Children's Book Review

The Playdate Kids: The I Like Me Dance
by Tim Friedlander
ISBN-10: 1933721073
Review by Heather Froeschl

What is the best message a kid can understand? “The I Like Me Dance” by Tim Friedlander spells it out clearly…to like yourself! Just right for preschools, daycare centers and kindergartens everywhere, this book with accompanying CD is going to be a fun chance for kids to dance!

A visit to the zoo with The Playdate Kids leads readers on a dance through exhibits of EAR-lephants, RhiNOSEros’, T-EYE-Grrs, and ELBOWa Constrictors, as the CD plays a delightful song, “I Like Me.” The song speaks of liking my fingers and toes, ears and nose, liking myself night and day, that we’re all perfect in our own way, and to tell yourself that every day. The beat is just perfect for a zoo setting and will soon have children dancing and singing along. The illustrations, by W.M. Edwards are inviting and fun, showing the familiar Playdate Kids making faces or holding their breath as they groove through the zoo. The youngest readers will delight in pointing out animals and hearing this positive message.

This fun book is a must have for anyone who has young children in their lives. What 3 – 6 year old doesn’t like the zoo, or to dance? The underlying theme, and clear message of self love is most important, and it is done in such a delightful way that kids will be clamoring to hear the song and do the dance every chance they get, reinforcing this significant lesson. It’s a perfect non-quiet time activity for story hour. I am thrilled to see this simple and inspiring set and trust it will fast become a favorite.

Tim Friedlander is a talented author and musician who has training in music and psychology. His work with The Playdate Kids Musical Series shows promise of a bright future, for himself, and his readers. I can’t wait to see what else he does!

Children's Book Review

The Playdate Kids: Island Potty Party
by Tim Friedlander
ISBN-10: 1933721154
Review by Heather Froeschl

Listen to the steel drum band! “Island Potty Party” is perfect for those little ones who want to be like the big kids. Tim Friedlander sings to an island beat so kids can learn the invaluable lessons of potty time. An exciting new twist in toilet training, “Island Potty Party” is going to be a big hit.

Starting out with those delightful Playdate Kids at the beach, a younger brother needs a little help. He has to go and doesn’t know what to do. Big sis shows him where the bathrooms are as the kids conga dance to the accompanying CD. The song explains just what to do from lifting the seat to washing the hands. Each line of lyric is colorfully illustrated in the book by W.M. Edwards. The song and book continue to explain that everyone, everywhere uses the potty, from the fireman to the teacher, to mom and dad and even the cat. At the back of the book there is an age appropriate explanation of what happens to our food and why we all have to go. At the very end of the CD, a toilet flushes, signaling the end. Just another humorous touch to lighten things up.

This is a fun and different approach to something every parent must go through…potty training their young ones. It is much more entertaining than any other similar book I’ve seen. Perfect for the youngest child, parents are sure to be pleased. You could even keep the CD handy to play in the appropriate room of the house at the appropriate time. This is a great tool that I only wish had been available years ago.