Win 5 Hardback Books From Picture Window Books-Day 5--Pony Brushes His Teeth

Today's the final day to enter to win 5 excellent books published by Picture Window Books, a capstone imprint.   


Our final book is Pony Brushes His Teeth.   It has thick, slick pages for those little ones who like to devour books--literally.   It's part of the Hello Genius line which includes Bunny Eats Lunch, Duck Goes Potty and Pig Takes a Bath.


This book is sure to be a favorite.   Parents will love it for promoting self-care, animal recognition, speaking skills and first words.   Kids and parents will love it for the author and illustrator's wacky sense of humor, odd perspective, and bright colors.    This book is also all about Daddy time and emulating the big guy.


Got a pony obsessed shorty at your house?   Want to encourage good dental habits and a well developed sense of humor in your toddlers?   This is the book for you.   


Win your copy today.   Tell us how your little one likes to be just like Daddy (or Mommy or another adult role model) in the comments section below, along with your name and e-mail.


Then follow ChiIL Mama on at least one of the following: Twitter, Google Friends Connect, RSS, Networked Blogs, FB Pages etc. for great give aways, reviews, and in depth photo features.   Whether you live around the world or across the street, check out ChiIL Mama like we vote here in Chicago...........early and often.   Good luck!


If you missed the first 4 book reviews, click HERE to enter those as well through midnight 11/23.   All winners will be chosen this Wednesday.

Win 5 Hardback Books From Picture Window Books-Day 4--Hello Goodbye and a very little lie

I'll admit it.   I gave birth to the child who actually looked me in the eye and told me "The dog did it." when she left the water running in the bathroom sink, as a toddler.   This delightfully charming book had us all laughing out loud.   Author Christianne Jones pairs up with illustrator Christine Battuz to bring us this very cute rendition of a hard lesson learned.


We all enjoyed the vibrant, funky art work and patterns that pop off the page.   The details may vary, but anyone who lives with and loves children will find the very little lie familiar.

Hello, Goodbye, and a Very Little Lie (Hardcover) $16.99 Reading Level: K-3Interest Level: PreK-1 by Christianne C. Jones

Larry lies about everything. Find out what he does when he gets caught in one of his lies. Check in at Capstone for more fun books in the Little Boost set. Little Boost books tackle early life lessons in a funny and relatable manner. From learning to share to telling lies, life isn't easy. These picture books include many teachable moments, which is an important element in a children's book. Caregivers will be able to engage young children with an entertaining story while introducing and instilling important life skills. These books are sure to give everyone a little boost! Want your own copy of this fun tale?   Leave a comment below with one lie you or your children have been busted telling,  in the comments section below, along with your name and e-mail. Then follow ChiIL Mama on at least one of the following: Twitter, Google Friends Connect, RSS, Networked Blogs, FB Pages etc. for great give aways, reviews, and in depth photo features.  Enter through midnight on 11/23.  Winners will be announced this Wednesday. If you missed the first 3 books, click HERE to enter for those as well.   Check in tomorrow for our final book review of the week.  Good luck!

I ♥ Faces--Paper

This little paper passport from the library led to a world of fun at Chicago Public Library's Bookamania 2010, Saturday.   Hooray for paper, and all the magical, marvelous books printed on it!

Check out more paper entries in this week's I ♥ Faces contest.

Mellow Yellow Monday-ChiILin' At The Chicago Toy and Game Fair

We had a mellow yellow day exploring The Chicago Toy and Game Fair on Saturday.   Humans are playful creatures by nature.   We like to challenge our bodies and our brains.   Evidently even alien Imperial Storm Troopers play to relax when they're off duty.


Here's some of the best of the fest with a splash of yellow.   We'll be doing more in depth features on many of the new toys and games in December.


For more round the world fun with a hint of yellow, click below.

Bookamania 2010--Bookalicious Fun For All

We had a book-lovin' blast at Chicago's annual big book bash, Bookamania!   We especially liked the book characters come to life and thought it was very cool Bookamania had a darker skinned Pippi and Hispanic looking Wizard of Oz Dorothy.   


We had a great time with all the creative book related craft projects, too.   All kids who completed 7 activities got to choose a free book.   Du-Jay chose The Order of Odd Fish by Chicagoan James Kennedy.   Sagezilla chose The Eagle and the Rainbow--Timeless Tales from Mexico by Antonio Hernandez Madrigal.


We also bought Where The Mountain Meets The Moon, a Newberry Honor book, by author and illustrator Grace Lin.   The kids got their copy signed by Grace who personalized it with both of their names and wrote, "May all your moons be full of happiness."   At Grace's book station, the kids also enjoyed making rabbit lanterns with a chop stick hanger and glow stick inside, for light.


Grace's sister, Beatrice, lives in Chicago and let us know that she'll be doing a book reading for home schoolers and anyone else who wants to come.  (Buy your books now and bring them to have her autograph!)

When: Monday Nov 22
Time: 1-3 pm
Where: Blackstone Library auditorium

Grace Lin is the  author/illustrator of numerous children's books such as Dim Sum for Everyone, Seven Chinese Sisters, The Year of the Dog, and Newberry Honor winning Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.  

Fair Play At The Chicago Toy and Game Fair

Today is the last day for the 2010 Chicago Toy and Game Fair.   






Most toy fairs are for retailers, but this one is open to EVERYONE.   Kids are welcome and vendors have come in from all over the place to bring you unique games and toys, including many that haven't hit the shelves yet.   We met some great people who flew in from California, Texas, Florida and even Canada, to share their fun and games.   


During December, ChiIL Mama will be featuring many of these fun gift ideas and running loads of give aways.   Check back with us often in the coming weeks.


While the littles are busy playing with all the hands on merch at CTAG, you can do a stealth stock up for the holidays.   Yes--games and toys are actually for sale here, too.   Check out this massive, exhibit hall sized, one stop shop full of educational toys and fun finds.

Win 5 Hardback Books From Picture Window Books-Day 3--The String Family in Harmony!

3-The String Family in Harmony!

ChiIL Mama's giving away FIVE hardback children's books from Picture Window Books, a capstone imprint, this week.   We'll be reviewing a book a day through Tuesday on the days "bookending" Chicago's awesome Bookamania at Harold Washington Library this Saturday.   You can still enter to win 1 or all 5, through midnight 11/23.   Winners will be announced Wednesday.

Day 1-In One Ear Out the Other--ENTER HERE

Day 2-The Eco-Family's Guide to Living Green--ENTER HERE

Day 3-The String Family in Harmony!   Comment below.

Hey all music loving families out there.   This colorful series brings instruments alive-literally.   They're all named and anthropomorphized.   Follow a literal "family" of instruments as they explore and explain the emotions in music, how harmony works and what instruments are made of.   We all enjoyed this colorful, fun book by Trisha Speed Shaskan.   It was enlightening and educational while still being lighthearted and entertaining. Click HERE for sample pages and a Google Books review. The String Family in Harmony! (Hardcover)  by Trisha Speed Shaskan

A treat for your ears and eyes! With a ZING! ZING! and a BAH BAH BAH BAH! the finishing touches on the String family’s first art show are complete. See what makes these instruments the most colorful musical family around.

Want to win your own copy of The String Family in Harmony! ($18.49).   Comment below and leave your first name, e-mail, and what instruments you have in your home.

Then follow ChiIL Mama on at least one of the following: Twitter, Google Friends Connect, RSS, Networked Blogs, FB Pages etc. for great give aways, reviews, and in depth photo features.   Good luck!

Chicago Toy & Game Fair Is Here-Come Play The Weekend Away

Plan to Play: Nation's Only Public Toy & Game Fair Returns to Chicago

Preview the latest toys and games Nov. 20 and 21 at Navy Pier

The Chicago Toy & Game Fair is the only toy and game fair open to the public. Every Fall funseekers come from far and wide to join us for two whole days of previewing and playing the hottest and latest new toys and games! Come to be dazzled and enchanted, come to learn and explore, come to mingle and participate in a magical community event but most of all, come to have fun!

Navy Pier, Festival Hall B

2010 Dates and Hours

Saturday, November 20 : 10am to 6pm

Sunday, November 21st : 10am to 5pm

Adults: $10.00     Children (3 to 13): $5.00

Free admission available for:

• Educators
• Librarians
• Scouts in uniform
  
  
• Tickets may be purchased the day of the show at the ticket booths outside of Festival Hall B.

Special coupons for the Chicago Toy and Game Fair are available at PrintMeCoupon.com!