Children learn to love music at a young age, dancing in Kindermusik classes and library story times, and while watching the “Imagination Movers” or “Sesame Street” on television. In some, their passion for music extends for years, serving as an outlet for much teen angst and rebellion. For others, it instills discipline and sticktuitiveness. Music […]

I was thrilled when the Yogurt Tap opened in Decatur, but I had to have a hysterical mom moment before I embraced the place my 3-year-old daughter now calls the Treat Store. I composed a brief, desperate e-mail to the owner: “Is your product sweetened with corn syrup? No judgment, just wondering!” She immediately responded […]

These tunes about backyard animals are catchy without being grating, educational without being boring. Characters range from the sweet, such as a red bird and lightning bug, to the slimy, such as a toad, snail and slug. My 3-year-old loves every song. The title track is her favorite. “Slimy neighbors slinking by the front door […]

Caspar Babypants sounds familiar because you’ve heard the singer before. Only then as the lead singer of The Presidents of the United States of America. Chris Ballew has put out his third album of catchy, upbeat children’s tunes. They’re reminiscent of the simplicity of his rock ‘n’ roll songs (think “Peaches”). In addition to originals […]

A recent New York Times article claimed that pictures books have declined in popularity in recent years. That’s a shame, because vibrant, fun and sophisticated picture books with modern stories to tell are being released in a steady stream and are worthy of attention. A recent example is Moon Rabbit by Natalie Russell. The simple, […]

Jessica Soler and her three kids love animals. And it shows. At their Tudor-style home in Decatur, there are dogs Bear and Bijou, a mouse named Jerry, two frogs and fish in the koi pond. The family loves Decatur because of its friendly neighbors, as well as being able to walk anywhere they want to […]