Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Newborn: The Complete Guide (Medically Updated), By Penny Simkin, PT, Janet Whalley, RN, BSN, Ann Keppler, RN, MN, Janelle Durham, MSW, ICCE, LCCE, and April Bolding, PT, DPT, CD, CCE; Meadowbrook Press, 2008 (Fifth Edition); $15; www.meadowbrookpress.com.

Transition to parenthood with ease by picking up this helpful book written by well-known and respected childbirth educators. Presented in a clear and concise format, this newly updated, must-have guide provides supportive, well-researched information that focuses both on the pregnant woman and her birth partner. Our testers loved this book’s positive, realistic and thorough approach to preparing new parents for their birth experience. It encourages questions, offers alternatives and empowers parents-to-be to make decisions based on accurate, balanced research and personal choice.

“This is the best gift for a newly pregnant couple! A very calming, reassuring and empowering book.”
– Childbirthing Judge

“I like that the authors often emphasized the need for open, frequent communication with care providers. This is particularly important when a mom has fears and concerns about any part of her pregnancy.”
– Maternity Judge
 

Best Bang for the Buck Winner!

 

Putumayo Kids, 2008; $14.98; www.putumayo.com; for all ages. This cultural kaleidoscope of soothing music from Africa is a fine introduction to a plethora of great African artists.

 

"This collection of music grows with children, and provides more than two hours of relaxed listening for everyone. And, it puts kids to sleep. Now that's priceless!" - judge comment

 

For more NAPPA-winning world music from Putumayo, check out: 

Pink! Rocknoceros, Rocknoceros, LLC, 2009; $15; www.rocknoceros.com; ages 2 to 6.

What do you get when you pair a kazoo with three guys from Virginia? Alternative rock from Rocknoceros, of course! Together with an educational underbelly, Pink! reminds listeners to tell their grandmothers how much they love them, describes how a train moves and the stations it stops at, teaches how to tell time, and more. Singing a capella with barbershop harmonies and imitating the sound of a train with drum brushes gives a glimpse into the imaginative style of this group.
 

Panorama: A Foldout Book, by Fani Marceau, illustrated by Joëlle Jolivet; Abrams, 2009; $19.95; www.abramsbooks.com.  

Unfold this gigantic book in one direction for lyrical text and bold pictures of animals in fascinating parts of the world. For example, a royal tiger from Bangladesh, India growls, “Come closer.” In Turkey, “Nothing moves except for a garden snail” and at the South Pole, the text says that “On this frozen ground, there are penguins by the thousand.” Turn the book over and flip the pages in the opposite direction to see what these same animals do at night – mostly sleeping: “Here, when the night is very dark, you can hear the sound of dreams and the beating of hearts.” This book is unique and memorable.
 

Scholastic, 2008; free; www.scholastic.com/parents/play; for families with kids ages 5 to 12. Requires: Web browser with Flash. The Parents Activity Center Web site offers family-oriented resources, games, activities and printables that encourage parents and kids to play and learn together. Scholastic favorites, such as Clifford, Maya and Miguel, Word Girl and I Spy!, make the site a great way to introduce and reinforce safe online usage.

Prophecy of the Sisters, written by Michelle Zink, read by Eliza Dushku, Hachette Audio, 2009; $29.98 (7 CDs); www.HachetteAudio.com.

 

Teenage girls will love this dark, Gothic story about twin sisters and an ancient prophecy, mysterious books, amulets, signs and danger lurking everywhere. The vivid characters, shadowy 19th-century setting, struggles of good versus evil, unexpected plot-twists and an apocalyptic mystery draw listeners into the intrigue. This page-turner is equally attention-grabbing in audio. 

Partout où les enfants chantent, Jack Grunsky, Casablanca Kids, Inc., 2009; $14.98; www.casablancakids.com; ages 3 to 9.

The title of this CD means “the children sing everywhere.” What more could you ask for? I know – a masterfully produced CD in French, sung by Jack Grunsky. The orchestration is guitar and percussion, with very pretty melodies that are both sweet and easygoing. Whether you speak French or not, this whimsical CD will elate and enamor children and grown-ups with its “feel good” sound.
 

 

Paperoni Deluxe Studio, Spin Master, $29.99; www.spinmaster.com; ages 6 and up.

 

Kids can create two- and three-dimensional art projects using Paperoni, small rolled up sticks of tissue paper. Included are 600 pieces of Paperoni and 32 long rods for making the three provided designs. The designs are self-adhesive for easy clean up during the art session. Children can create the included designs by matching the color on the design to the Paperoni, or use their own imagination to create an original design.

 

The Deluxe Studio includes a Paperoni cutter so that children can choose and place a large Paperoni sticks into the unit, press the extra large side handles down, and watch a small piece pop out like a prize from a vending machine! The internal structure cuts effortlessly and safely every time.  Settings allow children to specify the length they want to create multi-dimensional artwork. The Paperoni is small to hold and place, which helps children work on patience and intricate motor skills.  

$19.99; www.intplay.com; for newborns and up. This ultrasoft, stuffed plush bunny doubles as a puppet and encourages tactile and auditory exploration through crinkle ears, a squeaky tail, a rattle head and teether paws.

Philips AVENT DECT Monitor (SCD 520), Philips AVENT; $149.99; www.philips.com/AVENT.

This cordless monitor for babies and older family members guarantees clear sound and offers a talk-back feature so you can hear and respond soothingly to your child within a 1,000-foot range. It offers a secure, private connection with zero interference so that only you will hear your child! Testers also liked the sleek and modern design and the monitor’s small footprint. Parents can set and monitor room temperature from the portable parent unit’s digital display. The base monitor used in baby’s room has a nightlight feature and plays lullabies.

“I LOVE that you can talk back so if baby or child is crying, you can talk back and calm them when they hear your voice.”
– Tester Mom

“Crystal clear sound; no interference. Soothing songs and nightlight make it a great product!”
– Parent Tester

“Product has all the basic needs in an audio monitoring system with lots of extras. Great technology. This product is by far the best that I have seen.”
– Tech Judge
 

For another award winner from Philips AVENT, check out the 2007 NAPPA Gold winning Avent Isis iQ Duo Double Electronic Breast Pump.