The Toddlers Busy Book Reviews

• A great resource, even if you have plenty of activity books

  
  By on 2000-06-15
  Trish Kuffner writes, "Toddlerhood is a precious stage in the life of both parent and child, and one which can be enjoyed immensely if you are prepared to slow down a little, sit on the floor a lot, and worry about picking up the toys only when your child goes to bed at night."

  The toddler age is the most mystical age for child and parent - you'll never again have such a rich opportunity to entertain your children with ordinary items and activities!

  Kuffner gives us an enormous number of ideas for fun things to do with our children. This is an arts and crafts type of book, and she does something I haven't seen in other activity books. She spends a chapter telling you how to organize for a toddler. She also provides a list of items to buy and old household items to save (dried magic markers, for example).

  The rest of the book is laid out equally well. There are chapters on rainy day play, water play, kitchen activities, outdoor adventures, how to entertain the kids when you're on errands or travel, nursery rhymes, learning activities, music, arts & crafts, and even birthday/holiday activities. The appendix lists craft recipes, "crazy can" activities, and best toys/books for toddlers. Very comprehensive and varied.

  Reading through this book makes me want to do most of the activities myself if my toddler doesn't want to!

  My husband tends toward other fun activities rather than arts and crafts when he entertains the kids. But even he flipped through the book and got interested in some of the activities.
  
  

• Great for new AND veteran moms alike

  
  By A27KLNGISNRZ4N on 2001-07-26
  Parents know that it doesn't take expensive toys and gadgets to entertain a toddler. Any old box or wad of tissue paper will do!

  When Trish Kuffner put together "The Toddler's Busy Book", she was keenly aware of this fact, being a mother of five herself. Within the over 500 pages, you will find a multitude of ideas for keeping your little darlings busy and entertained, without spending a fortune. In fact, many of the items used in this great book can be found lying around the house.

  Ms. Kuffner includes sections on organizing for a toddler, how to plan your activities, what to keep on hand for quick crafting fun, and even ideas for a weekly activity planner. Chapters include topics such as rainy day play, kids in the kitchen, water play, outdoor adventures, and ideas for keeping kids busy on long car rides. You'll also find a large array of favorite nursery rhymes and finger plays, and great ideas to help develop a love for music in your child.

  There's an entire section dedicated to crafts and activities, another for birthdays and holidays, and a useful section containing recipes for all types of homemade play doughs, clays, paints, and more. Many of the ideas in this book are so simple, you may find yourself saying "Why didn't I think of that!". Kudos to Ms. Kuffner on creating an excellent resource for parents of busy little toddlers!
  
  

• Handy Ideas for "Quality Time" with Toddlers & Preschoolers

  
  By on 2003-06-14
  In the USA we generally refer to a child as being a "toddler" between the ages of 18 months and 3 years of age. However, my 5-year-old "preschooler" enjoys many of the activities in this book as well as his almost 2-year-old sister. I have learned that the best "gift" a parent can give a child is his/her undivided attention for a period of time. I have personally found that by spending one-on-one time with each of my children, even if only for 5-10 minutes one or two times a day, there is a positive change in the daily demeanor and degree of cooperation I get. They look forward to it. It's not that I can't think of things to do with my children, but on one of those really difficult days (I'm sure you know what I mean), it's a big help to glance quickly at some creative simple ideas to choose from. Also, this book comes in handy when a play-date becomes boring or unfriendly. When I am able to redirect the unhappy kids to the kitchen table for a "mommy supervised activity" from this book, the enthusiastic smiles almost always instantly return. When my daughter was born, and big brother's jealousy was on the rise, I used many ideas in this book for the much appreciated one-on-one time... "mommy/big brother time" -- without baby sister. Along with "The Toddler Busy Book", I also recommend another helpful little book filled with positive discipline suggestions for parents of 2-5 year-olds called "The Pocket Parent." I like the easy reference A-Z format of this trouble-shooting guide that addresses many of the most annoying behaviors that too often challenge my sanity. These two books have brought more peace to our family, more cooperation from our children, and more ways for us to enjoy one another.
  
  

• a blessing for caretakers of young, energetic children

  
  By A2C27IQUH9N1Z on 2003-02-14
  I was home with a sick toddler and a cranky youngster the day this book arrived, and it saved me. The first page I flipped to had an idea for a simple game that I put together in two minutes and had us all laughing for twenty. Bless you, Trish Kuffner!

  This book is nicely organized. A chapter of introduction helps you plan, supply and mentally prepare for those long days when you are running out of ideas. The author writes with humor and affection. Subsequent chapters are organized into Rainy Day Play, Kids in the Kitchen, Water Play, Outdoor Adventures, Out and About, Nursery Rhymes and Finger Plays, Early Learning Fun, Music and Movement, Arts and Crafts, and Holidays. Most activities are simple to set up, generally using about three or four household items. Appendices list recipes for basic paints, doughs, glues and clay; a list of activities for a Crazy Can (a random drawing of activities that aren't messy and need little supervisoin so you can, for example, get dinner ready); best toys for babies and toddlers; best books for same; and resources. The index lists projects (but not materials, which would be helpful in later editions).

  The book subtitle, 365 Creative Games and Activities to Keep Your 1-1/2- to 3-Year-Old Busy, sells the book short, as I've used these ideas successfully with older children as well.

  For those of us who are not good at dreaming up artsy fun things-to-do, this book is a wonderful resource. For those of you who *are* good, you will probably still find some fun ideas in this well-organized, friendly guide.
  
  

• OK but you have to be "crafty" and have a big house

  
  By A291V6DBU2E0IB on 2003-07-28
  I got this book when my daughter was 1 yr in anticipation of toddlerhood. When I read it I was really excited about all of the good ideas in it, but many didn't work out, or required better craft skills/ supplies/ more setup time than I have. For example Kuffner suggests making nesting cups out of old tin cans--I have yet to find a tin can without a SHARP inside edge. She recommends making shakers out of old containers filled with beans or stones...my daughter got all the glued-on lids off,except the screw on ones, leadng to a big choking hazard. (you're supposed to use a glue gun,which I don't have) So you have to have your own good judgment on safety, and supervise closely. Also, lots of the ideas take up space, so if you live in a 2 bedroom apartment as I do they're tough. And, many kept my daughter's attention for about 30 seconds, after taking 10 times that to set up.

  That being said, I'm still using it-alot of ideas work better now that my daughter is three. But I'm not buying Kuffner's preschooler book, I'm going to shop around and see if I can find something that better meets my needs.
  
  

• The best of the toddler activity books
  By AHXDOJXE2DLYV on 2001-11-22
  Well structured and chock-a-block with ideas. I have bought and borrowed over 10 similar books and I think that this book is the stand-out of the genre. The ideas for busy little people range from the "can do it on the spur of the moment" to those that require preparation and advance planning. For the latter, a wonderful list of "what to save" is included to help parents start their own resource centre for toddler activities. The rainy day ideas, busy box concept and travel bag have been sanity savers. Most activities teach toddlers something interesting while they have fun. Quite a few of the activities are also suitable for (or can be modified to suit)older babies. This has been a wonderful resource for our family. We dip into it regularly and it has helped us plan some great party and playdate afternoons too. Very highly recommended.
  
  
• Great Resource
  By A30H2335OM7RD6 on 2001-09-17
  This book is FULL of ideas that you can do with your toddler. Many of these use simple supplies that you have around the house. Some of these ideas take a little bit of planning. However, most of these ideas are easy and cheap to set up and fun to do. A lot of these ideas are things that once you have demonstrated how to do the activity, your toddler will not need your help. Some of these ideas are meant to be mother/father interacting with the child.

  My only thought would be that if you are a fairly creative person, many of these things you can come up with on your own. For example, freezing colored water and putting the ice cubes in a plastic bag to melt.

  One thing I particularly liked was that the activities were geared to a variety of the sences. Some activities were smell oriented for example. Some activities were directed towards the other sences of taste, touch etc. Other activities worked on small motor skills and others dealt with large motor skills.

  If you want a wealth of ideas that are easy to impliment, fun to do, and fairly cheap to make this book would be a great resource.
  
  

• more than a book of activity ideas
  By AP9GZ04E6BEWB on 2004-10-11
  I have twins. They're one-and-a-half, and some days... well, some days they're difficult, let's say that. I bought this book because I know that they are far less likely to get into mischief and/or crabby fits when I have something for them to do (or, more commonly, something planned that we can do together). Having read the entire thing cover-to-cover and made a (very long) list of the activities that I think will work for my kids RIGHT NOW, here's what I want you to know about this book:
  
  It includes something for everyone -- every ability level (child and adult), every area of intelligence (child and adult), and ages far beyond three (some adaptation may be needed with older children).
  The author wisely recommends that adults who use the book take the time to do some advance preparation, for the greatest success and enjoyment. She also includes some ideas that take almost no time to set up and cost next to nothing.
  There's a strong emphasis on letting a toddler be his or her own person -- on NOT doing the work for him/her, even when it's messy; on finding ways to let him/her "help" you with chores; on accepting and CELEBRATING the exuberant, loud, all-over-the-place energy that comes with toddlerhood.
  I'm finding that it's a good resource for directing my shopping for "play stuff." I'm now officially on the lookout for cookie tins from yard sales, plastic scrubbies, and clear contact paper, as opposed to buying stuff that my kids may have no use for in the next two years.
  
  In short, I'm finding this book to be helpful in structuring my life with toddlers, not just an idea book. I don't know that I'll use EVERY suggestion, but there are MANY that will be used over and over again. It's money well spent.
  
  
• Word of Caution
  By A37E2B31UYS4FS on 2006-01-04
  I hesitated to write a review but after reading farther into the book I had to. The author suggests using such things as balloons, marbles, pennies, etc. as part of her activities which I strongly feel are not age appropriate "toys". I know some will read this and think that close adult supervision is all that is needed, however, if you're contemplating buying this book, you probably know how quick a toddler can be.
  
  With that said, there are some good suggestions in the book, my daughter enjoys them. Some though I will keep until she's a little older.
  
  
• Have fun with ordinary things around the house!
  By A2G8CP472GQYNP on 2003-08-19
  This is a great book for anyone on a budget or who just likes to re-use ordinary things from around your house. The activities are fun, yet simple. It includes a great list of things you should stock in your "craft cupboard", so, you'll always have needed items on hand. Don't throw away that toilet paper roll or those plastic milk caps! I will buy this book as a gift for the next time someone I know has an infant about to become a toddler!
  
  
• Really horrible book
  By A1B7HB3EZA97WH on 2006-11-17
  Like everyone of you, I am crazy about my toddler. I got this book and the book of Wendy S. Masi' Toddlers Play. The comarison: day and night. Kuffners book might have 365 activities, but it really bad organized. I am a first time parent, so I need some help/guidance; thsi is why I baught this bbok.
  
  There is nothing to guide me on which activity is for what age group, so I don't know if an activity is for 18 months or 24 or 12 months- ie amI challenging my toddler, am I boring him or amI providing him with the right fun activity for his age??? Some of the activities are too obvious- it seems like the author wrote down anything she could think of just to fill in 365 activities in the bookl and there is you see the author's luck of creativity and/or knowledge of the subject. Also the descriptiosn are very brief with limited illustrations.
  
  I really don't understand why anyone will give 5 stars to this book. I don't care about the money I spent for the book. I care that I ended up with something that I can not really use to provide my toddler with fun. For that reason I strongly recommend the othe rbook (Wendy S. Masi's book). Yes it has 100 instea dof 365 activities, but it is colorfull, easy and pleasant to read and each activity is marked by an ege indicator. Look at the 'look inside' of both these books and you will see what I mean.
  
  Good luck + have lost of fun with your toddler(s)!!
  
  
  
  
• Bargain book purchase
  By A38MX1WDHSG0ST on 2005-02-04
  I had this title saved in my shopping cart for weeks. I had read all the reviews for this book and all were encourging except maybe one or two. Thankfully I hadn't made my purchase because I caught a glimpse of "The Toddler Busy Book" under a stack of books at my local bargain store.I was going to purchase this book on amazon but I'm glad I didn't. I paid $1.98 and got my money's worth. Some of the activities are thoughtful and creative. But most are symplistic and unimaginative. -I wouldn't need some one to suggest giving my toddler a full kleenex box so they could pluck out every tissue for ammusement.
  
  
• Books with QUICK Ideas that Restore My Sanity
  By A30R2MUXPWP0OJ on 2006-03-04
  I just love the size and large easy to read print in this book. Each suggested activity is clearly displayed and explained simply. That is the beauty of it. No need to get too many things that you don't already have in the house. If you have a toddler...this will help keep him or her busy and happy during what could turn into challenging times of the day. I would like to recommend another book to go along with it if you have a toddler or preschooler called THE POCKET PARENT. It is also a small book that clearly addresses many ideas to choose from...relating to challenging behaviors of 2-5 year olds; like hitting, bedtime and mealtime refusals, tantrums, sibling fights, bad words, lying and whining.
  
  Both THE TODDLERS BUSY BOOK and THE POCKET PARENT are consulted often in our house for quick ideas to choose from...especially on those days when I'm feeling drained--almost unable to think. Hundreds of ideas in the 2 books that will help keep parents sane.
  
  
• review of busy book
  By AAWQOESYCTRDF on 2001-03-07
  I disagree with the reviews written so far. I bought this book expecting to find activities to occupy my very active 23 month old. Maybe my child is already too old for some of the activities, but she was bored with many of them (and some took a good amount of time to put together). Some hits were recipes for homemade clay and play with jello. The book also needs organization by age.
  
  
• Quick Access Books for Busy Parents of Toddlers
  By ATDG0G41ABUFK on 2005-11-27
  "The Toddler Busy Book" includes a variety of fun activities to offer a toddler (as well as older sibs in our house). I don't prioritize much time to read books these days, so I really appreciate the larger, brief print and simple drawings that enable you to open the book and glance at almost any page to quickly get an activity to try. I also like the fact that you don't need too many special supplies.
  
  I'd like to also recommend another quick-read trouble shooting book that I refer to over and over called "The Pocket Parent". It addresses all the challenging behaviors typical of 2's, 3's, 4's and 5's (like tantrums, sibling fights, whining, bedtime, lying, interrupting, the gimmes) with very practical bullets of advice.
  
  These 2 books are great for busy parents. You do not need to read either book cover to cover. You simply can consult the handy references as you need them...both are small books that you can easily take with you to restore your sanity wherever...whenever the need arises.
  
  
  
• Inspiration to Moms
  By on 2000-04-20
  We all wonder, are we doing enough with our kids? Trish Kuffner answers this question for us in the intro--she is very encouraging to us moms and others caring for young children, saying that just from being with us day to day, they're learning. That said, she then gives 365 ideas of things to do instead of watching TV. These ideas are easy to implement and I have several that I can't wait for my 19 month old to try.
  
  
• Too Much Prep
  By A1M1F73GJYD85O on 2003-04-30
  I bought this book because I was running out of things to do with my toddler. I thought I could get a couple of quick ideas with this book, which I did. My complaint is the list of things she says you always need on hand. I almost passed out when I saw the list of items, it looked like she was stocking a classroom for a busy pre-school. I, like many people, do not have an extra closet to store all of the items she suggests to have.
  
  
• If you're not a naturally creative person, buy this book!
  By A2CMP30BJQTJUO on 2006-08-07
  I'm not naturally creative. I have 3 kids, 4 and under, and I really just do not know how to play with my children. I'm definitely stronger in the cuddling, holding, rocking, feeding, and all the nurturing side of motherhood, but when it comes to things as simple as knowing when to get the play-doh out, I need some guidance.
  
  I loved how this book is broken down (in the kitchen, out and about, rainy day activities, etc.) and I especially loved the "box" ideas (busy box, baker's box, etc.). I used to be a preschool teacher and even then, I just needed specific guidance when it came to arts, crafts, music, play, anything "fun" or "creative."
  
  The ideas in this book are simple, straight-forward, doable, and "real," as most of the ideas can be put into action, instantly. Having 3 kids, 4 and under, I don't have the time for elaborate art projects/crafts, especially when it comes to preparing and getting all the items together.
  
  I also bought The Preschooler's Busy Book....both definitely worth the price.
  
  
• Wonderful book packed full of fun ideas!
  By on 2000-04-08
  This is a great book to help keep those little ones busy. As a stay-at-home mom of a 19-month-old, we often run out of ideas of fun and original things to do. Not anymore! This book covers it all--from rainy days to outside play--it's all in here. Best of all, there are not a lot of things that you need to go out and buy to do the craft projects. Most of the things you need are things you hav in the house. This book is well worth the money!
  
  
• Not Impressed!
  By A140B2O3EQKMDL on 2005-05-02
  I was not impressed with this book at all...It really doesnt take a lot of imagination to give your child a box to play with...I am much more impressed with An encyclopedia of childrens activities..over 600 in all..
  
  
• Terrible!
  By AIN2GPIZZZ2D2 on 2007-04-13
  I thought based on many of the reviews this book would be a creative fun way to help my toddler develop and flourish. It is TERRIBLE! Unimaginative. Literally, one of the activities is making a "noodle" necklace - not with macaroni, but here's the big twist - with ziti. What a waste of money - I could have enjoyed a couple of lattes. You will be sorely disappointed in this book if you have ANY resources (memories from childhood, TV, internet, half a brain...)
  
  
• Quick Read Idea Books Are Great!
  By AQ10Q0LP8LZ6J on 2005-08-06
  I love this book! It is filled with so many easy to do fun activities with a toddler. I don't have much time to read books cover to cover, so I really appreciate this book which enables you to open it to almost any page to quickly get an activity to try. I also like the fact that you don't need too many special supplies.
  
  Another quick read trouble shooting book that I refer to over and over is called "The Pocket Parent". It addresses all the challenging behaviors of 2's, 3's, 4's and 5's (like tantrums, sibling fights, whining, bedtime, lying, interrupting, the gimmes) with very practical bullets of advice.
  
  These 2 books are great for busy parents. You do not need to read either book cover to cover. You simply can consult the handy references as you need them...both are small books that you can easily take with you to restore your sanity wherever.
  
  
• Some unhelpful suggestions
  By A3O150W7TZ6280 on 2005-09-04
  There is actually an activity idea in this book to give your toddler a full box of kleenex and let them pull out the tissues one by one. Something I would NEVER encourage a toddler how to do--or they will be doing it all the time, whether you want them to or not. I was hoping for more craft ideas, but the book tending to be more passtimes than anything else. Helpful for some, but not what I was looking for.
  
  
• For Older Toddlers
  By A1K1PYF3SQVKPW on 2007-01-09
  I bought this book hoping it would have lots of things for my 18 month old to do. Most of the activities are too difficult for him. I would guess the child should be at least 2 if not 2 1/2. I will use some of the ideas when he gets a little bit older because they look like a lot of fun. Just keep that in mind when ordering - even though it says 18 months old and up, the average 18 month old can't sit and do most of these activities.
  
  
• For Mom's Who Need a Little Direction in the Creativity Department
  By A39RKVGR1LTZRN on 2007-03-27
  As an ex-business professional and now stay at home mom, I found this book to be the PERFECT addition to my library. I am not one of those mom's who can come up with a new, great, and entertaining way to interact with my child daily. This book was exactly what I needed to give me specific activities and adaptations as well as to spur my own creativity. I also appreciated that most of the items she suggests using are common household items. We live overseas where craft supplies are expensive, but luckily I have many of the household items she uses in abundance. Great book for the housebound mom who wants to give herself and her child a little bit more. If you are looking for a very crafty, extra-ordinary book and already have your toddler scheduled with fulfilling and developmental activities, you would probably be disappointed with the everyday-ness of this book. I for one think it is the best thing that has happened to my toddler and myself.
  
  
• Great book!
  By ACTEXXHJ98JUQ on 2000-06-22
  I'm a first-time mother of a toddler (born 12/29/98) and am amazed at how many terrific ideas this book has! I highly recommend it for mothers of toddlers.
  
  
• Not that great
  By A14F61BGL7MYG4 on 2007-04-10
  I have a very active almost 2 year old at home. This book seems to be written for people with little or no imagination whatsoever!! Many of the activities we have already tried, some of them my son came up with on his own! Also, you better have a huge amount of storage for all of the craft/used items you need to play some of these games!
  
  
• What a great book!
  By A1324T375Y1LQJ on 2001-08-26
  As a stay at home mom, I am always in search of activities for my toddler. Not only does this book have some great ideas, they were fairly inexpensive as well. Some activities she can do by herself, once I've shown her an example, while others I get to participate in. This book has certainly given me a lot of inspiration to be the best mother I can be!
  
  
• Get Creative
  By A2FA56Q9BASC09 on 2002-04-13
  Want to get your creative juices flowing? But this book and it will start you thinking of many very fun (and practically free!) activity ideas for you and your toddler. Want to play with play dough? It's twice as fun to make it at home. Also included are recipes for paint, clay and mysterious concoctions like "magic mud". Don't throw away that cardboard box! Use it to make a toss game or fort. Build castles with blocks of paper bags stuffed with newspaper or make a noodle necklace. Your toddler doesn't like the game right now? Who cares, these projects cost pennies to make! Toss it and try again in a few months when you child's interests and abilities have changed. It's much better than throwing your money away on cheap, ugly toys from a store and what a great way to help your child learn to use his or her imagination and discover their own power to create wonderful things.
  
  
• Nice ideas and a good understanding of toddlers
  By A1TLY6OPA0WLY2 on 2005-08-10
  This book contains lots of cute and simple ideas of things to make for your toddler to play with. I found lots of ideas that also gave me an understanding of the level of play and interests I could expect from my toddler - and the all important suggestions of what he might like (from someone obviously quite experienced). All the suggestions seem to be geared to absoutely lowest cost for maximum immediate benefit.
  The reason I didn't give it 5-stars is because the suggestions are really quite simplistic and most require time to make and set up. Some turned out to be impractical (i.e. food dye and paint stains clothes & tiles).
  
  

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