AMAZING BABY — “Touch and Play” Babies and toddlers will love to explore the various colors and textures of this large and colorful board book with everything from soft fabrics like velvet, fur, terry cloth, and satin to rough, fuzzy, smooth, and slick textures. Children use their fi ngers to replicate animals’ movements—up and down & round and round, trace shapes, move fl aps to fi nd what’s hidden, and explore sounds like the built-in rattle and crinkle textures. Ages 12-24 months. The Templar Company/Silver Dolphin; www.silverdolphinbooks.com; $16.

FURRY TALES — These board books encourage pretend play with animal-inspired stories that come with the selected animal’s ears (headband) and tail (clip-on). Children read the book to inspire them to utilize their imagination and become the animal that they are reading about. Choose from four board books—bunny, tiger, monkey, or pig. Ages 18 mo.-4yrs. By Hyperion Books for Children; www.hyperionchildrensbooks.com; $10.

SNAPPY TRAVEL — Children interact and explore diff erent modes of travel in this cool book with magnetic transportation. Children read about sea, air, and ground transportation, and they can then place the various magnetized transportation on the adjoining page. Ages 3+. Silver Dolphin/Advantage Publisher’s Group; www.silverdolphinbooks. com; $13.

1. WATERS LUMINOUS & DEEP — A collection of eight fi ctional short stories takes readers to magical places with vivid imagery and imaginative text. Fantasy, taut tension, powerful heroines, and tenderness make for a page turning read. Ages 12+. By Meredith Ann Pierce; Viking/Penguin Group, Inc.; www.penguin.com; $17.

2. THE SHAKERESS — Readers experience America’s early 1800’s in this novel that takes readers on a spiritual journey through childhood and adolescence. Twelve-year-old Naomi lost her parents in a fi re and is sent to live with her cruel aunt. Naomi and her siblings run away seeking asylum in a Shaker village. While there, she develops skills as a herbalist/healer. At sixteen she has an accomplished vocation and the handsome Joseph Fairbanks at her disposal, but only heeding her spiritual calling will satisfy Naomi in the end. Ages 12+. By Kimberley Heuston; Speak/Penguin Group, Inc.; www.penguin.com; $7.

3. COLLEGE COSTS HOW MUCH?! A WORKBOOK TO HELP YOU SAVE FOR SCHOOL — Th is easy-touse workbook utilizes diagrams, road maps, graphs, and worksheets to guide parents through savings options so that they can use the one that’s right for them. Th e book addresses frequently-asked questions such as the best way to save for college, student fi nancial aid, the diff erence between savings plans, fi nding the best 529 Plan, and tax incentives for grandparents who want to contribute. By Harold Simansky, Educational Investments, LLC.; www.CollegeCostsHow- Much.com; $15.

WHEN KIDS PUSH YOUR BUTTONS: AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT — From parenting toddlers to teens, this book helps parents examine their own ideas and perceptions that elicit rage rather than focusing on the child’s behavior. Learn how to break the cycle of action-and-reaction that hurts you as much as your children through insight exercises, and real-life case studies. By Bonnie Harris, M.S.Ed.; Warner Books; www.twbookmark.com; $23.

4. THE NEW FATHER: A DAD’S GUIDE TO THE FIRST YEARS — Utilizing experts, the latest scientifi c research, and the author’s personal experiences, the book addresses and off ers tips relating to a baby’s physical, intellectual, verbal, and social development; understanding your own psychological feelings; analyzing the baby’s temperament; understanding your partners feelings and the changes in your relationship; becoming an involved father, juggling work and family; and more. By Armin A. Brott; Abbeville Press; www.abbeville.com; $19.

5. AGENT CODY BANKS 2: DESTINATION LONDON — Codie Banks (Frankie Muniz) is back in full spy form ready to unravel intrigues to save the world once again. Running over with super cool gadgets, heart-racing chase scenes and hilarity, Muniz rocks London with the help of his wisecracking handler, Anthony Anderson (Barbershop), and his hip, Brit spy partner, Hannah Spearritt (S Club 7). Special DVD features include video commentary, extended scenes, photo gallery, Easter Egg (hidden feature of video outtakes of commentary), and an interactive quiz that when all 18 questions have been answered correctly grants access to top secret bonus outtakes of bloopers. Rated PG. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment.; www.mgmhomevideo.com; DVD/$27; VHS/$23 (Available July 13, 2004).

POTTY POWER! — Children can watch other multi-cultural children as they go through the important and positive steps of potty training. The video is broken down into easy steps that focus on the pride of independence, the joys of being diaper-free, how to pass time on the potty, potty hygiene, and the benefits of underwear. Musical sing-alongs and a humorous fairy tale, “The Princess and the Potty” help make learning about the potty extra fun! A section for parents answers frequently-asked questions about potty training. Ages 18 mo.-3 yrs. Thinkeroo/Mazzarella Bros. Productions; www.bigkidsvideo.com; DVD or VHS/$15 (Available July 13, 2004).

6. SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANT’S SPONGEGUARD ON DUTY — Kids are sure to enjoy seeing SpongeBob Squarepants and friends as they embark on their humorous nautical adventures from the beach to the high seas. The 89 minute, DVD features “SpongeGuard on Duty,” “Naughty Nautical Neighbors,” “Walking Small,” “Pressure,” “Jellyfish Hunter,” “Nasty Patty,” “Doing Time,” and “Clams.” The Special Features Storyboards include “Sponge- Bob on Duty” and “Clams.” Not Rated. ParamountPictures/Viacom Co.; www.paramount.com/homeentertainment; DVD/$17.

MOST AMAZING DINOSAUR SONGS — Combining theatrical quality recordings and innovative song writing, with adults and children singing together, the CD presents educational songs that are as fun as they are informative. The album includes original songs written by Leib Ostrow and Dennis Westphall as well as new lyrics and arrangements to traditional sing-alongs. Ages 4-7 Music for Little People; www.musicforlittlepeople.com; CD/$7.

7. DREAM A WORLD: A CHILD’S JOURNEY TO SELF-DISCOVERY — This award-winning, 17-track CD & book activity set teaches children about the importance of having and achieving their dreams. It utilizes creative arts like original pop music, drawing, stories, poetry, song writing, spoken word tracks, and creative exercises to inspire positive self-development. Ages 6+. Kids Creative Classics/BrassHeart Music; www.brassheartmusic.com; CD/$17.

HOME ON THE RANGE — The 15-soundtrack CD features the songs from the animated musical-comedy-adventure, Home on the Range. Eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, returns with his original score as well as five new songs with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Musical performances by award-winning artists Bonnie Raitt, K.D. Lang, Tim McGraw and the Beu Sisters make for an all around terrific album. All Ages. Walt Disney Records; www. DisneyRecords.com; $19.