Check it out: Books and stuff

 No comments  
 E-mail Story
 Print Story
  Share

 digg it!
 Facebook
 del.icio.us
Seed Newsvine
Fark It
Reddit

Text Size: 

Tools Sponsor

What’s new in books: Looking for a book that will keep you and your 3- to 7-year-old enthralled? Then keep your eyes peeled for Bow-Wow, the featured terrier in a new series of books by Mark Newgarden and Megan Montague Cash.

In “Bow-Wow Bugs a Bug”  (Harcourt, $12.95 hardcover), funny graphic illustrations tell the tale in this completely wordless book. The graphics are both silly and sophisticated so everyone will get a chuckle as Bow-Wow goes in pursuit of a pesky bug. The wordless formate of the book allows for different interpretations of the events portrayed, not to mention repeated “readings” to catch the humor.

In August, two new Bow-Wow board books for younger children come out: “Bow-Wow naps by number” and “Bow-Wow orders lunch” (Harcourt, $4.95 each)

[+]Enlarge

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Vacation accouterments

Now that school is officially out for the summer, many thoughts are turning to vacations.

Everyone knows the path to getting “there” can get long and boring from the seat of just about any vehicle.

American Girl offers “Miles of Smiles: Travel Games & Quizzes to Go” for girls ages 8 and up.  The activity book is divided into two major sections — games and puzzles. It also includes a license plate checklist, board game and travel journal. Cost $9.95.

For adult travelers, keeping everyone’s stuff organized can be a challenge. Here are some products to check out:

* ArchPort Sandals  are flip- flop style sandals with an ankle strap. Storage compartments are built into the soles for carrying things such as ID, keys, cash and credit cards. No need to remove the sandal for access, simply life your foot and pull out the wallet compartment. Available at www.archport.com for $49.95

* PlaneComfort is a compact travel fleece blanket with inflatable pillow and pillowcase. It all fits in a hands-free travel tote. Great for planes, trains, automobiles and beaches. Available at www.planecomfort.net for $29.95 (solid colors) to $39.95 (prints).

* Giving baby a bath while you’re traveling can be tricky. But the Baby Bath Gate is lightweight, portable and quick to set up in any tub. Available at www.thebabybathgate.com for $29.95

* Tranquileyes helps you say goodbye to red eyes with these swimming goggle-type glasses that  replenish moisture to the eyes and sensitive surrounding skin, as well as keep light out for a quick rejuvenation. Available at www.eyeeco.com for $59.

* Stuck on You offers a variety of unique labels, tattoos and identification tags to keep track of everything from your kids, to your luggage to everyone’s clothes, shoes and gear. Available at www.stuckonyou.biz; prices range from $3.50 to $18.50.

Off to camp in style

If you’re sending your kid off to camp this summer, you may want to peruse all the cool kid camp stuff at www.funcampstuff.com.

So what do CampFunStuff organizers think is the hot style for camp? Anything with a peace sign, and if you can get something that is both tie-dyed and sporting a peace sign, you’re hip.

Check out the bling-adorned baseball caps, and look for little touches like organizers and fleece blankets to turn your child’s bunk into a statement about his or her personality.