The Alphabet Book w/ Camera

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful w/ Bonus!
Review: A great book in and of itself, but allowing for "personalization" of alphabet w/ familiar items--ie Zoe, the family dog, for Z makes it extra special.

***AND BONUS! although not mentioned in description, the book comes w/ a disposable camera/film (27 exp) to make the picture-taking part of the whole package. Fantastic gift!

Rating:
Summary: Great idea, imperfect execution
Review: I bought this book for my daughter because she is obsessed with the alphabet. The concept is terrific, the personalization of the alphabet to help the child learn more words and to see how those words relate directly to their immediate world. But the inclusion of a disposable camera is kind of silly. Especially if you're incorporating pictures of your own child, you'd be better off going digital (if you can do it), because it's going to be nearly impossible to get 26 perfect shots for the book. One way or another you're going to be investing in extra film.

A far better place to put the money would have been to use sturdier paper (the pages are glossy, but the paper is definitely not going to stand up to heavy use) and protective sleeves for the photographs, on the order of a photo album. The author instructs the user to gluestick the photos onto the pages, so the finished uBook is going to be something you'll have to guard from a kid's natural tendency to pull things apart. The spiral binding is nice, but the pages are really kind of chintzy considering the $25 price tag. When the uBook arrived in my mailbox I couldn't help but be disappointed with the value I got for the money I paid. I'm sure my daughter will like the finished book, but it's going to be a long time until I can trust her (and some of her little friends who aren't as respectful of picture books as she is) to read it independently without fear of all my hard work turning into a shredded mass of glossy paper and ripped photos. It's a pity, because the concept had so much potential.

Rating:
Summary: Fun and Educational - a book all about you!
Review: Kids love to see themselves in print! We've given this book to many friends' kids and it's wonderful to watch their reactions as they read it. The fun begins as soon as they open the book and see their own reflection in a mirror inside the front cover. Each page can then be personalized by inserting photos of family and friends. It's great to hear the gasps of surprise and giggles as kids recognize the "characters" in the book. They never seem to tire of seeing familiar faces and objects in their own book. We'll continue to give this book to everyone we know.

Rating:
Summary: Fun and Educational - a book all about you!
Review: Unlike most alphabet books, that are filled with ants, balls, cars, ducks... This book is filled with images that are directly related to your child. A is for the Aunt Anne, B is for Bamboo (our Jack Russell Terrorist).

How is this done? The framework is built and all you need to do is add your own pictures. Our Nephews really love their books and it their mom reports that it was very easy to put it together.

I really like this book.

Rating:
Summary: Your Child's Own Story
Review: Unlike most alphabet books, that are filled with ants, balls, cars, ducks... This book is filled with images that are directly related to your child. A is for the Aunt Anne, B is for Bamboo (our Jack Russell Terrorist).

How is this done? The framework is built and all you need to do is add your own pictures. Our Nephews really love their books and it their mom reports that it was very easy to put it together.

I really like this book.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book with camera!
Review: What a great idea! This book is a terrific learning experience for children of all ages, but especially younger children who are beginning to learn the alphabet and/or associate letters and words with pictures.

The free camera allows the user to use his imagination in photographing an object for every letter in the alphabet. Our two year old daughter loves leafing through book, remembering the pictures we took and associating them with the letters of the alphabet. It's a must have book for a child's collection!