Product Roundup

 We Love It... and you will too!

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

I Am a Force of Nature

A beautifully-illustrated board book encouraging kids to explore their feelings and the world around them. Offers a great message that we can find the same brave, playful, colorful and crabby qualities found in animals and nature within ourselves. $8.95, ages 1-3 years, Shambhala. com

The Lively Forest by Ginalina and illustrated by Kelley Wills

A beautiful story rooted in the diversity of the west coast forest biome and the joy of outdoor community. Features jaunty, lyrical text, harmonious and folky illustrations, and imaginative and compassionate suggestions on how to help the environment. $15, ages birth-8, beautifulworldbooks.com

The Play Kits

A subscription, stage-based learning program designed to promote healthy brain development during the early years of childhood. The Kits deliver every 2-3 months and feature age-specific toys made with sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, nontoxic paint and baby-safe plastics. $80; ages birth - 4 years, lovevery.com

You Are Magic

This debut album explores the silly and sensitive sides of childhood through lighthearted, upbeat and layered songs. Exudes positivity, fun and imagination. $10, ages 3-9, tenderlovingempire.com

Preschool Genius

A set of dry-erase activities and games with a genius twist. Includes beautifully illustrated activities that cover core learning outcomes as well as offering challenges like code-breaking and mapmaking that stimulate open-ended problem solving and creativity. $27.95, ages 3-6, amazon.com 