Blog Archives - Page 21 of 25

October 11, 2018 by Makenna Sievertson

PLAZA DE LA FAMILIA AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Plaza de la Familia, a limited-time festivity at Paradise Gardens, celebrates Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family. Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia will enjoy an immersive celebration that includes live entertainment with storytelling, folklórico dancers and mariachi musicians, delicious Mexican fare and interactive experiences such as the new craft where guests make colorful masks like the ones seen in the “Coco” film. This celebration runs from Sept. 7 through Nov. 4, 2018 at Disney California Adventure Park. (Joshua Sudock/ Disneyland)

If you’re looking for another excuse to take your kids back to Disneyland and California Adventure, you’re in luck. Disney has unveiled its newest fall attraction, Plaza de la Familia, a Día de los Muertos and “Coco” inspired celebration.

From September 7 through November 4, guests at both parks can enjoy festivities centered around the eternal bond of family. Enter the immersive world and enjoy traditional food offerings like Día de los Muertos Pan de Muerto, dance along with the mariachi band, and learn folklórico. You may catch yourself singing along to “Remember Me,” as you follow Miguel’s journey back to the Land of the Dead in A Musical Celebration of Coco.

You can also take a peek behind the scenes of the making of the film in the enchanting art exhibition, The World of Coco. Look through the eyes of an animator and rediscover your favorite characters by learning about the people and places that inspired Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award-winning film. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the “Árbol de la Vida,” or Tree of Life before you leave.

Can’t get enough “Coco?” Keep your eyes peeled in Cars Land and see if you can find Ramone’s “ofrenda” tribute to Doc Hudson. In Frontierland, try to count how many “cavaleras,” or sugar skulls, you can find.

For more information about Plaza de la Familia or any other Disney attractions, visit their website.

October 10, 2018 by Liorah Goldsmith

Halloween is almost here! With so many creepy recipes that are easy and fun to make, Halloween is the perfect time of year to get creative in the kitchen. Everyone will be goblin up these delicious dishes. Bone appetit!

Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies are a universal favorite. When combined with a decadent cream cheese mixture and turned orange for Halloween, you really can’t go wrong. Ooey, gooey, spooky and delicious.

Recipe Here

Creepy Witch Finger Cookies

These creepy witch fingers are tastier than they look, so be sure to conjure them up for your next Halloween party.

Recipe Here

Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats

These rice krispie treats are gourd-geous desserts that taste just as delicious as they look. Great for kids and adults.

Recipe Here

Halloween Mummy Dogs

A delicious savory snack, these Halloween mummy dogs could not be easier to make. Cute and delicious, this party snack will give your kids a delectable treat to die for.

Recipe Here

Easy Mini Donut Spiders

Fun, yummy, and a great kid-friendly activity, these mini spider donuts will be a big hit at your next Halloween party. Have all the kids join in to create their own creepy dessert so they don’t have to bug you to make more!

Recipe Here

Frozen Boo-Nana Pops

The words chocolate and banana go together like peas in a pod. When turned into ghostly Halloween treats, this classic combo makes for a healthier Halloween dessert to die for.

Recipe Here

Deliciously Rotten Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs may look rotten, but one bite of this impressive dish will take you straight to heaven.

Recipe Here

5-Ingredient Halloween Oreo Truffles

More of a treat than a trick, these truffles will wow your guests and your taste buds. Shapes ranging from bats to monsters, this recipe offers so many ways to make your favorite creepy creature a die-lectable party snack.

Recipe Here

October 1, 2018 by

Young inventors take note! Registration is now open for ChiTAG’s 12th Annual Young Inventor Challenge (YIC). The annual competition provides an opportunity for children ages six to 18 to present original toy and game inventions to industry professionals, the media, and consumers. The deadline for online submissions is October 31, 2018.

Hosted by the Chicago Toy & Game Group, the goal of the Young Inventors Challenge is to inspire creativity and innovation and to provide mentorship to students in the process. All entrants will receive scores and written feedback from seasoned product development, acquisition, innovation and marketing professionals following the event. Prizes total $10,000 in scholarships plus the possibility of having a submitted idea developed and distributed in partnership with leading brands. Past winners and finalists have gone on to enter licensing and distribution details with brands including Pressman, PlayMonster and Target.

To enter, hopefuls are required to provide a brief toy or game project description, prototype, photos and a pitch video. Judging is split into two categories, Junior (ages 6-10) and Senior (ages 11-18). One Junior and one Senior Winner will be selected in each of the following categories:

Most Creative Concept – Sponsored by PlayMonster
Best Ride-On or Wheeled Concept – Sponsored by Razor
Best Game Concept – Sponsored by Spin Master
Best Playful Learning Concept – Sponsored by Lego
Most Marketable – Sponsored by Pressman and Target
Best Presentation – Sponsored by The Genius of Play™, an initiative by The Toy Association

Winners will be announced, and prizes awarded at 2:30pm on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at ChiTAG Toy & Game Fair in Chicago at Navy Pier following online and in-person judging. Thanks to the addition of video participation in 2017, entrants need not attend ChiTAG to be eligible to win.

“The Young Inventors Challenge is an opportunity for kids to ignite their imagination and creativity,” said Alicia Alexander, director of the Young Inventor Challenge. “It also provides a very real chance to get a head-start in the toy and game industry, with some entries being developed and distributed by top toy and game manufacturers.”

The judges and mentors for the Young Inventors Challenge represent a collective of nearly 50 professionals who have volunteered their time to foster the next generation. The panel includesTony Serebriany, director of new product development & inventor relations at USAOPOLY, Erik Hansen, direction & invention officer LEGO System A/S, and Nick Metzler, a former YIC winner now working for Spin Master.

To learn more and register for the Young Inventor Challenge visit www.chitag.com/yic. For more information about ChiTAG Week November 17-18, 2018, visit www.chitag.com or follow @ChiTAGWeek on social media.

October 1, 2018 by

Surprises are so much fun! And we have the newest collectables that your kids will love!

Disney Doorables

Behind every door, a surprise is in store. The Disney Doorables Multi Peek pack includes 5, 6, or 7 favorite Disney characters — including Frozen, Monsters Inc., Tangled, Moana, and many more. $29.99 (mega set), ages 3+, https://www.disneydoorables.com/

Hairdorables

These new surprise dolls combine fun, fashion and colorful hair. Every package is a surprise – pull, peel, and reveal 11 accessories that unwrap the unique style of the of the Hairdorables girl hidden inside. $12.99, ages 3+, justplayproducts.com/

Pikmi Pops

Super soft and fluffy, it includes a jumbo reversible plush and 1-2 medium exclusive reversible scented plush. The Super Flip also comes with 8 different fun surprises like badges, gel pens, stickers, charms and more. $44.99, ages 4+, https://www.moosetoys.com/

Treasure X

Combines classic “you dig it” play with the trends of collectable action figures and “extreme” unboxing. With 10 levels of discovery. Pack includes a treasure map, X-Marks coin, X-Cavator digging tool, a buildable figure embedded in “stone,” and a treasure chest. $9.99, ages 5+, https://www.moosetoys.com/

Smooshy Mushy Babies

A magic baby bottle with a disappearing reveal. Pop the top to find out who the stork brought you. Tons to collect. $14.99; ages 5+, http://smooshymushy.us

Boxy Girls

Four fashion dolls to collect – Willa, Brooklyn, Nomi and Riley, each of which come with four online shipping boxes full of fashion surprises just waiting to be unboxed. $14.99, ages 6+, http://boxygirls.com/

Hatchimals CollEGGtibles

With the all new Hatch Friends Forever! You will hatch and discover Best Friends – two characters from separate eggs, who come together to form special poses. Piggybacks, whispering secrets, Hatch-fives and more. For the first time, you can also hatch twins – two Hatchimals from one egg. $2.99-19.99, ages 5-8, Hatchimals CollEGGtibles

#PlayLearnConnect #NAPPAAwards #Win

October 1, 2018 by Makenna Sievertson

Manchester, Vermont

Photo credit: manchestervermont.com

Best time to visit: mid September – mid October

Vermont is a fall foliage must-see thanks to their state tree, the sugar maple. Manchester, located near the border of New York and Massachusetts, is surrounded by brilliant shades of red and orange that stretch as far as the eye can see. Don’t forget a camera as you explore Hildene-The Lincoln Family Home, teach your kids how to pick apples at Mad Tom Orchard, or take a ride up the Skyline Drive for breathtaking views of three states. Manchester’s quaint, family-friendly New England atmosphere will give you plenty of opportunities for good food, quality time, and adventure.

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina / Tennessee

Photo credit: Romantic Asheville

Best time to visit: mid October – early November

The Great Smoky Mountains is home to over 100 native species of trees, making it one of the most colorful and popular fall destinations. Scarlet oaks, hickories, and sweetgum trees create a distinct variation of purples, reds, and golds that is sure to make your family photos the envy of your PTA group. There’s no lodging allowed inside the park, but surrounding towns like Asheville and Gatlinburg cater to the seasonal crowds. For a truly once in a lifetime view, trek up to the top of Gatlinburg’s 407 ft Space Needle for a 360 degree view of the mountain range.

Lake Superior, Minnesota

Photo Credit: North Shore Scenic Railroad Archives

Best time to visit: late September – early October

Fall is a special time for Lake Superior, with the distinct maple, aspen, and birch trees coming together to form a charming red-yellow rainbow. For the best view, hike inland along the lake, take the North Shore Scenic Drive towards Canada, or relax on the North Shore Scenic Railroad (they even have a Music and Pizza Train to keep younger passengers entertained). After a weekend of fishing or tubing along the lake, stop by the Duluth Children’s Museum for an interactive family-friendly break from the outdoors.

Garner State Park, Texas

Photo credit: Bobby Gian

Best time to visit: October

With over 95 state parks, there is steep competition for fall foliage in the Lone Star State, but Garner State Park takes the cake. The cool Frio River highlights the yellows and oranges of the oak, mesquite, and cypress trees and the reflection on the water makes for a picturesque scene. With over 1,700 acres of protected land and 11 miles of hikeable trails, Garner State Park has something for every kind of explorer. After a long day out on the water, unwind with late night mini-golf, specialty gelato, or an all-ages dance to celebrate the beginning of fall.

Grand Lake, Colorado

Photo credit: Carol Silk, Historic Rapids Lodge and Restaurant, Grand Lake, Colorado

Best time to visit: September

Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, is surrounded by the distinct aspens of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The plentiful forests typically transition through golden-yellow shades, but if you’re lucky you can catch a rare red aspen dotted amongst the forest. When the trees change, the wildlife come out to play, and Grand Lake is a prime spot to see the majestic elk rut. Visit during the third week of September to take part in the 7th annual Constitution Week, a five-day food and fun festival to celebrate fall.

Bishop Creek Canyon, California

Photo credit: Doug Golupski

Best time to visit: late September – early October

Bishop Creek Canyon, famous for their abundant cottonwood and aspen trees, is one of the best places on the West Coast to witness mother nature’s changing hues. Golden and red shades set the valleys ablaze and the mild California climate helps you maximize your time outdoors. Enjoy a horseback ride through the trails, take a dip in one of the many rivers or streams, or hike through the Eastern Sierras for an adventure packed family-friendly weekend. For some live entertainment at the peak of fall colors check out the Millpond Music Festival or Annual Pow Wow.

September 17, 2018 by

We have some great new NAPPA winners that are all about enhancing your child’s creativity. #PlayLearnConnect

Etch A Sketch Classic

For more than 50 years, children and adults alike have been discovering the magical world of creativity and pencil-free drawing with classic Etch A Sketch. The iconic frame, easy-to-use knobs, classic magic screen and shake-to-erase feature — not to mention the endless hours of fun it provides — have made it popular all around the world! Sketch, erase, and sketch again with Etch A Sketch.
$14.99; ages 3+; http://etchasketch.com/

Sharingland Cardboard Playhouses

We’ve all seen it happen. We buy a gift for our kids, wrap it perfectly and as soon as our kids unwrap the gift, it’s the box they love the most. To capture preschoolers’ great sense of imagination, Sharingland has come up with clever idea–pop-up playhouses made from cardboard. All five of Sharingland’s cardboard playhouse models are sturdy and unique in design. And they all come ready-to-play. Select from Grand Palace, The Epic Castle, Space Odyssey, Ancestral Teepee or Windmill Farm. Made of 80% recycled and 100% recyclable materials. Great for promoting creativity and imagination.
$99; Ages 3+: http://sharingland.com/

JigglyDoos™ Party House Playset

Meet the JigglyDoos™, cute little animal friends that live in a whimsical world where everything wiggles. They love to jiggle, wiggle and roll. JigglyDoos™ are soft, squishy, and jiggly and come in so many adorable colors and shapes and they are having a party at the ultimate party house. Includes bouncing dance floor and music. At the push of a button, kids can hear music and see the JigglyDoos dance and bounce around. Additionally, kids can launch the JigglyDoos off the diving board onto the bouncing dance floor, ride up and down the spiral elevator, hang out on the swinging chair, or even end the party by hitting the piñata for some fun treats . Playset includes one exclusive JigglyDoo friend. Promotes creative play & imagination.
$19.99; For Ages: 4+; http://www.jakks.com/

Tiny Toes

Tiny Toes are teenie, tiny interactive dolls that come to life in the palm of your hand! Each doll has seven highly responsive sensors that react to touch, motion or light. Each doll blows kisses, plays peek-a-boo, burps and more, all while sitting in the palm of your hand! Kids can collect all three Tiny Toes dolls in the Animal Love assortment including Giggling Gabby, Ticklish Tess and Laughing Luna. So cute…so tiny….Tiny Toes!
$14.99 each: For Ages: 4+; https://playmatestoys.com/

Crayola Ultimate Light Board

With the Crayola Ultimate Light Board, kids can use light and dark to show off their creativity in a big, bold way. Kids can use vibrant Mini Gel Fx Markers directly on the light board surface and watch their designs shine. Turning off the lights, kids can elevate their designs using the bright LED lights in the board’s frame to see their artwork glow. Removing the back panel allows for easy tracing directly on the surface and the screen wipes clean for unlimited creativity.
$24.99; For Ages: 6+; http://shop.crayola.com/toys-and-activities/toys/ultimate-light-board-

Get creative with #NAPPAAwards #PlayLearnConnect

September 17, 2018 by Liorah Goldsmith

Now that we’re back in the fall work/school routine, having a warm meal to come home to sounds so good. But, finding the time to make it happen — that’s the challenge. As parents, we know how important mealtime can be, so we’ve collected some good recipes that bring succulent fall flavors to your dinner table in under 45 minutes. Take a break from takeout with these comforting and healthy weeknight dinners, and your whole family will be asking to eat at home every night of the week.

Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup

Taking only forty-five minutes from start to finish, this flavorful soup is sure to wow your whole family. Filled with squash, chickpeas, and white beans, this soup is fiber-rich and packed with nutrients. After a long day at work or school, you will love to cozy up with this warm bowl of Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup.

Recipe Here

Greek Turkey Burgers

Burgers are a staple American comfort food, and these Greek Turkey Burgers give them a healthy and savory twist that your kids will love. Simple to prepare, and with veggies hidden inside, you can feel good about making this delectable treat a part of your weeknight dinner routine.

Recipe Here

Pea Pesto Pasta

This pesto recipe offers a delicious way to incorporate nutrient-rich peas to a deliciously indulgent pesto sauce. Quick, delicious, and nutritious, this comforting pesto recipe will have your whole family feeling good about eating their vegetable.

Recipe Here

Honey Glazed Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs

Everything is more fun to eat on a skewer, so your kids will love this easy-to-eat dish with the nutritional boost of sweet potatoes. The best part? This recipe only takes thirty-five minutes to make! Switch things up with this delectable chicken dish and your whole family will be begging for more.

Recipe Here

Easy Beef and Broccoli

Cheaper, easier, and healthier than takeout, this beef and broccoli recipe makes for a tasty and satisfying dinner. Beef and broccoli complement each other perfectly in this saucy recipe, so your children won’t even complain about eating their veggies. Taking only fifteen minutes to make, you’ll wonder why you don’t make this for your family every night of the week.

Recipe Here

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Traditional Mexican flavors make their way into a bowl of veggie-packed goodness with this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Simply throw everything in a slow cooker before work, and you’ll come home to a delicious meal that will please the taste buds of your whole family.

Recipe Here

Cheesy Quinoa

As one of the healthiest grains on the market, quinoa is a great substitute for normal refined grains. Transforming this grain into something kid-friendly is not always an easy task, but this cheesy quinoa recipe will bring out the kid in all of us. Turning this protein-rich grain into a cheesy treat only takes twenty-five minutes and a few simple ingredients.

Recipe Here

Italian Baked Spaghetti Squash

For many of us, spaghetti is on the list of our favorite foods, but squash most likely isn’t. Combining the two into something incredibly kid-friendly, healthy, and easy is something us parents can only dream of. This Italian Baked Spaghetti Squash is perfect for your family’s pasta cravings, but with less refined carbs and more nutrition, everyone will be satisfied with this simple weeknight dinner.

Recipe Here

20 Minute Healthy Chicken Parmesan

This chicken parmesan is a classic Italian dish made healthy by sitting on a bed of deliciously nutritious zucchini noodles. Making vegetables fun to eat while also serving up a crispy comforting chicken dish is a win-win. This recipe is also perfect for weeknights as it only takes twenty minutes to make.

Recipe Here

Acorn Squash Quesadillas

Quesadillas are perfect fuss-free foods that are only made better when stuffed with in-season acorn squash. You can customize these any way your family likes, as they are sure to be delicious. Simple fall flavors combine with melty cheese and a warm tortilla to create an unforgettable meal for the whole family.

Recipe Here

September 17, 2018 by Makenna Sievertson

The Napa Valley is well known for its sprawling wineries and luxurious adult getaways, but the region is also home to several opportunities for family-friendly adventure. Located about an hour north of the San Francisco Bay area, visitors of all ages can enjoy the famous California climate while exploring the protected natural landscapes, various restaurants, or a relaxing spa day in the mineral pools.

Outdoor Attractions

Calistoga’s Old Faithful Geyser is a definite family favorite and is one of only three “faithful” geysers in the world. Even the most restless kids will be entertained with a 350 degree spout of water erupting every half hour. The sprays of mist form spectacular rainbows, creating the perfect photo opportunity with a serene Napa landscape. While waiting for the eruption, families can stop by the Old Faithful Animal Farm, a petting zoo featuring Tennessee Fainting Goats, Jacob’s four-horn sheep, and Guard llamas.

For a little natural history lesson you can drive five minutes up the road to the Petrified Forest. Take a walk through the worlds largest petrified redwood trees that were turned to stone 3.4 million years ago by a massive volcanic explosion. The redwood trees, now extinct, have become fossils and are decorated with sparkly mineral quartz that are sure to catch your eye.

Food and Drink

Couple Tasting at The Calistoga Inn and Brewery, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California

Foodies on Foot is a pet and family accessible culinary walking tour highlighting several restaurants in Historic Downtown Napa. The 3-hour tour features 5-7 different eateries with picky eater friendly dishes like pizza and ice cream. Kids under six eat free, those between 6-12 are half price ($35), and the ticket price is $70 for everyone in between.

Many parents would be weary of bringing their children along for a wine tasting, but Castello di Amorosa has more than enough activities to keep your little knights and princesses occupied. The idyllic reproduction of a 13^th century Italian castle is near exact, with a moat, dungeon, and suits of armor available to explore. Peacocks, emus, and sheep roam the grounds and can keep the younger ones occupied while parents enjoy an authentic Tuscan wine or cheese tasting.

For something more hands on, The Culinary Institute of America at Copia offers Family Funday every Sunday for all ages and experience levels. Bring the whole family for an hour-long cooking demonstration that teaches both adults and children useful cooking tricks and kitchen skills. The courses always end with a taste of that day’s dish, so your family can learn and enjoy some culinary secrets from some of the best chefs in California.

Arts and Culture

The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is centered around the charming Winery Lake and features several educational programs and exhibitions for all ages. Two galleries and a walkable Sculpture Meadow highlight contemporary Bay Area artists on the sprawling 217 acres in Napa’s Carneros region. Admission is free for children 17 and under and the museum offers additional discounts for seniors, military, educators, and students.

Family Lodging

Carneros Inn Resort, Napa Valley, California

Silverado Resort and Spa ($) offers one or two bedroom suites with a full kitchen, private patio, and Wi-Fi access. While parents are enjoying a day at the spa or picking up treats at the Silverado Market and Bakery, children ages 6-12 can participate in a supervised eight-week Golf, Tennis, and Swim Camp (GTS).

At the Indian Springs Calistoga Resort ($$) you can choose between a room, cottage, bungalow, or full house for your visit. It is home to two swimming pools, including a temperature regulated Olympic sized mineral pool. The casual atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing getaway, and the amenities include several outdoor games and complimentary bikes to explore the town.

The Carneros Resort and Spa ($$$) offers several cottages with ample space for the whole family. The resort has three restaurants on-site, two pools, fitness classes, and a selection of dog-friendly amenities for your furry friend. Carneros also hosts Kids’ Night, June through September, with board games, ping-pong, and a kid-friendly movie.

August 30, 2018 by

We have some new winners that are perfect for Back-to-School time!

Snoozie Mat

This easy-to-pack sleeping bag is ideal for school naps, sleepovers, and blanket forts. The Snoozie-Mat is machine washable and folds into backpack. You can take the Snoozie-Mat anywhere you want by simply rolling it up and carrying it on your back.
$38.95
Ages: 2 to 6 years

Norton Core

A security focused WiFi router that also looks stylish in your home. The device not only protects your home network from malware, viruses, hackers, and cybercriminals, but also includes both network- and device-level (smartphones and tablets) Smart Parental Controls. These features allow parents to control what kids see and do across all their connected devices. The App is easy to use and can control your whole network. Parents can:

Set age appropriate content filters
Block unwanted websites
Manage screen time with daily limits
Pause the Internet – for an individual device or the entire household

$149.00
For Ages: parents with children under 15

Car Caché®

Great for the family car. It’s designed to hold your handbag so that it is accessible, upright, clean, and out of passengers’ way.
$19.99
Ages: All drivers

Our American Presidents – Their Lives and Legacies

Gives readers a concise look into all 44 Presidents of the United States. The book is easy to read and includes a listing of cabinet members from each presidency. Kids and parents will enjoy learning little known facts, the truth about many “presidential myths” and getting a glimpse into the presidents’ personal lives.
$29.95
Ages: For the entire family

Elena Epstein is a mom of two and the director of NAPPA Awards, the longest running and most respected awards program in the industry, celebrating the best in family products for 28 years. For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com. #PlayLearnConnect

August 30, 2018 by

We have some great tunes for your whole family. Check out these great NAPPA Winners!

Howdy Do! Songs of the Urban Cowpoke

Hailing from the wilds of New York City, Hopalong Andrew populates Howdy Do! mostly with witty Western-style parody updates of old standards. He cleverly turns the old Gene Autry classic “Back In The Saddle Again” into “Back In The City Again,” and “Jingle Jangle Jingle” into “Ice Cream Dude,” for example. Most impressive is his nimble-tongued name-checking of NYC neighborhoods on “I’ve Been Everywhere In New York City (based on Johnny Cash hit “I’ve Been Everywhere”). See if you replicate his rapid-fire recitations! While Hopalong Andrew’s twangy tunes may be parodies they never cross the line into being camp hokum. Written with affection and a fun-loving spirit, his “urban cowpoke” music provides a great soundtrack for barn dances and cattle drives – or backyard parties and car rides.
$12
Ages: For the entire family

Songs for Sisters and Brothers

The songs on Songs For Sisters And Brothers are certainly for sisters and brothers, but they will entertain mothers and fathers too. Vered not only has composed a wonderful set of songs that explore various aspects of childhood and parenthood, but she has done so in an inspired variety of ways. She uses an African-style melody on the stand-out song “Little Bit Tough,” and veers into doo-wop on another highlight, “Library of the World.” Notable numbers too are “One Family,” with its “we are all brothers and sisters” message,” and “It’ll Be,” a charming duet with Walter Martin where they imagine growing old together. And parents, you will not want to miss the funny confessional “PR Agent” that closes this fantastic family album.
$10.99
Ages: entire family

Snorkel by Randy & Dave

Randy Sharp & Dave Kinnoin have established themselves as one of family music’s top duos on their first two collaborations. On album three they continue their high standards, filling Snorkel with a dozen great tunes. They are particularly expert on constructing wildly hilarious story-songs, and numbers like “Everybody’s Ignorant,” “Mr. Berschmicker,” “Oh, Wait, That Wasn’t Me,” and the title track will draw big laughs from listeners of all ages. Randy & Dave also excel here on their “maybe-not-as-zany” tunes, where they serenade you about curly cat, a berserk squirrel, a cute little dog, and the joys of having “absolutely nowhere to go.” Snorkel is a superb CD whether you have somewhere to go or not.
$14.98
Ages: 4-8 years

We Are One by Animal Farm

On We Are One, Animal Farm has assembled a marvelous menagerie of songs about animals – which probably isn’t a surprise considering the band’s name. These songs, however, aren’t your typical little ditties about lions, tigers, and snakes. There are imaginative tunes about an awesome possum and a two-headed tortoise. “Snow Bird” actually is about a penguin who longs to fly, while “Nocturnal Me” concerns a bat with a fear of the dark. Then, there’s the delightful “Ear Worm,” a funny, hummable number about getting a song stuck in your head. We Are One, in fact, is stocked with many songs that will stick in your head.
$15
For Ages: For the entire family

Move, Move, Move

Little ones will be shouting “more, more, more!” after listening to Move, Move, Move. As the CD’s title suggests, Vincent Nunes creates very active music. On his upbeat album, he sings about dancing, bouncing, walking a tight rope, moving his feet, playing guitar, and (on the “bonus track”) banging on the drums. While these tunes certainly add up to a highly enjoyable, energetic album, two other tunes are particularly worth noting: the clever alphabet song “ABC Jones” and the delightfully kooky “Fly Like A Dog.”
$15
Ages: 2-6 years

Shoebox Town by Tracy Newman

What will you find in Shoebox Town? There will be a “little bitty fish (in a) little bitty pond,” a “zilli billionaire,” and “a sticky little lollipop (and ) a little kitten curled up in daddy’s shoes.” It also has old-fashioned amusements like a “magic penny” and a merry carousel down by a pier. Tracy Newman’s follow-up to her equally excellent I Can Swing Forever reveals her gift for writing songs filled with a kid-like sense of wonder and whimsy that are dusted lightly with some gentle messages too. On the title track, for example, she lovingly sings about making her “Shoebox Town,” complete with a cereal bowl pool, while also portraying the brother as being helpful (and not destructive) to his sister’s creation. Newman makes Shoebox Town a great place to visit.

$14.99

For Ages: 0-7 years

On The Road with The Music Class

The Music Class receives high marks for their new album. Guided by Rob Sayer, the large ensemble of singers and instrumentalists takes listeners on an entertaining musical road-trip. The songs touch on some familiar kids music topics – animals, vehicles, counting – but the Music Class presents them in an impressive variety of songs and styles. Mixing originals and traditionals, the CD’s 20 tracks hold touches of African and Spanish music as well as jazzy and folky numbers. The enthusiastic performances and spirited songs make On The Road quite a fun ride.”
$9.99
Ages: 1 to 5

La Luna by 123 Andres

This is a truly lovely collection of lullabies from Latin Grammy winner Andrés Salguero and his wife Christina Sanabria. The songs basically are all sung in Spanish; however, the music has a soothing, gentle quality that is perfect for quiet times whether you know Spanish or not. They also welcome a number of guest musicians from around the Latin American world: Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico, to name a few. While it would have been nice if the lyrics and translations were included in the CD package, they are available on the artists’ website.”
$15
Ages: 0 to 5

Enjoy the music! #PlayLearnConnect with #NAPPAAwards!Elena Epstein is a mom of two and the director of NAPPA Awards, the longest running and most respected awards program in the industry, celebrating the best in family products for 28 years. For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com.