How to tell a Story (Workman Publishing, $19.99 ) is a simple idea. Writer Daniel Nayeri has created a book-shaped package featuring 20 beautifully illustrated blocks. The blocks can be played with on their own, or as designed, used to stimulate the creation of stories by kids and parents. Each block, designed by Brian Won, is illustrated with a different color on each face. … [Read more...] about Review: How to tell a Story blocks

If you loved the LEGO “book” Contraptions, you’ll also like LEGO Chain Reactions a new kit from Klutz. Along with 33 pieces, you get 10 fun projects all with step-by-step directions. Each project, disguised as a LEGO construction, is a physics project for the your budding LEGO engineer. At $22, this is a perfect gift for the 8-11 set and makes for a good traveling present … [Read more...] about LEGO Chain Reactions Kit

My 11 year old son loved this book and it’s a great tie in to President’s Day. "Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America's Presidents" (David Stabler) Filled with fun facts and illustrations from the childhoods of our nation’s leaders, this is the kind of history book kids love. Included are anecdotes on how Ike dealt with bullies, how “Barry” Obama handled moving … [Read more...] about Kid Presidents Book for kids