by Andrea Beaty; Amulet Books/Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2008; $15.95; www.hnabooks.com. Lily hasn’t spoken since her brother died, but she keeps busy reading every Nancy Drew book in the library. Then, Lily has the chance to solve a mystery and make a friend in this poignant story with memorable characters.

Cahootie My Fab Future, Cahootie, LLC, $5.99; www.cahootie.com; ages 7 and up.

 

Next in the evolution of the time-tested, classic folded paper fortune-telling game, this Cahootie is constructed of thick, glossy tear-resistant paper and includes 40 reusable sticker fortunes to keep the game ever-changing. Through a series of steps, children choose words and numbers that eventually lead to lifting the flap to reveal their fortune. Each Cahootie centers around a specific theme, and “My Fab Future” deals with future careers, vacations, homestead and family. The company’s Web site expands play by providing directions to create your own paper Cahootie, as well as a sticker template to personalize the game with your own fortunes and fun. The Cahootie concept banks on emotional anticipation and reactions, which make a lasting impression on ’tweens everywhere. 

Best Bang for the Buck Winner!  

$59.99; www.sakar.com; for ages 5 and up. This child-size camcorder doesn’t require advanced technical know-how. Using natural light, children can record video or take still photos with the push of a button and then view it on the fold-out screen. They can play video back on the built-in screen, on a TV or a computer monitor. All viewing options are extremely easy to use. An SD memory card is needed (sold separately). The camcorder also comes with software for adding special effects, music and borders. The quality is surprisingly good and it’s a great value for the price.

Best Bang for the Buck Winner! 

$19.99; www.gamewright.com; for ages 8 and up. You’re Captain Clueless, so teammates tell you which way to go as you navigate the map of the Caribbean while blindfolded. Try not to run into islands and mermaids with your dry-erase marker. A fresh new game format for silly fun.

Crayola® Color Explosion Glow Dome, Crayola LLC, $24.99; www.crayolastore.com; ages 6 and up.

 

Travel through a new dimension in art! This motorized dome is a clear plastic “canvas” upon which to draw your own masterpieces. Six markers (included) can be used on both the inside and outside of the dome, as well as on the flat, stand up insert. This insert gives adds depth and dimension to the artwork. Once the drawing is complete, turn out the lights and bring your masterpiece to life. Different light modes in the base can highlight the outside drawing, the insert drawing or a combination of both. The artwork can be viewed stationary or it can be spun at different degrees of speed to  animate scenes of fish swimming around an ocean or dogs running in a park.

 

Once lit, the “wow” neon color stands out to express your child’s creativity. Youngsters can draw their own picture or choose one from their favorite book or coloring page to trace through the clear surface. Adults can put a bedtime message on the dome for a unique nightlight. The dome wipes clean for ongoing play.   

Color Me House ($39.95),
Color Me Rocket ($49.95),
Color Me House, Inc.; www.colormehouse.com; ages 3 and up.

 

Crayons are acceptable on these walls! Color Me House is a white cardboard house that assembles easily and securely, in simple slot and tab fashion. The room is 27.5” x 35” and the peaked roof is 48” at its tallest point, giving plenty of room for play inside. Children can decorate the scored door and peek out the windows that open and close in the same manner. Several die-cut shapes sprinkle the house with flair that can be embellished with a child’s creative touch. Once built, the house is a great fort or hideout, but when the real house needs to be tidied, it can be folded flat for storage. Color Me Rocket has the same durable construction and play value, both deserving the NAPPA award.
 

Crayola Art Studio, Core Learning Inc., 2008; $24.95; www.core-learning.com; ages 6 to 8.

 

Requires: Windows 98, 2000, XP or Vista. This powerful creativity application for the PC invites kids to learn to create, edit and transform digital images with fun-to-use digital tools, such as Crayola Pencils, Paints, Markers and Crayons. The easy-to-learn interface provides a perfect introduction to the standard layout of tools, features and functions found across computer applications that kids will encounter as they grow older. “Begin to Draw” is ideal for young digital artists.
 

Mindamics, $29.95; www.mindamics.com; for ages 10 and up. Increase quality father-daughter time by dining out together once a month and bringing along one of the game’s 26 card sets. Answer personal questions – and give your reasons – to promote conversation, provide insight and improve connection.

Best Bang for the Buck Winner!   

Disney Internet Group, 2005; $5.95/month for unlimited subscription; www.clubpenguin.com; for ages 6 to 10. Requires: Web browser and Flash. If you’ve got kids in the house, you know all about Club Penguin. This wildly popular virtual world sets the gold standard for fun, casual online games for kids. They can create their own penguin, play with friends and explore different roles in the community through secret agent and tour guide activities.

Creature ABC, by Andrew Zuckerman; Chronicle Books, 2009; $19.99; www.chroniclebooks.com. 

Beautiful bold photos and an ultra-simple design streamline this deluxe ABC book to match a baby’s attention span. Each letter of the alphabet gets its own two-page spread, and sometimes more – from alligator, bear, and cobra to oryx, yellow canary, and zebra. A glossary provides more information that older kids will find satisfying, but it’s also perfect for sharing with the baby perched on your lap.