Today's Guest Reviewer, Sean Burgess, is a professional drummer and music teacher originally from Massachusetts. He lives in Hollywood with Terresa, his wife of 8 years, their 17 month old daughter Teagan and two crazy dogs named Nigel and Sable. So, Yo! Check out what he has to say about some pretty popular new books. My family became instant fans of the hit children’s television show “Yo Gabba Gabba!” We are totally taken with the infectious, indie-new wave-electro songs with themes from brushing teeth to weather. The unique characters and personalities featured in each episode really catch your eye. With…

We all know it only takes a little to BE BIG... Join with Scholastic Media and Clifford The Big Red Dog's campaign today to raise awareness for how Clifford's BIG Ideas (Sharing, Helping Others, Being Kind, Being Responsible, Playing Fair, Being a Good Friend, Believing in Yourself, Respecting Others, Working Together and Being Truthful) can make the world a better place. The BE BIG campaign urges civic engagement and volunteerism and the BE BIG Fund will support local community engagement opportunities that will recognize and reward others for their BE BIG actions. So what can you do? Get involved! The…

Today I am celebrating the birthday of our nation's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, with a roundup of several noteworthy children's books. It's definitely worth noting that February 12th is also the 100th anniversary of the NAACP as well as Charles Darwin's birthday. What Lincoln Said, by Sarah Thomson, illustrated by James E. Ransome is recommended for ages 6-9. From earning his first dollars to outlawing slavery, Honest Abe’s life was one of hard work and dedication. Along his journey, Lincoln’s quotes, such as “Leave nothing for tomorrow that can be done today,” and “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is…

When I picked up Michael Wright's two kids books, Jake Stays Awake and Jake Starts School, I didn't know what to expect, but was instantly wowed by the cover artwork. I first saw Wright's name on a flyer at my son's elementary school in La Canada where he was scheduled to be a guest reader. I ran home and flipped through the school phone book to no avail. He was not a school parent. After Googling him along with the Jake book titles, I ended up at his cool and colorful website and contacted him. Turns out he's what we…

Maybe you just love reading, or maybe you're into picture books. Perhaps your daughter  wants to earn extra credit in her English class, or perhaps you're already hard at work on your first children's book. Whatever your inclination or motivation, I'm looking for you! Just submit your name  and age of your child to me as a potential guest reviewer.  If selected, you will be sent an age appropriate book to review. In return you'll get to keep the book as our way of saying thanks for your contribution. We'd also love to have some digital picture of you reading the book to…

When my seven year-old Coleman needs a good giggle, I know just what book to give him.  Any book starring beloved character Judy Moody's younger brother Stink is guaranteed to bring a broad grin to my son's face. In fact, he'll take the book and read it cover to cover in one sitting, it's just that good.  Today he slunk down into the sofa and read to himself for at least one half hour (and who can argue with that kind of staying power?) and returned with this review.   Stink-o-pedia: Super Stink-y Stuff from A-Zzzzz by Megan McDonald, illustrated…

Terresa Burgess, a graphic artist here at L.A. Parent and mom to Teagan, aged 16 months, has helped review these two new fun children’s books called Books Are For Reading by Sally Becker and Duck & Goose: How Are You Feeling? by Tad Hills. Terresa says she found Books Are For Reading to be a "clever interactive” book for babies and toddlers. They can even take a bite after they're done reading the book because of the colored textured teethers at every corner. Short and sweet sentences guide little ones on what not to eat (e.g. Toes are for stomping,…