I seem to have acquired quite a few titles in the last few months which would all be very suitable for stocking up a baby’s bookshelf. Perhaps you have a new bub in your circle to whom to gift a personal library. If so any or all of these would be very appropriate and, I’m confident, welcome.
Hello Little Babies – Alison Lester
Harper-Collins
ISBN: 9780733330414
ISBN 10: 073333041X
Imprint: ABC Books – AU
On Sale: 01/12/2016
List Price: 24.99 AUD
No matter where they are, what their cultural background, babies all have so much in common. Whether they are sleeping, eating, playing or moving each little individual’s progress over their first year is a delight to their parents. Six tiny newborns are cuddled, encouraged, played with, read to and comforted by their mothers and fathers.
With Alison Lester’s usual delightful illustrations in a cameo style this will be a favourite read for little ones.
At the Zoo I see [Young Art Series] – Joshua Button/Robyn Wells
Magabala Books
February 2017
ISBN:9781925360455
RRP $9.99
This delightful board book is the first in a new series from the wonderful Magabala people showcasing the artwork of young Indigenous artists. The format is extremely simple. Each page features an animal that might be seen at one of Australia’s zoos but each also uses an interesting adjective to describe these, broadening the vocabulary and aural experience of little listeners. Come and see the pacing jaguar or the queenly cassowary and be part of the great zoo adventure!
Highly recommended for little ones from birth to 3 years or so.
I Can Use My Potty sticker reward book : Bloomsbury Activity Books
Bloomsbury
March 2017
ISBN: 9781408879061
RRP $9.99
Well, if you’ve had children you’ve been through the toilet training routine. Some are so easy and some are just downright difficult! It is entirely possible that something like this might help to encourage those who are finding it tricky to get the hang of the whole business.
Along with the text of the how, what, why etc of using the potty there are pages of ‘charts’ for stickers – for after naps, after meals and before bed and so on.
If this is a problem for anyone you know, it certainly would be worth a try!
Princess ; Lift-the-flap Friends
Bloomsbury
ISBN 9781408864142
Pirates ; Lift-the-flap Friends
ISBN 9781408864050
Like all lift the flap books, children will love discovering the hidden treasures that await. Each page has multiple flaps so there is plenty of fun to be had. The flaps are a good size as well and these are nice chunky board books made to sustain lots of pawing!
Others in the series are Dinosaurs, Space (reviewed previously here) and Fairies. These are a huge hit in our childcare centre and no doubt will be popular with small ones of your acquaintance.
Dozy Bear and the Secret of Sleep – Katie Blackburn. Illustrated by Richard Smythe.
Allen & Unwin
ISBN:9780571330195
Imprint:Faber Children Pb
May 2016
RRP $14.99
And to top things off, let’s put them to sleep. Bedtime can be an issue not just for little ones but for older children as well for one reason or another. Miss Small, not unnaturally, has often had some difficulties with sleep in the past two years since we lost her mum. It has taken a lot of reassurance and patience to arrive at a point where she is now sleeping happily in her own bed in her own room.
Dozy Bear wants to go to sleep. He knows he’s tired but he just can’t seem to get there. With the help of some useful strategies from his parents and grandparents, Dozy discovers the secret to relaxing mind and body so that sleep can come blissfully.
This is a terrific book for ‘easing the drama of bedtime’ and I highly recommend it to any parent or carer who faces this problem.
Just So Stories 