Time For Bed

Mem Fox, Jane Dyer.

This is a great book to help establish that ever essential bedtime routine for even the smallest baby. The repetitive rhyming story and the soothing illustrations are a great way to signal to the little one that it is time to sleep. There is something cathartic, too, for a parent to read about the mundane daily acts of caring for a child. Perhaps it is that it helps one to reflect on the actual significance of the things that can seem so small...

I Met A Dinosaur

Jan Wahl & Chris Sheban.

Of all the dinosaur books I've had to read lately, this one is by far my favorite. First, I like the fact that the protagonist in the story is a girl. I don't want my daughter to feel like she can only like princesses and flowers so it's nice to see stories that depict girls who have a broader range of interest. I also enjoy the way famous paintings are suggested in the illustrations. I always appreciate it when authors and illustrators make an effort to amuse the parent as well as the child. There is also a little fact page in the back with some information on the dinosaurs mentioned in the story just to get in a little dose of science facts.

Old Bear

By Jane Hissey.
This is a very cute story about some stuffed animals who work together to solve a problem. Old Bear needs to be rescued from the attic and the toys try several different plans until they achieve success. The illustrations are charming. They remind me of something I would have seen in a PBS day time show in the early 90s--but I mean that in a friendly, nostalgic way. The "Old Bear and Friends" books were actually made into a TV series, so maybe I really did see them. The most endearing thing about Old Bear and his friends is that they are all modeled after actual toys the author and her children have in their home. Other books in the series include:




Little Bear's Trousers
This is an amusing story which chronicles Little Bear's search for his missing trousers. Aside from the fact that I like to say the word "trousers," this book has in it some quirky humor which can amuse both parent and child.








Hoot
I don't like this one quite as much as the other two but it is still worth reading. This story offers an interesting explanation for where all those missing socks might be.

Spring Thaw

By Steven Schnur. Illustrated by Stacey Schuett.
This is a great start of spring book that will help kids become aware of their environment and the changes going on around them. The text is simple and focuses on the details which announce the approach of spring--a change in the air, water dripping from the snow-covered roof, the appearance of mud under the snow. The illustrations are lovely and help to make alive the freshness and anticipation spring brings. Most are also painted with a unique perspective--helping the reader to focus on and appreciate anew the details of nature we too often take for granted.