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2011 PAL Awards
Play on Words speech and language expert Sherry Artemenko recognizes exceptional toys, games and books that encourage language, spark fun and invite creative play.
all PAL Award winners
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PAL tips
Video reviews of our PAL Award winners with tips on how to advance language through play • see PAL tips... ►
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new reviews
Read our reviews of the latest in toys, games and books • read reviews... ►
sherry in the news
Get the Flash Player to see this player.In this interview, Sherry Artemenko tells News 12 Connecticut about the latest toys that can help children’s development and learning. See more Sherry’s news... ►
Category Archives: Book Review
“Rain Brings Frogs: A Little Book of Hope”
Want a little sunshine on a cloudy day? Pick up Maryann Cocca-Leffler’s “Rain Brings Frogs: A Little Book of Hope” to leave a smile on your face. In a story of contrasts, Mom hates rain, but Nate declares it brings frogs, … Continue reading
The Splendid Spotted Snake by Schwartz and Wilensky
“The Splendid Spotted Snake”grows on you as each page turned reveals an added link to our slithery friend. Kids love the magic ribbon technology as the smiling snake’s cloth body expands to teach a new color. The text of simple … Continue reading
“Art and Max” by David Wiesner
Master painter, Arthur, a work of magnificent reptile art himself, is putting the finishing touches on his portrait when energetic Max bounds onto the scene, ready to paint. New to this venue, Max asks his mentor, “What should I paint?” … Continue reading
“3-D Animal Homes” by Barbara Taylor, Silver Dolphin
A great resource on animal architects, insect cities, water homes and nest builders, this book introduces kids to the language of nature. With captivating photographs and illustrations, “Animal Homes” gives just enough text to teach a child the how and … Continue reading
Posted in 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Book Review
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“ABC Animal Jamboree” by Giles Andreae
Celebrate the alphabet with this party of animals from an angelfish to a zebra with lots of fun in between. The bold, snappy illustrations pop off the page as you imagine “the boa constrictor’s a slippery snake who squashes then … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, Birth-3 year-olds, Book Review, Books, Preschool, Toddlers
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“The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark” by Diesen
Our friend, the Pout-Pout Fish, is back embarking on a new adventure of courage and friendship. Author, Deborah Diesen’s power packed verse draws us into a delightful glide through the ocean of attentive, buggy-eyed sea creatures as Mr. Fish fulfills … Continue reading
“The Junkyard Wonders” by Patricia Polacco
Patricia Polacco’s, “The Junkyard Wonders,” based on her life story, is an inspirational picture of a child’s possibilities not disabilities. Young Tricia anticipated a fresh start at her new school. Her past reputation of being in special classes couldn’t possibly follow her … Continue reading
Posted in 8 years and up, Book Review
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“The Field Guide to Insects” by Silver Dolphin
Get ready for an expedition through the cloud forests of Central America, discovering thriving insects from eight inch butterflies, battling beetles, munching praying mantids or jewel scarabs, the gems of the cloud forest. Written in the form of a journal, Randal … Continue reading
“God is With Me Through the Night” by Julie Cantrell
After family laughs, snuggles and kisses, going to bed alone in the dark is a little scary. Reading God is With Me Through the Night, arms your little one with spiritual principles in the face of fear. Pairing a simple … Continue reading
“Rain Forest:A Journey From the River to the Treetops,” by Silver Dolphin Books
Strap on your boots and rain gear to venture through the entangled layers of the rain forest–discovering their inhabitants, habitat and prey, feeling the sheer immensity of the jungle. Clearly dividing the forest layers from the river, forest floor, understory, … Continue reading





