Have a new baby? Here are a few books good for the baby, the
toddler and the emergent readers in your family.
Babies Ruin Everything by Matthew Swanson, Illustrated by Robbi
Behr
Big Sister is not ready for her new baby brother, “Why am I
the only one who sees the truth? WEE
NEED A BETTER BABY!!” But she eventually comes around and decides to be a
better sister. As a result, she says, “This baby is pretty darn smart. It’s
clear he knows that I’m the greatest sister in the world.” For any new big
sibling who might have a hard time accepting the new baby, this is a sweet take
on a hard topic. (Baby with a toddler sibling)
The Mixed-Up Truck by Stephen Savage
Sharply drawn primary colors display a number of trucks and
building equipment. The cement mixer does not know what cement looks like, so
begins with flour, then sugar and makes a cake and frosting. Finally, finding
the cement, the truck helps to build a building and everyone is happy. Simple
text, simple pictures, perfect for a new baby of either gender. (Baby)
How to Find a Fox by Nilah Magruder
A little brown girl sets out to find a fox; she travels with
her camera ever at the ready and a backpack full of supplies. The fox is
predictably sneaky, staying one step ahead of the girl, and sometimes one step
behind. But, the fox-hunter will not give up and eventually succeeds in getting
her wish, a fox sighting worthy of a fox hunter! (Toddler)
If I Could Drive, Mama by Cari Best, Pictures by Simone Shin
A large dose of imagination goes into Charlie’s day in his
cardboard car with his Mama. They visit the nail shop, the dress shop, go to
lunch, the park and the pool. Charlie is tireless, but Mama needs a nap at the
end of the day. The language is exuberant and the pictures are appealing, but
at times there are too many words on each page for a toddler read. (Toddler)
Old Dog Baby Baby by Julie Fogliano, art by Chris Raschka
Unpretentious poetry and simple watercolor drawings combine
to make a sweet book about the baby and an old dog on the kitchen floor.
Perfect for any family where the dog is an important part of the family, not to
be excluded when a new baby comes along. (Baby)
Daddy Depot by Chana Stiefel, illustrated by Andy Snair
Lizzie is tired of her dad’s tired jokes and football
watching. When she sees an advertisement for the Daddy Depot, she thinks this
is the perfect solution, a way to find the perfect dad. But, each dad she
examines has some large flaw and predictably she ends up with her own dad who
turns out to be perfect for her. (Emergent Reader)
Everywhere Wonder by Matthew Swanson, illustrated by Robbi Behr
Do you know a child who questions everything with wonder? Or
a child who needs to learn how to question? This is a perfect book for either
of these children. A young boy rides his bike everywhere and sees the wonder of
the world all around him. There is so much you can talk about on each page, you
might want to read just a page or two at a time and let the wondering begin!
(Toddler and Emergent Reader)
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
A wonderful wordless picture book that can be used to start
story telling in a myriad of ways. A young person leaves school and finds a
young wolf who is separated from its pack. The child carries the wolf to its
family and then the wolves protect the child who is now lost in a snowy world.
Themes of friendship, caring for nature, reciprocal favors, family love are all
evident and ones that fit into many classroom units. (All ages, no words, so
you get to make up your own!)
Spring Hare by Eugen Yelchin
A delightful wordless picture book that explores
imagination, bright skies and the meaning of the word “spring.” The
intertwining of experiences for a young girl and a flying rabbit make this a
fun book to explore with early story tellers. (All ages, no words, so you get
to make up your own!)
Pigloo by Anne Mare Pace, illustrated by Lorna Hussey
Pigloo is the baby of the family and he dreams of being an
explorer. While the reader is first led to believe that older sister, Paisley,
will not go exploring with Pigloo, or even support his endeavors, it turns out
that Paisley is a great older sister. Once the snow starts to fall, Pigloo is
ready and the adventure begins. A great story for young ones who like to
pretend. What could be better on a cold, wintry day? (Toddler and Emergent
Reader)
Pablo in the Snow by Teri Sloat, illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet
Little lamb, Pablo, adventures out into the snow, sledding,
throwing snowballs and building snowmen. But, when it is time to go home, his
footprints are gone, he is not able to find his way! Of course all ends well
for the little lamb as his family finds him in the snow and leads him back to
the warm barn. (Baby and Toddler: This one will be saved for a toddler who
knows a lot about little lambs!)
The Storm Whale in Winter by Benji Davies
Recalling the story of how Noi and his father rescued a
whale, Davies returns to the small island lighthouse to tell how Noi goes on
another adventure. e Noi is a loveable character who conquers his own fears to
help others. When he gets in trouble on
the snowy sea, trying to find his father
who has already been rescued, the whale rescues Noi. So the story that started
in the first book has come full circle. (Emergent Reader)
