Like many kids, I wanted to be a guitar hero, jamming with friends and soaking up the spotlight. Although I already enjoyed the piano and the flute, but I struggled to get my small fingers to stretch to reach the guitar chords. And all due respect to Jethro Tull, it is hard to rock out with the flute.

Learning a musical instrument is far easier during childhood and First Act Discovery makes a series of high quality steel-string acoustic guitars sized just right (30″) for little hands. And at $30 these guitars are sized just right for your budget…

Juice Box Heroes,the new CD by the Imagination Movers, has been continuously playing in my car for months. The Imagination Movers, an alternative rock band for preschoolers, makes upbeat, energetic music with witty lyrics that even parents can love.
Since Baby Mwah and I are fans of their music, we were excited to get a chance to interview the band at the Disney Music Block Party Tour.  The Imagination Movers are Rich Collins, a former journalist and father of five young children; Scott Durbin, a former award-winning teacher and father of two young children; Dave Poche, a …

 I love singing and dancing with Baby Mwah. It’s my favorite way to pass the time. Aside from being lots of fun, music is good for babies and children. Numerous studies have shown how music stimulates cognitive development and helps children with language  development and communication skills. Dancing and moving along to music builds motor skills, and it is a great bonding experience for parents and children.  
I’m constantly on the lookout for new family friendly music. I recently received five new CDs from Disney Music to review. I’ve been playing them …

 While Baby Mwah sleeps peacefully a night, he is not a good napper. It’s like he senses that something fun might be happening. So at the slightest sound, he’ll wake up from his nap, start cooing and want to play. As irresistible as his coos are, I know that he gets really cranky in the evening if he skips his afternoon nap.
I’d received a review copy of harpist Merry Miller’s Dream Baby CD a few weeks ago. This CD (peaceful lullabies with sound effects like flowing streams, singing crickets and chirping birds) is popular …

When I was growing up, Hippos Go Berserk by Sandra Boynton was one of my favorite books. That book taught me how to count, and I loved reading it over and over again. So it’s not surprising that I have a fondness for the lively, silly cartoons and cheerful, pudgy hippos in Sandra Boynton books.
I received a review copy of Blue Moo: 17 Jukebox Hits From Way Back Never by Sandra Boynton. Blue Moo comes with a CD of 17 witty songs with a nostalgic 50s and 60s vibe.  My favorites are “Speed Turtle” sung by …

Since Mama-to-Be really loved Little Laureate’s “My World” Educational DVD series, we’re going to give one lucky Mamanista reader the chance to win all three Little Laureate DVDs. (Click here for full review.)
We also have a gift for all Mamanista readers– an exclusive Buy 1/Get 1 Free coupon for Little Laureate. To redeem your coupon at www.littlelaureate.com, put 2 items in your shopping cart, then enter the coupon code “Mamanista.” Your second DVD will be immediately credited to your account. The coupon is good through the end of December 2007.
Win …

I recently had the chance to review the “My World” educational DVD series by Little Laureate. Little Laureate’s aim is to expose children to art, music and world culture.
There are currently three DVDs in the My World Series. Each DVD comes with a 60-minute CD of classical music and a 24 page book of art history, family art activities and parenting tips.
“My World Gallery” features masterpieces by 45 artists synchronized with a fully-orchestrated score that includes Mozart and Beethoven.
“My World Adventure” features art, architecture and animals from all the continents …

Name Your Tune is a special, sweet gift for any child in your life. My baby had the most comical look of surprise and delight the first time the CD player sang out her name. Children need to know that they are cherished–and hearing her name as part of her favorite songs will delight your child.
Each name is recorded individually by the artists themselves and more than 2800 names are available. The musicians add a special twist on the traditional children’s songs, jazzing things up a bit on …

Between supper and sleep time, we find time to relax. Baby Diva is a perpetual motion machine so it is important to try to wind her down a little before bed.
Siente is a beautiful soundtrack for some quiet pre-bedtime cuddling and has become part of our nightly ritual. Keep reading for a chance to win this beautiful collection of lullabies for future linguists.
The simple melodies, slow rhythms, and Patrice O’Neill’s lovely voice lull you to a more tranquil place. Even looking at the cover art makes me …