A while back Dorling Kindersley sent me a couple of books to try out and write a review on, if I so wished.

Both books are written by Dr Miriam Stoppard, most of you will have heard that name before, she is a famous childcare expert that writes various columns for parenting magazines, she is also quite prolific on tv programmes regarding children.

The first book is Baby Games.

Baby Games helps encourage playing simple games with your baby, included is a finger puppet which the games revolve around.

The finger puppet is a little rabbit and is surprisingly well made, in that it doesn’t fall off your finger like the free ones you get with magazines.

The book itself is somewhat akin to a manual, it’s in ring binder form with sturdy cardboard pages. Games include tickling, peekaboo, hide & seek, hopping, making rabbit do different things like waggling his ears, music, dance and bath time. At the back of the manual there is an open out guide with information for parents which includes advice on progress expectations, and information on different types of play.

If you are a confident, creative parent with plenty of experience with children this book may not be for you, it’s very basic and many parents will find the content obvious. If, however, you are a new mum with little experience with babies and feel awkward playing, or, aren’t even sure how to play then this is for you. At £5.99 I thought it was very good value, and perhaps a good addition to a nursery bookshelf, young children will enjoy the interactivity of taking turns with the puppet.

The second book is Baby Talking

Baby Talking is in the same form as Baby Games but instead of a puppet there is a cd with advice on communicating with your baby, as well as quite a few nursery rhymes, some instrumental and some just spoken. Again, for a parent that perhaps lacks knowledge or confidence the book provides ideas on communication, first words, expectations and a fair few nursery rhymes (with accompanying lyrics) which is a great basis to work from. This package is also £5.99 and will be very appealing to a nursery/playgroup setting.

2 Responses to “Baby Games & Baby Talking: Book Review”

1. Mother at Large says:

   June 18, 2007 at 7:56 am

   Thanks – Baby Talk looks interesting. Might buy that for daughter and self. Yes, I’m one of those parents who needs “help” in “playing”. God help me.
2. Little Mummy says:

   June 18, 2007 at 7:59 am

   It’s good value, the cd has a ton of songs, loads that I didn’t know too.