Review by Library Journal Review
Both of these books offer innovative ideas for spending quality time with children and quelling all-too-persistent boredom. Kettman, a grandmother and author (The 12 Rules of Grandparenting), includes activities for infants through eight-year-olds that typically take five to ten minutes and use ordinary household items. Rather than the usual academic subjects, she organizes the ideas by desirable qualities and skills: "Communication," "Curiosity," "Decision Making," "Kindness," "Playfulness," "Self-Control," and "Self-Esteem." Many of her suggestions are ridiculously simplistic e.g., looking out a window with children and discussing what they see while a few are developmentally inappropriate, e.g., explaining to an infant not to eat crayons. One dictionary defines a lollapalooza as "something outstanding of its kind," which adequately describes Lithgow's latest book. Since Third Rock from the Sun ended, the actor has ventured into writing for children (e.g., I'm a Manatee). Now, he has created a book for entertaining kids that is out of this world. Inspired by activities that he actually used with his own children, each inexpensive "palooza" is categorized by theme: writing, acting, dance, music, and art, as well as ideas for things to do in the kitchen, in the car, on vacations, and on birthdays and holidays. The paloozas, which target ages six and up, are as varied and fun as Lithgow is wacky and wild. Parents will appreciate having this book on hand to create everything from secret languages and miming activities to extensive theme birthday parties. While Kettman's book is optional, Lithgow's is essential for all child-rearing collections. Charity S. Peak, Regis Univ., Colorado Springs (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
