Our son started writing his own books when he was about 4 or 5.  He'd make up stories and Grandma would write down what he said.  Not that anything could replace Grandma, but BigDifBooks.com is an online version on the same concept.  They are a new kind of publishing company for children’s books that offers stories from new authors in new ways.  Their books are either free or cost $1.99.  They encourage new writers and storytellers – parents, kids, grandmas and anybody else – to submit stories of ...

Wouldn't being a parent be easier and  calmer if the first time you ask your daughter to put on her shoes she did it? Or you ask your son to put his lunchbox on the kitchen counter and he followed through? Well, we’ve found a parenting expert with the tools to make it happen. She is Noël Janis-Norton, an educator and author of numerous parenting books, CDs and seminars and the creator of the “Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting” program.
Noël is a gem in a growing ...

The next children’s dance class I teach will revolve around  “Jazz Playground” the most recent children’s CD put out by the widely known Putumayo World Music Company. The integration of different musical styles and cultures allows jazz music to flourish and come alive to children. The various songs invite creativity and movement into a child’s life. Playing “Jazz Playground” for your children is the best way to open and broaden their understanding and appreciation of music. “Jazz Playground” is an absolute must for your music collection and ...

In mid-February, Macaroni Kid attended Toy Fair, the Toy Industry's annual trade show, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.  There were Barbies, Hot Wheels, Beanies, and tons of toys that were hard to get too excited about (unless you are nine years old).

But we did manage to see a few things that stood out.

We love Norman the Phartephant.  Yup, a farting elephant.  Needless to say, this was our nine-year-olds’ favorite because he’s very cute, and well, he farts.  But what makes Norman special ...