Treehouse TV

Kitten’s Winter

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:58:00 GMT

Written and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

Winter comes to Kitten’s world, and the little calico leaves her cozy home for an afternoon of exploration and discovery. Kitten learns that even on a frosty day, animal life flourishes: a squirrel forages, an otter goes fishing and a woodpecker taps the side of a bare-limbed tree. At the same time, readers discover that for many animals, winter is a time of rest. Softly, Kitten treads past a burrowing turtle, a napping beaver and a hibernating bear.

Told in rhyming couplets, Kitten’s Winter is a perfect introduction to animal behavior and habitats. And its sumptuous, mixed-media illustrations make it ideal for beginning and pre-readers, who will delight in spotting all the different details of the season.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press.

Hocus Pocus

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:56:00 GMT

Written by Sylvie Desrosiers and illustrated by Rémy Simard

This zany tale pits a grouchy pooch against Hocus Pocus, a mischievous blue bunny who lives in a magician’s hat. When Hocus Pocus spots a bunch of tantalizing carrots poking out of a shopping bag, he decides he must have them. But to reach the kitchen counter, he must risk waking Dog, a pet canine who snoozes nearby. Tiptoeing in a pair of bunny slippers works beautifully at first — until a peanut shell gets crunched loudly underfoot. Soon, Dog is wide awake, and the two begin a hilarious battle, trading victories and defeats and ultimately attracting the attention of the none-too-pleased magician.

A classic retro feel gives the illustrations and story a fun punch.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press.

Ninja Cowboy Bear Presents the Call of the Cowboy

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:53:00 GMT

Written by David Bruins and illustrated by Hilary Leung

When the bear wants to spend the afternoon photographing birds, the exuberant cowboy inadvertently makes a nuisance of himself as he loudly chews bubble gum, hops on a pogo stick and slurps a pop. When the ninja just wants to read quietly, the cowboy is wildly distracting as he drums on rocks, bats a paddleball and gabs on his cell phone. The cowboy’s boisterous mood prompts the ninja and the bear to drop their respective activities, leaving their pal alone to wonder why no one wants to be with him. Can he find the peace and quiet he needs to figure it out? Readers will appreciate the warm and witty approach to getting along and will also love the playfully bold illustrations rife with fun-to-spot detail.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press.

My Name is Elizabeth

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:43:00 GMT

Written by Annika Dunklee and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe

Meet Elizabeth. She’s got an excellent pet duck, a loving granddad and a first name that’s just awesome. After all, she’s got a queen named after her! So she’s really not amused when people insist on using nicknames like “Lizzy” and “Beth.” She bears her frustration in silence until an otherwise ordinary autumn day, when she discovers her power to change things once and for all. In the process, Elizabeth learns about communication and respect — and their roles in building better relationships with family and friends. The two-toned illustrations reflect the story’s energy and sass, and the comic-book-like format makes it easy to follow. The cheeky, retro drawings also keep it real — depicting the sometimes-feisty Elizabeth as a resolutely normal kid — whether she’s flossing her teeth or feeding her pet duck.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press.

The Busy Beaver

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:57:00 GMT

Written and illustrated by Nicholas Oldland

The busy but careless beaver spends his days following random impulses, rarely thinking things through and leaving in his wake a devastated forest filled with stumps, half-nibbled trees and injured, homeless animals. But then one day the beaver finds himself on the wrong side of a falling tree, which as it turns out, is just the thing to knock some sense into him. After reflecting on his behavior, he decides to make some changes. Soon, the now wiser and gentler beaver is getting down to the business of making things right, much to the delighted surprise of his forest friends.

This charming story from the creator of Big Bear Hug and Making the Moose Out of Life gently teaches youngsters how to take care with others, as well as the world around us.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press.

Cinnamon Baby

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 17:23:00 GMT

Written by Nocola Winstanley and illustrated by Janice Nadeau

A contemporary fable about a magical remedy for a baby who won’t stop crying.

Miriam is a baker whose bread is full of smells to make your nose twitch and tastes to make your tongue tingle. Miriam’s own favorite cinnamon bread so delights Sebastian, a musician who enters her shop, that he buys it every day for a year and then asks her to marry him. After a baby is born to the happy couple, all is blissful until their bundle of joy begins crying. And crying. Only when the two are almost at wit’s end does Miriam suddenly know, looking down at her baby curled up like a little raisin, exactly what she must do.

A celebration of the bond between mother and child and an ode to the power of our senses, each delectable word and image of this beautifully told and illustrated story will be savored.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press.

You're Finally Here

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:49:00 GMT

Written and illustrated by Melanie Watt

A zany picture book that will resonate with anyone who’s ever been kept waiting.

The latest from the creator of the best-selling Scaredy Squirrel series stars a hilariously needy and impatient bunny. This is no ordinary picture-book character, and it will quickly become clear that this is no ordinary picture book – namely because you, the reader, are on the spot. You’re late!

Small Saul learned at Pirate College that pirates only care about three things: their ship, being tough and lots and lots of treasure. Can Small Saul show these ruffians that despite his gentle spirit, he’s worth his weight in gold? With treasure chests of laughs, Small Saul’s high-seas adventure is a light-hearted celebration of individuality, perseverance and being true to one’s self.

At first, this little bunny is deliriously excited by your arrival, but now that you’re finally here, he wants to know: where were you? He’s been waiting long enough to learn an accordion solo, among other time-consuming pursuits.

After he’s shown you how it feels to be kept waiting and just when he’s finally satisfied that you’re a good steady page-turner who’s here to stay, something happens to turn the tables. The result is an off-beat ending worth waiting for!

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press.

Small Saul

admin — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:33:00 GMT

Written and illustrated by Ashley Spires

From the creator of Binky the Space Cat, a hilarious story about an unconventional little pirate.

Ahoy there! Will this sweet little pirate find his place aboard The Rusty Squid or will he be forced to walk the plank?

When Small Saul joins the crew of The Rusty Squid, it doesn’t take long for the other pirates to notice something is very different about this tiny fellow. He was born to sing sea shanties, bake pineapple upside down cakes and redecorate, not to hold a sword and plunder. Being rough and tough just isn’t in his nature.

Small Saul learned at Pirate College that pirates only care about three things: their ship, being tough and lots and lots of treasure. Can Small Saul show these ruffians that despite his gentle spirit, he’s worth his weight in gold? With treasure chests of laughs, Small Saul’s high-seas adventure is a light-hearted celebration of individuality, perseverance and being true to one’s self.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press.

Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party

admin — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:01:00 GMT

Written and illustrated by Mélanie Watt

In the fifth book, Scaredy Squirrel plans his own birthday and surprise!... things get very crowded.

Scaredy Squirrel is planning his own birthday party for one – but despite his detailed plans, things get out of control when the party animals arrive.

He’s back! Scaredy Squirrel, the loveable worrywart, returns for another nutty adventure. Scaredy never plans big birthday parties. He’d rather celebrate alone quietly in the safety of his nut tree and avoid those pesky party animals (ants, clownfish, ponies and Bigfoot). When all his excessive plans are thrown up in the air like confetti, will Scaredy play dead and cancel? Or will he face the music?

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press.

Bot's belly belly Easter egg

admin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:23:00 GMT

There's nothing robotic about the creative fun your kids will have making this colorful character egg.

Supplies

Bright green plastic jumbo egg
Black markerr
Modeling clay in blue, yellow, white and orange
Tooth pick
Stapler (for parents only)
Green construction paper

Directions

Step 1: With the fatter part of the egg at the top, use the black marker to add the two eyes. Then use it to color in a strip around the "equator" of the seam of the egg (the part where the egg pieces come apart).

Step 2: Roll a small amount of blue modeling clay into a long "snake." Press around the seam line of the egg, covering some of the black strip you drew in to create a mouth shape.

Step 3: Flatten the white modeling clay into a rectangle that tapers a bit at the bottom. Then roll a small amount of yellow modeling clay into a "snake" and coil it around the exterior of the white piece. Add four tiny blue "rivets," if desired. Apply the finished piece to the bottom half of the egg.

Step 4: Mold an orange cylinder and a green cone from modeling clay. If desired, roll a tiny yellow ball for the front of the green cone. Press the green cone onto one end of a toothpick (broken in half); press the other end of the toothpick into the orange cylinder. Apply to the top of the egg.

Geo Easter Egg

admin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:20:00 GMT

Shape up this Easter with a Team Umizoomi decorative egg. Create this easy-to-make Geo character from a blue plastic egg.

Supplies

Bright blue plastic jumbo egg
Geo Egg Template (See printable template)
Inkjet sticker paper
Modeling clay in yellow and red
Stapler (for parents only)
Blue or green construction paper

Directions

Step 1: Using sticker paper, print the Geo Egg Template. Peel off the paper backing and apply them to the egg.

Step 2:Roll a small amount of yellow modeling clay into a long "snake." Press it onto the egg around Geo's face.

Step 3:Mold two yellow caps for the top of his head. Roll two small balls and press these into the yellow caps.

Step 4:To create the stand, cut a 2- by 8-inch strip of blue/green construction paper. Fold it in half lengthwise. Coil into a ring, overlapping the ends. Staple in place.

Milli Easter Egg

admin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:13:00 GMT

Calling all Umifriends! Have we got a craft for you! Take a cue from shapes and patterns to create this easy-to-make Milli from a pink plastic egg.

Supplies

Hot pink plastic jumbo egg
Milli Egg Template (See printable template)
Inkjet sticker paper
Modeling clay in yellow
Lanyard cord or ribbon in orange
Stapler (for parents only)
Pink construction paper

Directions

Step 1: Using sticker paper, print the Milli Egg Template. Peel off the paper backing and apply the face and flowers to the egg. If you don't have sticker paper, print on regular paper and glue Milli's face and flowers to the egg..

Step 2:Roll a small amount of yellow modeling clay into a long "snake." Press it onto the egg around Milli's face.

Step 3: Mold two yellow caps for the top of her head. Snip two short lengths of the orange lanyard and insert them into the yellow caps.

Step 4:To create the stand, cut a 2- by 8-inch strip of pink construction paper. Fold it in half lengthwise. Coil into a ring, overlapping the ends. Staple in place.

Ninja Cowboy Bear Presents the Way of the Ninja

admin — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:44:00 GMT

Written by David Bruins and illustrated by Hilary Leung

The creators of The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear return with a high-energy story about friendship. This time, the daring ninja learns that the greatest thrills and the best adventures are the ones we share.

The ninja’s playtime games are too rough-and-tumble for his friends the cowboy and the bear. The ninja isn’t interested in his friends’ games — and playing all by himself isn’t much fun. Can the rambunctious ninja ever meet his friends halfway?

Children will easily relate to the lesson about mutual respect embedded in a story about three different but nonetheless close friends

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press

Making the Moose Out of Life

admin — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:44:00 GMT

Written and illustrated by Nicholas Odland

From the creator of Big Bear Hug comes the comic-adventure story of a mild-mannered moose who learns how to take life by the antlers. This moose may live in the wild, but he doesn’t act it — he watches from the sidelines as his friends have fun. Every now and then, he wonders if he’s missing out on anything.

When the moose finally takes a chance and goes on a solo sailing trip, a raging storm carries him far from everything he knows. Will he curl up in a ball and cry, or make the most of it?

The moose’s unlikely hero-journey is a lighthearted, contemporary fable that celebrates living life to the fullest.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press

In Front of My House

admin — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:44:00 GMT

Written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc

In Front of My House is a whimsical celebration of a child’s imagination and all the places it can travel. This circular story begins and ends in a tidy front yard, but in between takes the reader to mountains and mysterious caves, up to outer space, down into the ocean and beyond. It’s a journey as boundless and surprising as young imaginations.

Filled with inventive and delightful twists, this charming story reveals a child’s fancy taking flight, showing how imaginative play can begin in a place as mundane as a front yard, reach to the stars, then return back to the same place. Children will recognize a kindred imagination in Marianne Dubuc’s joyful illustrations and simple text.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press

Kitten’s Autumn

admin — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:44:00 GMT

Written and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

It’s a vibrant autumn day in Kitten’s second adventure, as the ever-curious Kitten explores the woods near her farm and meets the creatures who live there. She finds a chipmunk chewing on a seed, a caterpillar munching on a leaf, a frog catching flies and many more creatures snacking on this and that to ready themselves for winter.

While the simple rhyming couplets make this a perfect read-aloud, young readers will enjoy picking out seasonal details in the mixed-media art and searching for and finding Kitten on every page.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press

Stanley’s Little Sister

admin — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:38:00 GMT

Written by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Bill Slavin

Stanley’s home life goes awry when he suddenly finds himself with a new, feline “sister.” Making friends with this perplexing creature is not easy. Stanley’s big, friendly sniff is met with an abrupt THWACK! from the cat’s paw. “ROWP!” yelps Stanley. No fair!

Even less fair is the way his people blame him for causing trouble when all he’s trying to do is make friends! Is it Stanley’s fault the cat doesn’t understand dog talk? Given time and a bit of mutual understanding, can peace and purring reign in Stanley’s house?

Young readers familiar with the “dog’s eye view” of Stanley and his world will rejoice at the addition of Fluffy the cat.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit Kids Can Press

Blues Costume

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:33:00 GMT

This Halloween, kids can trick or treat dressed as Blue. The body is made from a sweat suit. The head is a helmet-style cap.

Supplies

Royal-blue felt
Child's light-blue union suit or sweat suit
Glue gun or fabric glue
Light-blue felt
4 pipe cleaners
Needle and thread
Cotton light-blue pilot's cap (available from the Natural Baby catalog)
3 light-blue socks

Directions

Step 1: Cut circles from the royal-blue felt to make spots.

Step 2: Glue onto the union suit.

Step 3: Cut four 12-inch ear shapes from light-blue felt.

Step 4: Glue two pipe cleaners along the edges of two of the ear shapes.

Step 5: Glue the second set of ear shapes on top of the first, sandwiching the pipe cleaners inside.

Step 6: Sew the ears to the top of the pilot's cap.

Step 7: Glue royal-blue felt spots on ears.

Step 8: Cut the cuff off one sock, gather at one end, and glue to the back of the costume to make a tail.

Step 9: Cut paw-pad shapes from the royal-blue felt, and glue onto the foot part of two socks. Place socks on child's hands and cut holes for thumbs. Color Tip: If you can't find clothing in light blue, dye white clothing with fabric dye. Follow instructions on package. Dye the hat, union suit, and socks together so that they match.

Dora Costume

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:31:00 GMT

Young Dora fans will get a kick out of dressing like her. Basic clothing and a little face paint are all you'll need.

Supplies

Black child-size witch's wig (available at toy or party stores)
Red shorts
Pink shirt
Green socks
Purple backpack
Toy monkey
Masking tape or string
Flower button
Yellow pipe cleaner
Hot glue gun
Purple paper gift bag

Directions

Step 1: Put the wig on your child's head. Cut the bangs first, then cut the rest of the hair at chin length.

Step 2: Dress your child in shorts, shirt, socks, and backpack.

Step 3: Securely tape or tie the toy monkey onto a comfortable place on the costume.

Step 4: Glue the flower button onto the pipe cleaner and wrap around your child's wrist to make a bracelet.

Step 5: Carry a purple paper goody bag.

Diego Costume

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:19:00 GMT

Need a quick and clever costume for your little animal rescuer? It's Diego to the rescue!

Supplies

Tan T-shirt
Scissors
Fabric markers (dark brown and light blue)
Orange tote bag (or backpack)
White, black, and pink self-adhesive felt
Double-sided sticky tape or fabric glue
Blue cargo shorts
Light blue shirt

Directions

Step 1: Cut the sleeves off the T-shirt and cut the bottom of the shirt so it falls just below your child's waist. Cut all the way up the middle of the shirtfront, to create the opening of the vest. Draw pockets and a zipper onto the T-shirt with fabric markers. Print the Animal Rescue Center Badge on a color printer, cut it out, and tape or glue it to the vest.

Step 2: To make Rescue Pack, start with an orange canvas trick-or-treat bag from a craft store (or use an orange backpack)

Step 3: Dress your child in blue cargo shorts, a light-blue shirt, and Diego's video watch, then layer on the vest and Rescue Pack.

Tolee Costume

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:45:00 GMT

He's cute, he's cuddly, and he's really just a sweat suit. Start with basic grey pieces and use felt and fun fur for the rest.
Supplies

For the Body:
Printable panda template for iron-on
Iron-on T-shirt transfer sheets
Red T-shirt (large enough to fit over the sweatshirt once it's been stuffed)
Gray Hooded sweatshirt
Gray sweatpants
Iron
Polyester batting for stuffing

For the Ears:
Light gray fleece
Dark gray faux fur or fleece
Floral wire or any fine gauge wire
Fabric glue
Child-size headband

For the Face:
Face paint
Tolee Template

For the Paws:
Gray mittens or wristbands for the hands
Panda slippers for the feet

Directions

Step 1: For the Body: Use the printable Panda template and iron-on transfer paper (follow manufacturer's instructions) to embellish the red T-shirt with Tolee's Panda motif. Slip the T-shirt over the sweatshirt, pulling out the hood. Set aside with the sweatpants.

Step 2: For the Ears: To make the ears, cut out two half-circles in light-grey fleece. Cut out two larger half-circles in dark grey. Snip a short length of floral wire and sandwich it, with glue, between each of the light-grey and dark-grey layers of each ear. This will make the ears bendable, allowing them to stand up on the headband. Once the ears are dry, fold a crease along the bottom of each ear (the flat edge) and glue the folded edge along the headband. You'll need to hold the ear in place until the glue is tacky, otherwise the ears will slip. Let dry.

Step 3: For the Face: Before adding the face paint, dress your child in the sweatshirt, T-shirt, and sweatpants. Pull the hood up over your child's head. Then paint his or her face with a sideways oval black nose. If you'd like, add dark eyebrows in a small arch. Clip the ears' headband over top of the hood. Stuff the body of the sweatshirt and the legs of the sweatpants, and if you'd like, the arms of the sweatshirt with the polyester batting.

Step 4: For the Paws: Slip mittens or wristbands over the hands. For the feet, add the Panda slippers!

Rintoo Shoelace Covers

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:03:00 GMT

Turn any pair of sneakers into a Rintoo-riffic pair of kicks for your little Kai-lan fan! These medallions are easy to make and are held in place by the shoelaces!

Supplies

Sneakers
Rintoo Template
Yellow foamie sheets
Colored indelible markers
Scissors

Directions

Step 1: Print the template and trace the shape onto the foam sheet. Cut it out. With the markers, add the ears and face. Let dry.

Step 2: With the point of the scissors, make a small hole on each side of Rintoo's face, just below the ears. Slip the laces through (see photo) to secure.

Wonder Pets! Lunch Bag

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:02:00 GMT

Personalize preschool lunch time with a Wonder Pets insulated lunch sack. Kids create the Wonder Pets badge and super stripes themselves.

Supplies

Insulated lunch sack
Felt in red, yellow, and blue
Wonder Pets Badge Template
Scissors
Fabric glue
Self-adhesive hook-and-loop tabs (Velcro)

Directions

Step 1: Print, trace, and cut out the felt pieces for the Wonder Pets badge. (Note: Enlarge or reduce the badge printout to the size you need.) Glue the yellow circle to the blue one. And glue the red "W" to the yellow circle. Let dry.

Step 2: Cut out one wide red strip and one narrow yellow strip of felt to the same width as the lunch sack. Glue the yellow strip on top of the red one. Let dry. Glue the yellow and red strip across the lunch sack, close to the bottom.

Step 3: to attach the badge to the lunch sack, secure one self-adhesive hook-and-loop tab to the back of the badge and attach the other to the flap of the lunch sack.

Boots' Monkey Tail Shake

admin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Have your kids try this milkshake with a twist (and a tail!) based on a traditional Latin American recipe. With a base of ice cream and a tail of white chocolate chips, it's no wonder this delicious drink is one of Boots' favorite refreshments!

Ingredients

1/4 cup white chocolate chips
Pinch of cocoa powder
2 tsp. yellow sprinkles, tinted coconut, or yellow sugar
1 cup coffee ice cream (or favorite flavor)
1 cup evaporated milk, plus more if necessary
1/2 cup crushed ice
Pinch cloves
Boots' Monkey Tail Template
Cookie sheet
Small, plastic resealable bag
Wax paper
Blender
Boots' Monkey Tail Template
Cookie sheet
Small, plastic resealable bag
Wax paper
Blender

Directions

Step 1: Place the template on a cookie sheet and cover with wax paper.

Step 2: To make the tail, melt the chocolate chips in a medium microwavable bowl until smooth, about 25 to 30 seconds. Stir in a pinch of cocoa powder to tint to an off white. Spoon the mixture into a plastic bag.

Step 3: Snip a small corner from the bag and pipe the tail on the wax paper using the template as a guide. Sprinkle the top end with the yellow sprinkles. Make two tails. Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator until set, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: To make the shake, combine the ice cream, milk, and crushed ice in a blender. Process until smooth. Add more evaporated milk if necessary. Divide the mixture into two tall glasses. Carefully peel the tails from the wax paper and insert into the shake. Sprinkle the tops with some ground cloves.

Nutrition Info servings: 2
calories: 394
total fat: 18g
saturated fat: 11g
trans fat: 0g
cholesterol: 43mg
sodium: 195mg
total carbs: 50g
sugars: 43g
fiber: 2g
protein: 13g

Baby Games

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:29:00 GMT

Try these fun games and sing along with your baby.