action-figure-type toys for your kids, then you need look no further than to Schleik.  I was amazed when a variety box of toys arrived at our door.  These figurines are so realistic that it's almost scary!  They've left no detail to the imagination!  With everything from farm animals, to knights, to Smurfs, Scleik has all your action-figure needs.

Barchowsky Fluent Handwriting - I thought I was a neat writer until I received our package from Barchowsky and saw the elegant handwriting on the package.  I much prefer print, but neither of my girls has my perfectionistic attitude when it comes to writing, and it's always really disturbed me.  That is, until we received BFH.  Using this program, I saw marked improvement in Gracie's handwriting in as little as one week!  Though her handwriting still needs some work, I'm impressed with the results of using BFH and will continue doing so.  One of these days, I'm going to scan her work and share samples!  Even for those of you (parents) who could use some writing improvement, it's never too late.  Check out Barchowsky.

Memoria Press - the last vendor for the 2008-09 Crew is Memoria Press.  My girls have been using their Latin programs this past year and I've  been very impressed with them.  We received their Christian Studies  book, which I'm planning to use with Gracie next year for Bible; the First-Form Latin, which is a brand-new Latin program still in beta testing, that we will use with Ashley next year (to move on from Latina Christiana, as recommended by the publisher); and Famous Men of Rome, which is a beautifully bound and illustrated history text.  Memoria Press has everything you might need for a Classical-approach to education. 

So, there you have it.  My $.02, for what it's worth.
Be sure to check back next year, for my follow-up opinions on these programs that we'll be adding to our school days.  And, in the meantime, check out the Crew blog - we'll be adding LOTS MORE VENDORS for the 2009-10 season, which will be starting in July.

Would you like to join the Crew for our 2nd voyage?  If you love trying new curriclum and sharing your opinion with others, and if you have a talent for writing, you might be just what we are looking for.  There are still a few days left to try out for spots on the upcoming Crew.  See this page for details.  E-mail me with any questions.

Are you on Facebook?  Sign up to be a fan of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  Starting in May, we'll be having Weekly FEATURED VENDORS and each week we'll be giving away some fabulous prizes (from many of the vendors listed above).  You'll definitely want to check it out - these prizes are worth lots of $$$ and you could get them for FREE!!  We've also got other fun things planned, such as Homeschool Tips, etc.  So, check it out and become a fan today!

2 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

We've been going to the CHAP convention (PA's homeschool convention) for several years now, and each year I'm always very impressed with the Generations of Virtue booth.  Their booth is probably the most appealing to the eye, as it's always filled with fun decorations (that would look great in your daughter's bedroom) and an interesting assortment of books and materials to help promote purity. Their products are always well displayed and, when you make a purchase there, you leave feeling like a million bucks!  (Purple is my favorite color - so those purple bags with gold lettering are very exciting to me!)

Neat, huh?  She loves it!  You can see their full line of purity jewelry here. 

But, I've gotten sidetracked!    This post is supposed to be about the 3-book set called Beautifully Made! (exclusive to Generations of Virtue).  I received this set of books as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew project.  If you have been looking for a way to introduce your young daughter to the changes that will be taking place in her body, I would highly recommend these books!  Book 1 (Approaching Womanhood) is perfect to give to your daughter BEFORE she starts her period.  Book 2 (Celebrating Womanhood) would be appropriate to share with her AFTER she's started.  Both are very well-written, simple to read, and encouraging to young girls.  They would be great to read together with your daughter, discussing and bonding. 

Book 3 (Wisdom from a Woman - Mother's Guide) is just for mom and offers some great ideas for helping you to celebrate your daughter's budding womanhood (because it really is something to be celebrated). These books are "quick reads" (I read each of them in one sitting).  I love that they are bibically-based, and would highly recommend them to any mother who is anticipating "the talk" with her daughter. 

Check out Generations of Virtue  - they've got books for all ages, Christian t-shirts, music and gift ideas, and much more!

3 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

*This will be a sticky post at the top of my blog til the 27th.

Awhile back, I shared about some of the great products that I've been receiving as part of the Homsechool Crew project.  Today, I want to talk (again) about one of these great companies...

Alphabet Alley is a company that is committed to providing high-quality toys for little ones.  They have games (such as the Noah's Ark Go Fish Game and the Two-by-Two Matching game that I shared about before and the Homeschool Crew reviewed here), magnetic toys (such as the In the Beginning Magnet set), and wooden toys.  They also have stickers.

In the fall, we received the In the Beginning Magnet Set.  Though it is recommended for ages 3+, Ian loves it!  it is sturdy and of good quality, and I don't worry one bit about him playing with it.  Not only is it fun, but it's also educational, and a great way to introduce little ones to Bible stories.  Remember the flannel boards?  These magnet sets remind me of those, only on a much grander scale - they are so much nicer than flannel!

2 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

Last week, I shared some great toy ideas - things that we've  been receiving to review as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  This week, I'd like to share some more great gift ideas - while there is still some time left for shopping.  These are not toys, but they are all things that would make great gifts for your kids for Christmas.  If you're like me, you're already done with your shopping - if that's the case, you may want to consider these  gifts for upcoming birthdays or other special holidays.....

First up is the Kids Wealth Money Kit.....Brian calls this "Dave Ramsey for Kids".  I don't know about that, as I'm not a huge Dave Ramsey fan, but I do know that I LOVE this kit (and so do my kids!)  The Kids Wealth Money Kit is designed for children ages 4-12 (though we are working on a variation of it, that we will be using with Ashley, who is now 15).  This kit was designed as a means of training your children (from early on up) how to be wise stewards of their finances.  Though not necessarily a "Christian-based" kit, it does include an "Angel fund" that is designated to be used toward helping those in need (we will recommend using this for tithe also, though I do totally see the need of teaching your children to be compassionate to those less fortunate than they are). 

Though not designed specifically for homeschoolers, these kits will make the perfect addition to any homeschool family.  I would recommend purchasing one for each child you have in the target age group.  It comes with everything you see pictured above and will prove to be well worth the money put forth up front, as you watch your kids learn how to manage their finances.  If every family would buy and use these kits with their children, I feel certain that we'd see a huge change in the economy here in the US.

Oh, and Kids Weath is offering a very special deal for my readers (but hurry!  it's only good 'til next Wednesday, the 17th, if you want delivery assured by Christmas).  Order now and receive:

• The Money Kit ($39.95 value) - remember I said it's so worth your initial investment!
• An 80+ page, age-appropriate workbook ($7.95  value) - and this is a high-quality workbook!
• "Raising Money Smart Kids" eBook ($14.95 value) - as you all know, I see a LOT of e-books and this one is very well put together and worth printing out to save!
• "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" hardback book ($19.95 value) - I've not seen this  book so can't attest to its value
• Parent Training (priceless) - the DaSilvas, creators of the Kids Wealth Money Kit, have been extremely pleasant to work with!  They are very proud of their product and eager to share about it!
• Free Fed Ex shipping ($9.95 value) - gotta love free shipping!

That is $92.75 worth of products, and you will get it all for only $39.95.  (This offer is good through the end of December, but Christmas delivery is only guaranteed for orders placed by the 17th.)

Another product that Gracie has really been enjoying is brought to the Crew  by Core Learning.  It's the Crayola Art Studio cd-rom.  I believe that we owned an old version of this program years ago, and this new, updated version is much more fun!  I know that, so far, we have only just scratched the surface of all that can be done with this program.  But, Gracie has so enjoyed it that I thought I would share with those of you who have creative kids.  Gracie is intending to make a new topper for her blog using this program.  And me, being about as creative as a rock, am anxious to see what she comes up with!

What about learning under the guise of fun?  Awhile back I shared my review of the Clean 'n' Flip Charts by Trigger Memory Systems.  Those little charts, while being fun to use, are actually teaching your children how to work - fancy that! 

Now, I'd like to share about another product by this great company (whose motto is "Education through Imagination").  I'm sure you've probably heard of Times Tales.  I know it's something that I had heard talk of in the homeschool community, but I had never actually seen.  I was thrilled to receive it as part of the Crew.  This little resource is all you will need to teach your children the upper (more difficult) times tables, and you can do it in a few short days! 

I tested this product out on Gracie because, though I knew she knew her times tables, I felt that she could use a  bit of a refresher, or something to help cement them in her mind.  We were both thrilled with the results.  Times Tales uses cute little pictures and stories to teach your children the times tables - the stories are easy to remember and associate with the facts.  It's been a few weeks since we used this course, and Gracie will still occasionally bring up her "Times Tales friends" in conversation.  I'm anxious to bring this program back out in a few years, when it's time to teach the times tables to Ian.  Let me tell you, this is WAY more fun that rote memorization and will stick with your kids much quicker and easier.

So, if you're having trouble teaching the times tables, you definitely need to check out this product!  You will love it - and so will your kids!

We received another book that is along these same lines - learning through association.  The Little Man in the Map book by Schoolside Press, is a fun and easy way to teach your children U.S. Geography (and give you a refresher course as well!)  Though a picture book (set to rhyme) geared more toward the elementary age student, my 15 year old and I both enjoyed this one too!  Simple rhymes and fun illustrations will teach your children how to quickly memorize the names and locations of all the states. 

Again, it's  been several weeks since we received and read this book.  Just this morning, Gracie was telling my mom about "the little man in the map" and introducing her to him on the atlas.  As a homeschool mom, I love things like this - things that make my job simpler and my kids' learning more fun.

And, last but certainly not least......I'm sure you all know my friend Splish!  He is our Summer Reading Splash mascot and has become quite a popular guy!  So much so that Gena Suarez, my boss and TOS publisher, has written a book about him.  You all know how much Splish loves to read, and how he enjoys sharing books with all his friends.  But, did you know that the journey to reading was not an easy one for little Splish?  If you've got a new or struggling reader, they will so appreciate this heartwarming tale of young Splish, the frog they've already come to know and love - they'll be able to identify with him and will be encouraged to keep plugging along because, as Mama Frog says "It takes time to learn to read!"

The coolest thing about this book is that, if you go over to the Schoolhouse Store and order your copy, you will get a free downloadable workbook to accompany the book, AND you can have your book autographed by the author!  How cool is that?!

Please take the time to follow the links and find out more about these  great resources.  I wish I had more time to go into further detail - but I just can't do them justice in one short post.  I'll shut up now, so you can shop! 

1 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

I have been keeping rather quiet about my position with the TOS Homeschool Crew, so far.  It has been a really exciting experience, though, and I can't keep quiet any longer!  I just got to thinking, with the Christmas holidays coming up so quickly, that I should share about some awesome products that the Crew has received to review - and I'd like to share my thoughts on them as well.  (Be watching my blog for upcoming posts about some curriculum products as well.)

If you have not already discovered the Crew's blog, you should really check it out.  I post a bit about each product on the blog, and then the Crew members all sign Mr. Linky's with direct links to their reviews.  So, if there's something you're particularly interested in, you can get a lot of opinions on it before decided whether or not it's worth your purchase.  The Crew has been doing an awesome job, and I'm so proud of them. 

One of the first things i'd like to tell you about is a company called One 2 Believe.  They create some great toys for kids - all encouraging Biblical character traits and learning more about Jesus.  The Crew all received their Nativity Set for review.  You can read their thoughts here.  One thing that I have learned is that there is a reason why magazines such as Parents and Family Fun get children to test their toys - what I might think of something just by seeing the box is going to be a very different opinion than what my kids think when they open that same  box and start to play. 

Ian was thrilled when we took all the pieces of this nativity set out of the box.  I allowed him to play with it for awhile, and then we put it away for a few weeks.  We just got it out when we set up our Christmas tree - I have provided a table in the living room JUST for this set and the kids love walking over to it and rearranging the little characters.  Ian is very conscious about the baby Jesus, and making sure that he's tucked away in his "little bed".  So cute!

Some of the other Crew members had issues with various things about this set - such as the fact that it is made of pvc, or maybe they don't agree with likenesses of Jesus - none of those things really bother me and the nativity set has  been a fun way to share the Christmas story with my 2 year old - something he can actually touch and feel.

The Schoolhouse Store carries several of the One 2 Believe products (these include the Messenger of Faith and Proverbs 31 dolls).  Check them out - shipping is ALWAYS FREE at the Schoolhouse Store, so it's the  best place to shop (especially if you're a cheapskate like me!)

Another company that carries some great Biblical-based toys for children is Alphabet Alley.  Their byline is "smart fun for little souls".  Ian is a little soul, so he was great to test these toys.  The Crew received both the Noah's Ark Go Fish Game and the Two by Two Matching Game.  These are some high-quality games!  I was very impressed with them when I first opened the box - and we have become even more so as we have actually been playing with these things. 

The Noah's Ark Go Fish card game is made of high-quality playing cards that are large enough for little hands to hold.  These cards don't feel like any other cards I have ever seen - they are coated with a plastic coating that makes them seem to be waterproof and easy to wipe off if something were spilled on them.  Go Fish is a game that many children already know how to play, but there is so much more you can do with these cards.  My kids love looking at them and organizing them into pairs, etc.  The characters on the cards are "cartoonish" in appearance, so they're fun for little ones to look at.  They are also a great conversation starter or a way to supplement the telling of the Noah's Ark story.

The Two by Two Matching Game is much the same.  There are so many matching games available on the market today. We've had some of them in the past.  This particular matching game is so much cuter and of better quality than the ones you buy at the store.  The cards are much thicker (probably about twice as thick) - making them extremely easy for toddlers to handle.  Ian absolutely adores this game and is always looking for someone to challenge him at a game!

We also received the In the Beginning Magnet Set, which is a two-sided magnetic board and accompanying magnets to help tell the Creation story.  It's adorable.  I must admit I've been putting off opening this one, as I'm contemplating possibly giving it away for Christmas.  These toys would all make wonderful gifts, especially for those unchurched people on your Christmas list. 

Again, you can find many Alphabet Alley products for sale at the Schoolhouse Store - check them out!

Need more toy ideas?  Another great company that the Crew has been working with is ee publishing & productions.  I received two book & doll sets from this company. The books are part of a series of Nana Star books that ee publishing & productions are coming out with.

The first is simply entitled Nana Star and is about a little girl who finds a little lost star and sets out to help him find his way back to the heavens.  A nice addition to this story is the plush Nana Star doll.  This company thought of everything - including a removeable star, branch, and even Nana Star's handkerchief!

The second book in the series is called Nana Star and the Moonman.  In this  book, the Moonman helps Nana Star as she tries to get the little star back home.  The Moonman doll is adorable and so soft!  What makes him extra special is the fact that his head lights up and, when the star on his belly is pressed, he plays a soothing lullaby. 

I enjoyed reading these nice hardback books with the kids.  If it weren't for Ian, though, I might not be so impressed with the plush dolls.  Ian took a shine to the Moonman and hasn't allowed him to be out of his sight since we received the package last week!  He wakes up in the middle night and the first words out of his mouth are "Moonman is?"  Around our house, Moonman has become a member of the family.

If you're looking for something for one of those hard-to-buy-for children in your life, you might consider a book and plush doll.  These items can be purchased through the company's website.

I'm on a roll now.......
I'll share more soon.

0 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link