Sat, 03 May 2008 03:49:11 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/ www.preschoolentertainment.com en-us http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/images/images/preschool.jpg http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/ maggieball@compulsivereader.com http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=821 Yes, there’s magic, but aside from a little mild-mannered tantruming, there’s nothing black about this film. There’s plenty of humour, and the overall theme is a positive one about being true to yourself, and giving into the magic of the inner child. Children will relate to the wise young character of Eric, who also has a few relationship difficulties of his own. Sat, 03 May 2008 03:49:11 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=820 Often gifted children, particularly those that are performing well at school, are given little attention and encouragement to reach their potential even if there are no complicating factors. It’s easy for a busy teacher to leave the gifted child to his or her own devices. When that giftedness is complicated by Aspergers and your child is all too happy to retreat into his or her own world rather than interact with other children, the effects of this neglect can be damaging. Yelling at an Aspergers child because he or she cannot tie shoelaces at age 12 or never stops singing odd ditties is counter productive and can only cause pain to everyone. Sat, 03 May 2008 03:47:43 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=819 The creator of the Mighty bUZZniks talks about his band, about the importance of exposing children to complex music, about the new CD The Great Space Circus, his favourite song and its origin, and lots more. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:27:41 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=818 Throughout the CD are lots of special effects, all created by the use of voice and musical instrument, without a canned sound or synthesiser to be seen. It’s the overall musicality that makes this CD such a delight. Violins meld with voices to create oceanic sounds, bluegrass banjos twang, voices work in harmony, drums and mandolins give way to Beatles style guitars, accordions trace the flight of a butterfly, and chimes ring through a space ride. Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:33:17 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=817 The book ends on a positive note which will appeal to parents who don’t want to stifle their child’s inner dragon, but who also know that the dinner table is no place for dragon antics. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:41:49 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=816 The book manages to provide both that sense of loss and found that any parent feels when their child goes off to explores the world, as well as the childlike excitement felt during that exploration. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:54:04 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=815 The music is also good for calming the mood or dealing with an overwrought child (too many easter eggs perhaps?). It’s subtle enough to put on in the background of your next dinner party (honestly!), and both child and adult friendly. You might even try it the next time you have an adult case of insomnia. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:23:51 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=814 All of the songs are primarily done in piano, and as all good ballet pieces should be, are delicate, pretty, and absolutely danceable. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a pas de deux with your child. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:40:52 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=813 Both of these books are made of thick cardboard, with vivid colours and a clean matt finish that won’t be wrecked by grubby fingers or heavy-handed toddlers. Older children will love reading these books to their younger siblings, and the simple images and words will encourage early literacy and numeracy. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:31:28 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=812 The stories are funny, kid-appropriate and definitely of our times. The situation in these episodes all deal with situations children deal with. Such as the competition in the K9 factor. Every kid understands competition and standardized tests with rules. But these situations are definitely amped up for the modern kid generation. Any kid who likes creature features and horror movies will understand the slip wit involved in the Giant Alien Tomato Attack. Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:48:31 -0400 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=811 First thing I’ll say is that this book is very multicultural. Children of all races appear in these wonderfully-illustrated pages. The second thing is that fortunately the trauma surrounding Max’s death comes fairly quickly. There isn’t a lingering buildup or a lingering drawn-out dying scene. The memorial also comes and goes fairly quickly. In fact, the book seems quite short –about twelve or so pages. Thu, 28 Feb 2008 02:49:09 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=810 The stories are written in simple prose, but they have a rhythm which is pleasing on the tongue; an alliteration; a smooth transition that makes them work very well with young children (but there’s plenty of substance for an adult). He is something more than the author of children’s books – he’s a storyteller, and his four picture book collection contains stories that tend to present simply and evoke much more. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:51:30 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=809 Catherine Harker’s easy to read text can be managed by a young reader, who might like to read this book to a younger sibling. Along the way, there are lots of details to point out in Harvey’s attractive, watercolour illustrations. The colours are vivid, and the faces of the animals are full of character. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:15:56 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=808 This “ultimate” collection contains a lot of Spencer music – 37 songs in all on two CDs. . The first one is all animals. There are songs about penguins, snakes, sugar gliders, koalas, kangaroos, emus, kookaburras, wombats, echidnas, flying foxes, Tasmanian Devils and a lot more. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:46:26 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=807 Children will laugh at the idea of a chicken hat (and I can’t help wondering why Para doesn’t make a mess all over Dottie’s head – my chickens certainly would as they do it everywhere else…), and will enjoy counting the cute chicks, and the eggs. The book ends with a series of facts about hens, chickens, and roosters, some of which are fairly funny. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:36:42 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=806 Ian Whybrow certainly has created a lovable character with a compassionate side. The dinosaurs are a clever element and perfect for the age interested in this picture book, since this is the age group that starts becoming so aware of dinosaurs. Adrian Reynolds is the perfect match for rendering the whole crew—bringing to life an adorable cast that comes to life among the still pages. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:26:59 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=805 The narrators and characters sound kind and not overly sweet—but not American accented (which may be a bonus!). The script leads us through the different words used (such as pee and poop or number 1 or number 2, also the use of a bar of soap versus a pump soap dispenser). The creators have left nothing to chance. All of which gives an informative and rather adventurous feeling—a matter of fact attitude that is seconded by the older sibling. Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:28:45 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=804 Really young babies will just enjoy watching you do funny things with your face as you make the sounds yourself. Older toddlers will join in and make the sounds and might even tell you something about the animal. Older siblings will enjoy reading these books to younger ones. Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:53:00 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=803 With their new series of Wiggle and Learn books and DVDs, the Wiggles are attempting to do more. The latest books focus specifically health and physical development and language and literacy. Of course almost everything a preschooler does is educational to a certain extent, but these books have involved an early childhood consultant to design simple exercises to help preschoolers gain basic skills. Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:45:29 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=802 The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra does a wonderful job of playing the pieces, which manage to incorporate a wide range of instruments and plenty of depth and interest, without interfering with the overall atmosphere. There are plenty of theorists linking classical music with brain development, but in the end, this is simply lovely music which you’ll enjoy listening to and your child will find immensely relaxing. Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:11:10 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=801 The songs are nicely performed, with easy to listen to, accessible voices that will appeal to children. For older children, this CD isn’t too babyish and won’t get the howls of disapproval that other CDs geared to preschoolers will. Preschoolers will like the way this CD sounds pretty similar to the music that their older siblings (and maybe parents, if you’re into pop) are listening to. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:49:28 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=800 The stories are silly, easy, and fast to read. This is good material for early readers or those who are struggling, and younger children will enjoy having the stories read to them. The pictures help lighten everything up, and the slight hint of suspense drives each of the short stories forward. Mon, 17 Dec 2007 02:49:50 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=799 But it’s the drawings – those wonderfully detailed drawings - that can keep children going for several hours. If you’re strapped for time, you could ask children to find one funny thing on each page. They could do this every day for several weeks and still keep coming up with something new. If you have time (or can’t help yourself), you could just spend a long time pouring over the pages to pick up every funny nuance of detail in this terrific book. Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:10:27 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=798 I guess it’s the compelling rhyme that causes this book to stick quickly in children’s heads. Of course, Dodd’s drawings are wonderful, showing her deep love of animals, and the obvious attention to their unique characteristics. The cats are funny and individual, dressing up in international costume and acting in ways that combine human antics with animal like features. Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:42:16 -0500 http://www.preschoolentertainment.com/html/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=797 You might do more with this than have it on in the background. You can encourage young children to interpret it; to pick out the instruments and then observe the way they blend (something done very nicely on this CD). You could even ask them to make up dances to suit the music – a wonderful way of training their little ears to picking up rhythm and beat, or to look for recurring motifs Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:50:18 -0500