What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 33

After a few weeks of zaniness, here we are again with a regular old edition of What Rachel Wants This Week! I almost can't believe I've done 33 of these so far. Just goes to show you how much cool stuff there is here that I want to buy... ;)


Charley Harper Flash Cards and Floor Puzzles by Ammo Books
$14.95
Located on the New Titles table and outside the Baby Room

Anything involving Charley Harper is bound to be a staff favorite here at Curious George, and this set of alphabet flash cards is no exception! Staffer Natasha suggested the set should make it onto the blog this week, and since I'd planned to write about it anyway, I happily obliged. Harper's minimalist wildlife art is vividly reproduced on twenty-six 8" by 4" sturdy cards--and when you turn the cards over, they become pieces for two different floor puzzles featuring more of Harper's art! These flash cards are not only great for kids just learning the alphabet, but also great for art-loving adults to frame and hang as decoration.



Western Fun Dinnerware Set by Pecoware
$15.95
Located in the Baby Room

I love fun plates and utensils, like Food Face from the Chrismukah edition of What Rachel Wants, so of course I can't resist this five-piece set. Decorated with retro-style art of a cute child cowboy and his pony, a tepee, and Western landscape and gear. There's a plate with three sections, to keep different foods from touching (I hate it when things touch that really don't go together!), a bowl, cup with a handle, fork and spoon--everything required for a cowboy or cowgirl meal. :)



Bingo Fun for Everyone! by Schylling
$21.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

Bingo is one of those games that just never gets old--and Schylling proves it with this great game set, complete with a mini ball cage, a master Bingo card to hold the balls as they're drawn, and a full complement of cards and colored chips, so you can play over and over again. Whether it's for a party or just a game night with a big family, this classic set is the perfect way to bring Bingo fun to your living room, or your kitchen, or MY living room....


Like Porky says--th-th-th-th-that's all, folks!

What Rachel Wants For a Snowy Day

It's already started snowing outside, and Boston is expecting up to a foot of fluffy white--so I've got my eye on some fun items to keep me busy in case I'm snowed in tomorrow!


Meanwhile by Jason Shiga
$15.95
Located in the Chapter Book Room on the New Titles spinner

This brand-new comic isn't like anything I've seen before, and I see a lot of comics. Meanwhile is a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-style comic that begins innocently enough at an ice cream shop, but ends in any number of bizarre, funny, crazy situations based on what choices you make. Colored lines lead you from one panel to the next and from page to page via tabs, making a reading experience like no other! So far in my perusal, I've eaten chocolate ice cream, met a mad scientist, and read his thoughts using one of his inventions. I wonder what choices I have to make to reach the giant orange squid I spotted when I was flipping through?

Aside from fun art and amazing layout, one of the small advantages to the system of tabs is that it makes it easy to turn straight to the page your choice lands you on--there's less chance of accidentally seeing things that might happen later on in your adventure, because there's no searching through for page numbers. The pages are glossy and sturdy enough to withstand the many readings that this book begs for, it's neither too big to carry around nor too small to properly see the art, and it even has an instruction page to help you sort out the unique reading method. I can't wait to snuggle into a blanket with some hot chocolate and try it out!


Lucky Dragon and Phoenix 3D Puzzle by Puzzled
$14.95
Ages 8+
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

We have a variety of wooden 3D puzzles here at the store, but this one is by far my favorite. With 147 pieces to fit together, it's a surefire way to keep busy on a rainy or snowed-in day, and when you're finished, you've got a really cool and intricate conversation piece to hang up or display on the included stand. Best of all, the lightweight pieces are unpainted, making the puzzle more challenging and also giving the puzzler the opportunity to paint it to his or her own tastes (not to mention that a coat of paint after assembly will help the pieces hold together tightly). This puzzle measures 4"L x 12"W x 16"H, and comes with assembly instructions, as well as fun googly eyes to add a little personality to the dragon and phoenix!


This is Rachel, signing off on a snowy day--catch you next time!

What Rachel Wants for Valentine's Day

I'm pleased to admit that I've never been one of those single girls who hates Valentine's Day because she doesn't have a date. The day is all about love, whether it's your friends or your family or your sweetheart, and I'm a big fan of love. So here's a nice big roundup of some tokens of said love that I want to give myself (because hey, I deserve it):


Valentine's Hand-Beaded Coin Purse by Two's Company
$15.95
Located in the Valentine's display on the Hut

I never really got over my childhood love of beaded things, so these beaded purses are right up my alley! We've got them in three eye-catching designs of pinks and reds that just scream Valentine cheer. My personal favorite is the psychadelic heart purse pictured to the right. The great thing about these is that they're sturdy, and larger than your average coin purse--they could probably even double as a tiny clutch, if you don't plan to carry much stuff on your V-Day excursion this year. The beading is tight, the inside is lined with satiny pink, and they have a pleasantly solid weight to them that I rather like. Just perfect for a little goofy-love-eyes-inducing surprise!


I Heart You Toast Stamper by Accoutrements
$3.95
Located in the Valentine's display on the Hut

What better way to wake up someone you love than with breakfast (or brunch...or lunch!) that tells them you care? Just press this toast stamper into a piece of bread, stick it in the toaster, and when it comes out, voila! A message etched by the flames of your love. (Not really, unless you have a very special toaster, but you could tell people it was etched with the flames of your love.) A sweet, silly, simple way to brighten somebody's V-Day!


Kiss It Make It Better Adhesive Bandages by Two's Company
$5.95
Located in the Valentine's display on the Hut

Love always has its bumps and bruises, but these band-aids are the perfect TLC. Use them to kiss and make up, or cover that burn you got trying to bake sweets for your sweetheart, or as a little reminder to your loved ones that you care. However you use them, you've got 30 tries in one little box to get it right!


Only U Love Pennant by Accoutrements
$3.95
Located in the Valentine's display on the Hut

Let someone know you're in their cheering section with this clever mini-pennant. Painted felt just like the real thing, this fun gift comes with its own heart-adorned envelope that's just the right size, making it even easier to show your romantic spirit. Even better, it's just the right size to adorn a locker or a cubicle wall--and if you put one up for yourself, well, only you will know who it's really from. ;)


Love Pirate Heart Eye Patch by Accoutrements
$3.95
Located in the Valentine's display on the Hut

Do some swashbuckling this V-Day with this awesome accessory! A flexible, bendable plastic patch covered over in satiny red fabric, it's the perfect aid in stealing hearts and looting booty (you know...treasure!). The comfy elastic band will keep your heart in the right place, even through the stormiest seas, and if there are some unexpected kisses, well...blame it on the lack of depth perception.



Also, I'm sure another of the fabulous bloggers will put together a Valentine's book roundup for you all, but I can't resist naming a few titles that aren't strictly holiday related--or even strictly romance. Sure, there's tons of vampire/werewolf/mythical creature love stories out there these days, and some of them are awesome. If you're ready for something different, though, here are a few books you might want to try:

Ash by Malinda Lo
$16.99 in hardcover
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

My staff pick of this book made it into an earlier blog post, but I can't make a list of unique choices for this holiday without including it. In a lesbian retelling of Cinderella, Ash must bear the death of her parents and the cruelty of her status-hungry stepmother, fulfill her bargain with a fairy godmother like none you've ever seen before, and find a way to follow her heart where it leads her--straight to Kaisa, the dashing and kind King's Huntress. This is my favorite lesbian YA novel since Annie On My Mind, and that's saying something.


Feed by M.T. Anderson
$7.99 in paperback
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

In the not-too-far future, the internet has evolved into the Feednet, a constant flow of information and advertisements through a chip implanted directly into the brain. Privacy has become a thing of the past; conglomerates can mine thoughts for marketing data, the government can subpoena memories, and people can speak "telepathically" with one another via M-chat. Titus has never considered a world without the Feed until he meets Violet during a trip to the moon. Violet is different--Violet wants to fight the Feed. It's sometimes hard to find good sci-fi for young adults, and not only is Feed an awesome read, but it's a refreshingly unique futuristic romance.


How They Met and Other Stories by David Levithan
$9.99
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

"...Here are 18 stories, all about love, all kinds of love. From the aching for the one you pine for, to standing up and speaking up for the one you love, to pure joy and happiness, these love stories run the gamut of that emotion that at some point has turned every one of us inside out and upside down." - from RandomHouse.com

I haven't had the pleasure of reading this collection yet, but what better way spend a relaxing Valentine's afternoon than reading love stories? I can't wait to check it out!


Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
$17.95 in hardcover
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

Marcus is wise in the ways of the networked world, and has no problem finding ways to hack his school's intrusive security system so that he and his friends can skip. They get more than they bargained for, though, when they're caught up in the aftermath of a terrorist attack; Marcus is apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security, held captive and interrogated in a secret prison. When he's finally released, Marcus comes home to find San Francisco devolved into a police state. When nobody believes his story and conditions worsening by the day, Marcus has no other option but to take down the DHS himself--with the aid of the fourth girl he's ever kissed, Ange. An excellent geek-chic story with a techno-romance to match!

The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd
$16.99 in hardcover
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

"It’s Dade’s last summer at home. He has a crappy job at Food World, a “boyfriend” who won’t publicly acknowledge his existence (maybe because Pablo also has a girlfriend), and parents on the verge of a divorce. College is Dade’s shining beacon of possibility, a horizon to keep him from floating away. Then he meets the mysterious Alex Kincaid. Falling in real love finally lets Dade come out of the closet—and, ironically, ignites a ruthless passion in Pablo. But just when true happiness has set in, tragedy shatters the dreamy curtain of summer, and Dade will use every ounce of strength he’s gained to break from his past and start fresh with the future." - from PenguinGroup.com

Yet another book on my V-Day to-read list, this one was recommended to me by a librarian friend, and was the winner of this year's ALA Stonewall Book Awards in the Children's and YA category. Looks like Valentine's is going to be all about reading for me this year!


Graceling by Kristin Cashore
$8.99 in paperback
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

We here at the George are big fans of Graceling, and we've blogged about it before, so I'll try to contain my fonts of praise. I can't round up great romances, though, without including Katsa and Po. Their romance is one of the funniest and most appealing I've read in some time, full of obliviousness, confusion, angst and stubbornness. If you're tired of the same old love-at-first-sight storyline, then this is the book for you.




Whew, that's a lot of love! I'll catch you soon for a return to my regularly scheduled What Rachel Wants in the next week or so.

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 32

I'm feeling pretty tense this week, as evidenced by a three-day-long crick in my neck, so I picked out a few things to help me get back into a place of relaxation. Check it out!


Cupcake Soap 3-pack by Two's Company
$12.95
Located on the Hello Kitty table

Fellow staffer Miruna pointed these soaps out to me last week, and we both agreed that they absolutely had to be blogged about. I mean really, who wouldn't want to take a bath with yummy-smelling cupcake soap? I know I do! Three color combos topped with little pink roses, scented like buttercream frosting, and packaged in a cute and convenient box make this set an item not to be missed. The cupcakes also make a great gift--for the upcoming Valentine's Day, or for no reason at all, or for yourself (because you know you deserve it).



Rexlace Gimp/Lanyard Kit by Pepperell Crafts
$9.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

According to Michelle, this stuff is called gimp. When I was a kid, making braided keychains in the summer program at the park down the street, it was called lanyard. I'm sure this is a regional difference, like soda vs. pop, and I may have to buy this just so that I can walk around and ask people what they call it. ;) Aside from terminology research, though, this is a great kit; it includes instructions and supplies for fifteen different projects in a variety of bright colors, even including a bracelet-sized piece of plastic canvas (a favorite item among kid crafters) to use for lanyard/gimp weaving. Repetitive stuff like tying knots to make keychains is just the sort of busy work I need to keep my hands occupied while my brain zones out--I can't wait!



That's all for this week! See you next time.

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 31

It's cold outside, and I've entered that post-Christmas wintertime daze. So I've picked out a few indoor activity items to chase away the midwinter blahs!


Wooden Stringing Beads by Melissa & Doug
$17.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

This set of wooden beads is a huge bit of nostalgia for me--when I was in high school, all the cool kids had keychains and necklaces with chunky letter beads that spelled out their names or any number of other messages (mine said "Let Freedom Ring," not out of any particular patriotism, but because my high school was actually called Freedom). This bead set is much the same, except the beads are wood instead of the ceramic I remember--lighter, more durable, and natural! In addition to a full complement of letters, there are fun-shaped beads in awesome bright colors, and lanyard included to string them on. Of course, awesome company that they are, M&D has also included activities on the back of the kit aimed at younger children, suggestions to help teach letter, color and shape recognition, counting, and fine motor skills. So thanks, Melissa & Doug, for bringing back the trend I remember in an even better form than before! Maybe I'll come up with some other clever phrase to string onto my purse for my tenth reunion this summer....



Shape, Model and Mold set by Melissa & Doug
$21.95
Located downstairs in the Art Room

Another great idea from M&D, this set makes me itch to open it up and play right here at the Chapter Book Room counter (not to mention makes me want to sing Shake, Rattle and Roll). It includes four little tubs of modeling dough in red, green, yellow and blue, and a host of wooden tools for pressing shapes and patterns into your dough creations. Rolling pins, patterned blocks, a wheel press reminiscent of a grown-up sculpting set, and even cute animal molds pressed into the lids of the dough tubs are all tempting and exciting creative opportunities.



Also, for even more color options and mold shapes, try a 4-pack of Supersoft Dough by Alex to complement the fun!





Ok folks, that's it for this week. See you again soon!

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week: Episode 30 (Plus a very special offer!)

Welcome to 2010, everybody! The holidays this year were a wild ride, but here I am on the flip side, ready for more shopping. ;) This week, the first of a new decade, I'm surprisingly focused on favorite toys of the past.

But first, an update/special offer:

Remember back in Episode 22 when I wished my real kitchen was big enough to fit the spectacular Melissa & Doug Deluxe Kitchen Set? Well, my real kitchen hasn't gotten any bigger, but the Melissa & Doug version has gotten even more appealing!

We're pleased to offer FREE DELIVERY to anywhere in the Greater Boston area with the purchase of the Deluxe Kitchen Set (because everyone knows it's practically impossible to drive or park a car in Harvard Square, let alone load it up with a giant box of toy kitchen amazingness). So if you, like me, have ogled this awesome toy in our store but sadly thought to yourself, "oh, but how would I get it home?" then rejoice! With the aid of a magical GPS, we'll bring the kitchen to you!

Now, on to more stuff I want to buy!

Wooden Catch Ball by Toysmith
$4.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

This classic toy is one I was especially fond of as a child--and no wonder, it's stood the test of time for centuries! Descended from the Cup-and-Ball (and it's more difficult cousin, the Bilbo Catcher), this colorful wooden toy is simple, fun, and addicting. It's the sort of thing one could play with for hours (which sometimes is just the sort of thing one's parents want one to do), and we've got 'em!

Jacob's Ladder by Toysmith
$4.95
Located around the Hut and on the Game Wall

Another centuries-old toy, Jacob's Ladder never gets old. Flipping and flopping this easy toy around is mesmerizing to watch, and holds a thrill of engineering mystery that I have yet to sit down and figure out--how could something that looks so straightforward do that? It never fails to make me smile.

That's it for this episode--see you again soon!

What Rachel Wants This Week - Episode 29

Well, I've gotten slightly off-schedule, but here I am on a Wednesday afternoon with some cool things I want to buy!


Animal Tracks water bottle by Crocodile Creek
$11.95
Located on the ground floor near the New Titles

I think I may have posted about a water bottle before, but you can never have too many, and these Croc Creek bottles are awesome! We have a bunch of different styles, but the Animal Tracks bottle is my favorite. It reminds me of going hiking with my dad when I was a kid, and thinking I was super nature girl--I would have loved to have this bottle with me in the hopes of finding tracks! The best part is that there aren't just forest animal tracks, but also penguins, baboons, tigers, and other things I wish I could have found in the woods of Pennsylvania. ;) The bottles are stainless steel, conform to both US and EU safety standards, are eco friendly, and have a great plastic snap cap to cover the sports bottle-style nozzle.




Snifty: The Nifty Scented Pen by International Arrivals
$8.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

They're nifty, they're scented, they're Snifty Pens! I just can't resist these bright, easy-to-find and easy-to-hold writing implements. Scented like strawberries, cupcakes, watermelon and bubblegum, they give a new meaning to the pen-chewing habit (I'm a practitioner, I must admit). The scented part is made with Auracell, which seems pretty cool according to their website, and the whole 4-pack is made in the US, so the set makes a great little gift for kids whose parents want to avoid China-made toys. What could be better? I think I'll take some home with me today! :)



That's it for this week, see you again soon!

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 28

There's a bunch of cool stuff this week, and also an awesome new feature--our resident shipping room king/epic doodler of post-it notes/webmaster has taught me how to put the things I want to buy up on our website, so that even if you're reading this from outside Boston, you can pick up featured items from our store online! I retroactively linked a few items from the last few weeks' posts to get the hang of it, but from now on it will be a regular feature! So if you see something in my posts that you like, just click the picture to order it via our website!

And now, without further ado, this week's choices:

Confetti Glitter Ball by Decor Craft Inc
$4.95
Located in the Hello Kitty display

The general consensus around the store is that these big bouncy balls are made of AWESOME. They have a nice size and heft to them, big enough that they're pretty easy to catch or juggle or bounce without them going wild, and they're filled with a neon rainbow of delightful round sprinkles suspended in liquid, rather like a snow globe. The effect of all those multicolored sprinkles floating around as the ball bounces or gets thrown around is mesmerizing! This is the perfect item to focus and entertain anyone with a short attention span (namely me, as usual) who likes bright colors.

Hink Pink by Discovery Bay Games
$21.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

This game caught my attention because of the weird shape of the box--kind of like a chess piece mixed with a very small guitar case--but it kept my attention because it sounds extremely fun. A Hink Pink is a word riddle answered with a pair of rhyming words, and in this party game players give their teammates riddle clues as teams try to guess as many 1-, 2- or 3-syllable Hink Pinks as possible. It's a fun portable shape, it sounds like a hilarious time, and it sounds like the kind of thing my friends and I might just make up on our own, all of which guarantee it'll be a hit in my apartment, and in lots of other places too!

What Michelle Wants This Week:

3-Headed Dragon Puppet by Folkmanis
$23.95
Located on the Puppet Tree

Our GM extraordinaire, Michelle, pointed this awesome puppet out to me as her must-have item this week--and I completely agree! Equipped with interestingly textured wings, three cute/scary heads with snake tongues and T-rex-ish arms, this puppet uses all five fingers to make fun varied movement. (Michelle wishes it also came with the random bones scattered around the rocky landscape in Folkmanis's photo, but sadly bones are not included.) This item isn't going up on our website, because we've only got two in stock--but if you've just gotta have one, come on in or order by phone (617.498.0062)!

That's it for this week--and that's plenty! Don't forget to check out the new online buying feature, and I'll see you next time!

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 27

Happy Halloween! It's unseasonably warm here at the store, but a little heat can't keep me from shopping--so here are this week's choices.

Collector's Edition Slinky by James Industries Inc.
$8.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

There aren't many toys more time-tested and endlessly fun than the Slinky, and this particular version is perhaps my favorite. It's the smallish metal kind, except this one is black--very chic--and comes in a recycled-paper box with graphics and instructions on it (which just makes the whole thing funny and appealing, because really, who doesn't know how to use a Slinky?). It's compact, it's super fun, it's a most remarkable toy! I want one! ;)

Geometrical Riddles - Master Level by MindTrap
Ages 12+
$9.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

Lately I've been feeling like my brain needs some exercise, and this set of puzzle cards is just the way to do it. Including pattern recognition, geometry and math riddles, each card gives your brain a nice brisk workout. This set would be perfect for a long car ride (or a long commute on the T). We carry the Master and Novice levels in the store, so you can work your brain as hard (or as gently) as you want!

That's all for this week. Have a great Halloween, and be sure to eat lots of candy! :)

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 26

I'm all over the place with my choices this week, because there's just so much cool stuff that I can't be limited to a theme. If you can come up with something that unifies these awesome items, let me know! ;)



Tomo Tomo Eraser/Bento Box by BC USA
$7.95
Located around the Hut

BC USA's adorable "Japanese Erasers" have been taking Harvard Square (and probably other places too) by storm. They make everything from cupcakes to toothpaste to samurai to hamsters, all in pocketable, collectible eraser form. Of course I always want to buy those--I'm a sucker for small cute things that I can line up and admire while my roommate rolls her eyes. This week, though, I'm inspired to buy this little eraser box, which doubles as a tiny bento! It's just the right size (about 4" square, 2" deep) for a collection of eraser food or for a real snack or side dish to slip into my lunch box. It's got two clips on the sides of the lid for an airtight seal, and it's got sweet little woodland or zoo animals on it, to boot! It just doesn't get better than that!


Grow a Crystal Formation by Smithsonian
$8.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

Trust the folks at Smithsonian to come up with something as great as this! All it takes is the base rocks and chemical powder provided, some boiling water, and the kit's blister packaging to grow awesome crystals in green, yellow or blue! The step by step instructions on the back of the package explain the process in detail, including little illustrations, so even the least instructions-capable person can figure them out. I also really like the fact that the plastic blister packaging that the kit comes in gets re-used as mixing and growing cups for the crystals--way to be green and cut down on waste, Smithsonian!


The Wild Things by Dave Eggers
$19.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

I don't usually post about books, because it's a given that I want to buy those, and our other staff pick roundups and other posts often touch on the newest and coolest. Still, since the Where the Wild Things Are movie just opened last weekend, I think I'll take this opportunity to voice my interest in this cool-looking title. According to the awesomely-designed back cover, it's an "all-ages novel" that's loosely based both on Sendak's original Where the Wild Things Are as well as the Spike Jonze movie version. I'll let the book speak for itself, because this quote is what caught my interest: "Who is Max? What is a Wild Thing? Is it ever okay to eat someone's head? What if it falls off? Then can you eat it?" I can already tell that this Max is the kind of kid I want to hang with.

That's it for this week--see you soon!

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 25

I'm all about shapes and patterns this week, it seems! Check out these cool items I want to buy this week:


Buckyballs by Zoomdoggle
$30.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

How they got the name Buckyballs is beyond me, but these 216 magnetic spheres are super fun to play with! Each ball is a rare earth magnet with a positive and a negative pole, so they stick together in chains, squares, and tons of other shapes. Instructions to make a variety of geometric wonders are included, and the balls come in a handy travel case to keep them all together--though their magnetism is fairly strong, so they stick together very well on their own! They can also be mushed up into a shapeless mass that's fun to massage in your hand when your attention isn't focused enough for pattern-making. Best of all, the carrying case and Buckyballs all together are small enough to fit in a purse or tote or glove compartment, making them easy to bring along wherever you're going.


Women of the Ukiyo-e coloring book from Dover, art by Ming-Ju Sun
$4.95
Located downstairs in the Art Room or upstairs in the Activity section

I've been feeling like coloring lately, but the average coloring book is too dull for me. Luckily, we have tons of interesting and unique coloring books to choose from! My favorite today is Women of the Ukiyo-e, a coloring book adaptation of thirty classic woodblock prints and paintings of Japan's Edo period (1615-1867). Not only is each page beautifully rendered, but they all include a snipped of information about the original work and artist. Of course, aside from all that learning, there are also plenty of pretty patterns and kimono pieces that require more delicate attention than the average coloring book, which is just the kind of activity I love.


That's it for now--see you next time!

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 24

After spending last Saturday at NEIBA in Connecticut, I'm back with more enthusiasm than ever! There's lots of great stuff I want to buy this week, so I'll try to narrow it down to the best.


Children's Ukulele by Woodstock
$20.95
Located in the Music corner

This ukulele is a great choice for anyone who wants to learn an instrument. It's small (3/4 standard size), light, and is easy to learn. It comes with a pick, a songbook and illustrated instructions, so you can start learning songs right away! What appeals to me is that ukuleles have only four strings--much easier for me to attempt than a guitar, on which I can play one song badly. :)


Bookmaking Kit by Artterro
Ages 8+
$15.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

Artterro has a bunch of great kits/craft materials sets, but this one appeals to me the most. It includes handmade paper, thread and needles, and instructions/ideas for making your own little books. The paper is beautiful and plentiful (and all post-consumer recycled), making this a great kit for crafty folks who like to make things but don't necessarily know how to do it from scratch.






Tune in next week for more cool stuff I want to buy! See you then.

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 23

New stuff for fall just keeps coming in, and this week is no exception! Here are the things I want to buy this time around:

Purple Night Owl Sillo Purse by Douglas
$19.95
Located around the Hut

I love the fact that owls are in right now--owl stuff is inevitably cute or cool or both--and this plush purse from Douglas is just along the right line! It's uniquely shaped, being long and thin rather than wide, and it's fantastically colorful. The sweet heart-shaped eyes and multitude of polka dots pretty much guarantee my approval! It's got a soft strap and zip closure, and whoooo could resist those floppy wings? We've also got tabby cat-shaped purses in the same line, for all the feline fans.

Acorn Fairy Hat by Cranium Costumes
$11.95
Located around the Hut

It wouldn't be fall without acorns, and this is the perfect headgear for acorn hunting! With sturdy felt outsides, a cute little stem and a handy clear elastic strap, the Acorn Fairy Hat could be a Halloween costume, Thanksgiving dinner couture, or a really fanciful fall-themed yarmulke for Sukkot. The possibilities are endless. FYI, the girl in the photo isn't me, but I think I'd have a similar expression if I were wearing an acorn on my head--but maybe with a little more delight. :)

That's it for this week. Tune in next week for more cool stuff I want to buy!

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 22

There are so many new things in the store lately, and so many older things that I haven't had a chance to post about! How will I ever choose? Still, as I think about it, some things jump out at me. Here's a few of them!

Pairs in Pears and Appletters by Bananagrams
$17.95 each
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

If you like Bananagrams, you'll love these new games from the same company. Pairs in Pears uses four different alphabets of letters, challenging the players to not only make words with their tiles, but also match the letter styles within each word. Appletters uses the first and last letters of words as connecting points for new words, making long chains of gameplay. Each game comes packed in a bag shaped like its respective fruit--a veritable cornucopia of wordy fun! (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Color On! Under the Sea Coloring Roll by Great Explorations
$13.95
Located downstairs in the Art Room

When I was a kid I had a little wooden frame that fit long rolls of seemingly endless paper. The endlessness of it, the way you could make a huge panoramic picture, had huge appeal. This coloring roll is based on the same principle--unroll a ten-foot undersea scene, and you've got a coloring challenge to occupy any number of crayon-wielders for a while!

Deluxe Kitchen Set by Melissa and Doug
$249.99
See a model in our window display!

I spent quite a lot of time earlier this week helping to assemble our model of this set, and it's pretty astonishing. Approximately 3.5' tall by 3.5' wide, this wooden kitchen has working cabinet doors, knobs and faucet that turn, a spinning turntable in the microwave, and adorable graphics. I'm quite in awe of it, and I wish I had space for it in my real kitchen--how meta would that be? Just stock it full of cute toy food and cookbooks, and you've got a kitchen-happy kid's dream fulfilled.

That's all for now--see you next time for more fun stuff!

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 21

Today was a crazy day here at Curious George, what with the Bookish Ball and all--but even when it's crazy, there's always time for me to window shop around the store!

"Home Cooked Cafe" Kiddie Apron by Sugar Booger
$15.95
Located around the Hut

When I was little, I loved helping my mom cook. My favorite job was to rip up the sweet Italian sausage into little pieces for baked ziti--messy, easy, and me helping made my favorite dinner happen faster. I was a pretty conscientious child, but I'm sure I got sausage on my shirt more than once during this process, and this adorable apron would have certainly helped with that problem! It's sturdy washable material with a waterproof coating, has an easy magnetic closure for the neck strap, four little pockets, and comes in a handy zipper storage pouch. What appeals to me, though, is the design--the big bright sun and retro diner motif is fantastic, and makes me want to go out for burgers and pie and milkshakes right this very minute. There's no way this apron would ever fit me, but luckily my cousin has three awesome kids for me to spend money on. :)

Scrabble Carabiner by Basic Fun
$6.95
Located around the Hut and downstairs

Basic Fun is taking travel games to the next level with these board game keychains and carabiners--games I never thought could be so conveniently sized are now ready for play anywhere! This teeny version of Scrabble has a built-in drawer to hold the magnetic letter squares when you're not playing, and a groove where each player can put their squares during game play. This version has less letter pieces than a regular Scrabble set, but that just makes it easier to play a quick-finish game whenever the opportunity arises. I can't wait to challenge my roommate to a mini Scrabble match the next time we're waiting around for the T!

That's all for this week. See you soon, and don't let the rain get you down!

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 20

Wow! Episode twenty already? Where does the time go? Summer's nearly over, but that doesn't make me any less inclined to go shopping--so here are my picks for this week.

Museum Frames by Decor Craft Inc.
$8.95
Located downstairs in the Art Room

I'm sure I wasn't the only child who drew dozens upon dozens of pictures and hung them up in my room, and then charged my parents money to come in and look at them. This giant sticky-note pad with pre-printed museum frames on each page is the perfect accessory for any such bedroom museum or art sale! Just create your art inside of the frame and stick it up on the wall, no tape or paperclips or string needed. It's perfect for any young artist who likes their work to be prominently displayed--including me!

If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch
$5.99 in paperback
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

Our awesome GM Michelle pointed out that I've been buying a lot of books lately, but I haven't posted about a book in a while. I decided to remedy that today! This title is the sequel to The Name of This Book Is Secret, which I staff-picked a while back:

When Cass and Max-Ernest, two fearless young detectives, stumble upon a dangerous mystery involving a box of smelly vials, anything could happen--some things that are even too secret for the narrator to reveal.

When I came in and realized that the sequel had come out in paperback, I couldn't resist! I'm psyched to read about the further adventures of Cass and Max-Ernest. I'm also delighted to report that a third installment, This Book Is Not Good For You, came out in hardcover today! So check out our New Titles racks in the Chapter Book Room for all the excitement.

Ok, that's all for now--see you next time!

What Rachel Wants to Buy This Week - Episode 19

You know, every time I write one of these posts, I wonder if I'll ever run out of cool new stuff to want--but I think it's impossible. There's always something exciting! So here are two more awesome items that I want to buy.

Fun Mechanics Kit: Tin Can Robot by Toysmith
Ages 8 and up
$18.95
Located downstairs in the Chapter Book Room

Science has never been my strong point, but even I get excited about robots! If you're like me and wouldn't have the slightest idea how to build a robot from scratch, this kit is a perfect solution. We have a few different kinds of robots in stock, but I like this one best because it's a fun way to recycle a tin can. I can just imagine the uproar if I sent a Cherry Coke Zero robot after my wary and generally disapproving pet rabbit. I can't wait to try it!

Also John (our shipping room guy/Renaissance man) just alerted me to a similar kit that I hadn't noticed--the Windmill Generator. This kit makes good re-use of a plastic bottle, and building it is an awesome way to learn about renewable energy. Now if I could just rig it up to charge my iPod for me...

Russian Dolls Nesting Bags by Two's Company Cupcakes and Cartwheels
$28.95
Located hanging around the Hut

The only thing that could be better than nesting dolls is a set of nesting doll bags. Three sweet, vivid doll-shaped zipper bags are plastic-covered to keep them from getting dirty, and fit one inside the other for easy storage. They'd make perfect travel companions, easy to find in the depths of a bottomless bag--the biggest one even has a removable wrist strap for easy carrying, and it could be clipped onto the zippers of either of the smaller bags too, or onto all three together to keep them from getting separated while you're in transit. I'm so smitten with them that I got a set for my mother for her birthday, and now I need one of my own, because they're just TOO CUTE!

Ahh, another week blogged, and ever so slowly the terrible heat of August is waning. See you next time!