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Thank you to my 150 or so consistent fans for visiting my site daily, even during  my move when I've been mostly absent!

Since I don't have time for very many crafts, and my hard drive is somewhere between New York and Las Vegas with my thousands of files, I thought I'd do some book shout outs as well as some methodology here.

This is a definite plug as well as a genuine recommendation for 3 books illustrated by artist Marc Lumer. He is actually the one who designed my logo and I love it!!!

His latest book, pictured "Torah Book of Opposites" is a fun and great read for Toddlers. We recently did a review and giveaway of the book that was sponsored by Hachai, the publishing house. The illustrations are fun, the words simple, and it's a great way to reinforce both the Judaic aspect- Torah, as well as the concept of opposites!

Other books Marc has illustrated are Hashem is Here, Hashem is there, Hashem is Truly Everywhere" a whimsical rhyming book taking you to some of the places God can be found; and "The Ballad of the Yarmulka Kid" which is a book going through the Yarmulka song by LA based band Eighth Day. Also fun and quirky- and as a bonus, you get a cd with the song on it to listen as you read. What's really nice, is that the song is fairly slow and not too verbose, so children learning to read can probably follow along.

** Have a book you think I might enjoy reviewing? Just email me at info@playfulpreschool.com

 
 

And the winner is.... Comment #4 Rivka! Congratulations!
Hachai Publishers recently released a new title "The Torah Book of Opposites" and they sent me a copy to review, and a copy to give away. Author Nechamy Segal and illustrator Marc Lumer collaborated to create a fun and informative book discussing the Torah's components and what we do with it. It's published as a board book- so it's safe for small hands, but I love that the size of the book is larger, and therefore can actually be used in a classroom without forcing kids to strain their eyes.

The book is a great way to reinforce opposites, as well as to teach about the Torah. If you have older children, you can use the simple phrases as discussion starters. 

Al in all, a great read as well as a fantastic teaching tool! 

Now you can win a copy too!

This contest will end Monday, April 30 at 9:00pm Eastern, and is open internationally.

To enter:

1. Like Hachai, then the photo advertising this book on Facebook and comment back here letting me know that you've done so- This step is required for additional entries

2. Comment on the photo of the book

3. Follow Playful Preschool on Twitter

4. Comment on your favorite blog post from my previous posts telling me what you like about it, and then comment here telling me that you've done so.

Good Luck!


 
 

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winners April Dawn Lister has won the Classroom Pack, and Maryashi won the Crafter Pack! Thank you to everyone who entered! Stay tuned for more giveaways in the future!
Here it is! The review and giveaway you've all been waiting for!

I first discovered Mabel's Labels back in 2009 in- wouldn't you know? my preschool classroom! I still remember  noticing the bag tag on one of my student's lunch bags, and thinking "i'm so getting those when I have kids!" Well, little did I know, I didn't really need to wait to have kids- the labels are great for everyone!

Mabel's Labels sent me 2 great sets of labels to review, and they'll be sending two lucky winners a set of labels too!

The first set they sent me is the Crafter Pack. It comes with 48 labels, half red, and half blue that list just about any crafting item that you may use, and then a couple that you wish you did. What I love about the labels is that the text is such a vivid and easy-to-read white font, and the surrounding white border really draws your eye so that you can easily find what you're looking for. As you can see in the photos below, the stickers work well on metal, wood, and plastic. The stickers stick fast and well, but are removable for the most part if you need to reposition them. That being said, they're meant to be permanent. What I love most about them is their versatility for me as a preschool teacher and crafter- these labels work in both the classroom, and at home!

The second set that was sent to me is the Classroom pack. This pack would really work in any classroom, preschool or elementary school. The quality matches the crafter pack's, and the label size is the same. But though the font is still easy-to-read, it's a bit more cutesy/fun, and each label has a smiley face next to it! The labels include labels for seasonal items like a Thanksgiving label, as well as everyday items like erasers. There are also great labels for some of the various typical preschool centers such as blocks and books. And just in case you're missing some critical labels- can't really imagine which- but just in case, there are some custom label packs as well, so that you can enter whatever text you need on the labels.

Finally, when I ordered labels for the second time for my son, I thought- "What about me?" And so I ordered some labels for my personal preschool supplies- it's impossible to be a preschool teacher and not bring your own stuff in at least sometimes! I label my books, toys, and supplies, and nothing ever gets lost!

Now you can win some labels too! One lucky winner will win a Crafter Pack, and a second winner will win a Classroom Pack courtesy of Mabel's Labels!

Here's how:

1. Like Playful Preschool on Facebook

2. Comment with your favorite of my previous blog posts.

3. Like Mabels Labels on Facebook

4. Follow Mabels Labels on Twitter

5. Comment telling me what your favorite Mabels Labels product is

6. Subscribe to the Playful Preschool RSS feed.

7. Vote for me (Nechama Levin) in the March Madness tournament on Facebook.

Unless you don't have Facebook, step 1 is required. Each step is a separate entry, and requires a separate comment below letting me know what entry you completed. For Facebook and Twitter related entries, please post your profile name so that verification is possible if necessary.

This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada only.

Giveaway ends March 31 at 10pm.