'One fine day, with little to no fanfare, a really nice kid named Martin began a journey.' Thus begins the fabulous 'Martin Finds a Way,' a book about individuality, openness, self-discovery, acceptance, and the multitude and diversity of paths we all encounter in life. That's a tall order for any book to fill, but 'Martin Finds a Way' does so with great artistry. Which is not to say it is heavy-handed, quite the opposite...Read more

As with previous entries in the excellent 'One Minute Mysteries' series, this book focuses on real-life applications of science in a way that young readers find engrossing and thought-provoking. There are four main sections - Life Science, Earth and Space Science, Physical and Chemical Science, and General Science - with 15 mysteries apiece that demonstrate just how thoroughly science permeates our everyday lives. These a...Read more

Children find this rich and varied collection of educational activities to be utterly compelling. For kids, moving through its pages is like navigating a series of highly entertaining fun and games. But these carefully conceived activities provide substantial educational benefits. Counting, number and math sense, drawing and matching shapes, identifying colors, letter-tracing, beginning sounds, opposites, and understandin...Read more

Children and adults can learn quite a lot from this fun-filled collection of bite-sized science mysteries. Each brain teaser-like Science Stumper consists of two pages. The first page provides the set-up, a mini-story that uses fictional characters to describe a set of events that often have counterintuitive results. Each set-up ends by inviting the reader to speculate on the mysterious outcome that, as it turns out, can...Read more

Sight Words Smart Cards is a systematic and oh-so-effective way to teach kids sight words while enhancing reading and comprehension skills. It was developed by a pair of very smart moms and educators who noticed how difficult it is for children to learn certain words using commonplace, but often ineffective, memorization drills. Each Smart Card is cleverly and playfully illustrated and incorporates activities that convey ...Read more

Snailopolis, a hands-on study of snails and their environment, is an extraordinary educational tool. The book includes more than a dozen lessons in which students participate in science, reading, math, language, and art activities. Common Core Standards are applied throughout. From a teaching perspective, Snailopolis, with its highly organized, creativity-infused structure, is a gift. Its content engages to such a degree...Read more

TERL Phonics (Teen Emergent Reader Libraries) is an outstanding, much-needed educational resource that provides age appropriate phonics-based books to serve the needs of emerging teen readers. While written at emergent and beginning reader levels, these books present content in the context of teen ages and interests. These highly engaging, teen-centric storylines are set in a 16-page format adorned with dynamic, full-col...Read more

The Barefoot Book of Children is a big book, both in terms of size and with respect to the rich concepts it navigates so simply and beautifully. Things like individuality and belonging, uniqueness and commonality, diversity and acceptance are communicated in a way that children enjoy and understand. Gorgeous, plentiful illustrations and gentle, playful words portray children of various shapes, sizes, and hues in many a co...Read more

The Bunny with the Basket provides an imaginative and exciting tradition that enriches the Easter holiday experience. This packaged set includes a plush bunny, golden egg, and a handsomely illustrated hardcover book whose story lays the groundwork. The Easter Bunny, it turns out, gets updates from Santa on who has been naughty and nice, then sends the Bunny with the Basket to good kids' homes all over the world. Each bunn...Read more

This book/toy set is a lovely concept that does more than merely entertain kids with its enchanting story. It also provides incentives for children to be on good behavior and establishes a tradition in which they are motivated to minimize the Halloween candy gluttony. The rhyming storyline tells the rich tale of witches' need for candy to power their magical world. In addition to the colorful hardcover book, each set incl...Read more

Tug and the Tooth is a lovely addition to the Tooth Fairy tradition, one that enhances and commemorates the milestones that occur when children lose one of their baby teeth. The set includes a beautifully illustrated hardcover book and a plush version of Tug, the adorable tooth-shaped character who comes to life in the book. The adventurous story gives children a reassuring context for their impending tooth loss while tea...Read more

Vocabulary Virtuoso is an invaluable tool for teaching vocabulary at home or in the classroom. Each of the fifteen lessons kicks off with a list of twelve words selected from PSAT vocabulary words. Pronunciation keys, definitions, synonyms and other alternate word choices are included. Each word list is followed by six skill-building exercises that provide a powerful vocabulary workout. Variety and repetition are skillful...Read more

Leslie Josel's instructive, wisdom-filled book is as reassuring as it is informative. It is also a remarkably entertaining read. In addition to demystifying many aspects of teen behavior around homework and study habits, its pages convey a variety of easy-to-implement methods (what Ms. Josel calls 'The Triple Ts' - tips, tools and techniques) for helping teens understand and implement time management skills. Parents lea...Read more

WRiTE BRAiN Author's Kit does much more than let aspiring authors write and publish their own children's books. Everything about the way the kit is packaged and organized - the visuals, uniquely designed components, the step-by-step guidance that both moves the project forward and helps a young writer tap into his or her creativity - provides encouragement and inspiration to authors of all ages. The process feels more lik...Read more