Jo's Editorial
Do You Know What Your Children Are Reading?

 

An Alabama publishing company will release a new volume of Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn” that will replace words/phrases that are not politically correct including the n-word, “Injun” and “slave” (and others). Everyone is entitled to their opinion on whether they believe this is the right thing to do to an historical piece of literature or not.

However, it did get me thinking about the books our children read. As children grow, so do their reading choices. They come home from the library or bookstore with books they picked themselves. Every parent is delighted to see a child reading, but what’s going on between the covers of those books? For younger kids just starting to make their own book choices, what do you do as parents? Do you pre-read the book before your kids are allowed to do so?  Do you go on Amazon and check out book reviews or ask other parents their opinion? For young teen children, do you have rules about reading? For example, they can read one Twilight book if they read one class work of literature a year? ...... Read Full Article

Calling All New (or soon-to-be) Moms & Dads!

Are you (or someone you know) pregnant/just had/adopted a child? I'm looking for some new parents (or parent) to take over for Lauren in our monthly "Little Nippers" corner of the eNewsletter/website...... Read Full Article

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On The Aisle
Yogi Bear (rated PG)

 

Jellystone Park as been losing business, so Mayor Brown has decided to shut it down and sell the land. That means families will no longer be able to experience the natural beauty of the outdoors – and, even worse, Yogi and his pal Boo Boo will be tossed out of the only home they’ve ever known. Faced with his biggest challenge ever, Yogi must prove that he really is “smarter than the average bear” as he and Boo Boo join forces with Ranger Smith to find a way to save the park from closing forever. Yogi Bear features the voices of Dan Aykroyd as Yogi and Justin Timberlake as Boo Boo.... Read Full Article

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The Reading Room
The Art of Hand Shadows by Albert Almoznino (all ages)

 

Clear explanations and over 70 illustrations demonstrate how to position your hands to make lifelike shadows of a lumbering dinosaur, a pair of playful monkeys, an eagle taking flight, a cat scratching itself, a howling wolf, a neighing horse, a dog that eats a rabbit, and many other figures. This book also gives you good advice on how to organize a performance of your own shadow art. Fun for the whole family, though younger kids may need some assistance.... Read Full Article

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The Chin-Wag
One Good Deed

We’ve been following One Good Deed, the blog of writer Erin McHugh as she chronicles the year she’s spending doing one good deed a day. Erin's blog has had all of us at JoFrost.com thinking what we good deeds we could work into our lives daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly. Since Erin’s now a pro at good deeds (and soon will have a book out based on her year of living "goodly"), we asked her to give us some hints on how parents and kids could get involved in her good deed movement and where she comes up with her ideas for daily deeds...... Read Full Article

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Quick Tips
Winter Activity: Make a Snow Lantern!

 

With the winter season in full swing and kids and parents already getting tired of sledding and snow fort/ball building, here’s a fun alternative to do with your kids: a Snow Lantern! ...... Read Full Article

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Monthly Giveaway
This Giveaway Has Ended --> January Giveaway: 50 States

 

Erin McHugh, from One Good Deed (see more about her in the Chin Wag), gave us a copy of her book “50 States: A State-by-State Tour of the USA” to give away. The book includes more than 1,000 fun facts on the states, plus a jigsaw puzzle and a 50-state quarter collector map! Enter for a chance to win “50 States” by clicking here.

 

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Nanny Time
Nanny Time

 

Happy New Year, everyone! I took some time off over the holidays and flew home to the U.K. for Christmas. Right before I left, I finished filming the last episode of SUPERNANNY and hopped directly on to a plane. It was so nice to be able to spend Christmas with my family. I had a chance to hang out with the newest member, my niece, Isabella, who is now six months! I also had the opportunity to catch up with my friends and just enjoy a real holiday season at home. It was a great chance to relax and enjoy being with those I love. I hope you all had the opportunity to do the same.

Here’s what my view was like – my own winter wonderland!

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