Wonderplay

As a first time parent I bought *every* book out there that was labeled "interactive and "developmental" - I could've saved all my time and money had I just discovered "Wonderplay" first!It is by far THE BEST book out there! It's ideas come from a Parenting Center in New York which is what sets this book apart from others - these authors know FIRST HAND that these ideas WORK!The layout is great - starts with play with Children of All Ages, moves to Birth to Six Months, Six to Twelve Months, One-Year-Olds, Two-Year-Olds and lastly Three-Year-Olds. The ideas that they list are all age appropriate, quick, easy and inexpensive!A MUST HAVE FOR FIRST TIME PARENTS!!

Wonderplay is a very useful and creative resource for parents. I am very impressed with the amount of crafts and games for the very young-- birth through two years of age. The book incorporates songs, games, play ideas, sing-a-longs,and crafts. The format is very easy to read, and it is also extremely easy if you want to find a quick activity or song if you have only one or two minutes to do so-- or as in my case many times-- a nursing or sleeping infant in my arms! I found it funny that it is sometimes hard to remember all the old nursery rhymes, fingerplays, and games of childhood. This book has some old favorites, plus many great new ones. We have been the type of parents who want to stimulate our son, yet not be too pushy. The Wonderplay book has been a great reference for us.

I recently bought this book to find new games to play with my 16 month old son, as an alternative to TV. It has been wonderful! Not only do we use the one year old section, sometimes I find things in the sections for younger or older children as well. I am looking forward to the arrival of my second child in October so I can try some of the activities for infants with him/her.

This is a wonderful book. I received it as a gift from an expectant mothers' group I belonged to, from a friend who had received it from someone else. It's easy to read in small sections, which is about all I can manage to do with taking care of the baby. The authors really understand about babies and what they like to do and to play with. I can't wait to give it to someone else so I can share what a treasure this book is.

First of all, it starts with six-month-old babies with activities they can really do and benefit from. Second, it uses stuff that you really do have around the house, like pillows and blankets. I go mad with frustration when I have my 3-year-old all geared up for a great project and then realize that the seventh thing on the "You Need" list is a styrofoam vegetable tray that I don't have. This never happens with Wonderplay, because the activities are elegantly simply -- and inexpensive! And they really do foster creativity--my child's, not mine!