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By Mom Unplugged, April 19, 2008 9:46 am

I am excited to report that in honor of Turnoff Week, Brad Hauber of Bubblegum Books is kindly offering Unplug Your Kids readers a 20% discount on any of Bubblegum’s books ordered through their website. Not only that, but the books will be autographed by author Julie Goulis!

The Bubblegum books (all by Julie Goulis and illustrated by John Ferguson), The Things a String Can Be, The Topsy-Turvy Towel, and Something Shiny, Something Round, are all about the joys of imaginary play and even include activity ideas related to the story. Unfortunately they won’t get to you in time for Turnoff Week, but they are a worthy addition to your children’s personal library for anytime.

If you are interested in this offer, head over to Bubblegum Books before May 1st and do a little shopping. Simply enter the code: unplug (must be all lowercase) when checking out, and a 20% discount will be applied to your order. Thanks Brad!

(While you are over there, print out some free coloring pages or a word search puzzle from their Goodies page.)

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By Mom Unplugged, March 7, 2008 1:41 pm

For the last few weeks I have been talking about The Bubblegum Books TV Turn-Off Week contest: Show Your Shiny Side (open to all preschool and elementary-aged kids, whether traditionally schooled, or homeschooled - deadline is next Friday, March 14th). The contest is based on a neat book entitled Something Shiny, Something Round by Julie Goulis and illustrated by John Ferguson.

I have a fun surprise today: Brad Hauber of Bubblegum Books very kindly sent me an autographed (signed by author Julie Goulis), hardcover copy of their book Something Shiny, Something Round to give away on my blog! Thanks Brad!

The book’s rhyming text tells the story of three children playing outside on a snowy day. While they play, they come across a shiny, metal hubcap in the snow. The children imagine all sorts of different things that the hubcap might be and the colorful illustrations show their imaginings inspired by the shiny, round disc: a pirate adventure at sea, a warrior with an ancient shield, etc.

One of the most fun things about this book are the activity ideas at the end based on some of the children’s adventures. This is a very clever and useful tie-in to this story of children engaging in simple, imaginary fun.

There are two other books in the series (also by Goulis and Ferguson): The Things a String Can Be (the theme for last year’s TV Turn-Off Week contest) and the most recent, The Topsy-Turvy Towel. Let’s hope that Bubblegum Books continues this very worthy series.

I am so happy to be able to give away a book that really illustrates and encourages imaginary play. This seems to fit in so well with my recent posts about the newly discovered benefits of simple, creative play (Imaginative Play and Cognitive Function and Creative Play Makes for Kids in Control), as well as the Shiny Side contest.

So, if you are interested in winning this autographed book, please leave a comment. I will close comments next Friday night and will randomly draw a winner who will be announced here on Saturday, March 15th.

Even better, is that you have TWO chances to win. Head over to Wildwood Cottage where Jenny is also giving away a signed copy of Something Shiny, Something Round. She too, will announce her winner on Saturday, March 15th.
Good luck!

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By Mom Unplugged, March 14, 2007 10:17 am

No, this is not another post about my two favorite obsessions mess and stuff.

1) CONTEST DEADLINE

Today I just want to remind everyone that the deadline for entering the “My String Is A…” contest is on Friday (March 16th). Click here for the details.

Brad Hauber from Bubblegum Books found my blog and left the following comment regarding the contest:

“Thanks for posting information about the “My String Is A…?” contest. While it ends March 16, we (Bubblegum Books) plans to team up with the organizers of TV-Turnoff Week again next year for another contest. We’ll keep you posted. Take part in TV-Turnoff Week. Read a great book that will spark the imagination (like “The Things A String Can Be”). Thanks. Brad Hauber - Bubblegum Books”

Thanks Brad! Please keep us updated on your contests.

2) TV-TURNOFF WEEK IDEA

I thought that in honor of TV-Turnoff Week we could try a little experiment. I plan on trying out my very own Mr. Linky for the first time. During that week I would like any interested bloggers to write a post about what your kids are up to instead of watching TV. You could even post a picture of their artwork, anything at all! All you will have to do is link to your post with Mr. Linky. TV-Turnoff Week begins April 23 so you have plenty of time to think about it. We will probably be a small and intimate group judging by my readership numbers so far, but it could be a fun way to observe TV-Turnoff Week. What do you think? If you think it is a good idea, please help spread the word!