Return to story

No one's too little to enjoy reading

April 10, 2007 12:35 am

" READING WITH Babies, Toddlers and Twos" by Susan Straub and KJ Dell'Antonia would make a perfect new-baby gift, along with a copy of "Mother Goose" and "Goodnight Moon."

The authors draw on their own parenting experiences, their professional lives (Straub runs a program that encourages teen parents to read with their babies, Dell'Antonia is a writer), and myriad interviews with librarians, teachers and booksellers to present up-to-date, accessible information about reading with the youngest children.

The first chapter sets the tone--practical, reality-based and humorous--as the authors contrast the vision an expectant parent might have of reading to baby with what actually happens.

Rather than quietly drifting off to sleep as you snuggle her close and read a bedtime story, your baby may insist on holding the book upside down, listen happily for two pages before heading off to play with a toy, or chew on a corner of it as you do your best to get through the last few pages.

Nevertheless, the authors urge parents to smile, breathe and persevere. To make it easier, they fill the book with lists: "Ten Picture Books We Dare You Not to Enjoy," "Binkys, Blankies, and Stuffies: Books about First Friends," even "Well, WE Think These are Funny."

Each chapter ends with "Ages and Stages," a quick overview of what to expect and activities you can do to build on children's abilities. A chapter on screen time (TV, computers, etc.) and how to use books for the big issues (potty training, big kid beds, etc.) round out a useful, easy-to-read book that should be well-thumbed by the time the baby turns 3.

Keith Baker's picture books are just right for this age group. "Big Fat Hen," his lavishly illustrated version of the old counting rhyme, is a staple at the library's Mother Goose Time programs, and his new book promises to be equally popular.

"Hickory Dickory Dock" presents the familiar nursery rhyme with a few new verses. A pig, a snake, even a porcupine visit the striking clock, and each one leaves in a rhyming couplet. From "The clock struck two and away she flew" for the bird to "The clock struck ten away to her den" for the bear, the text is pleasingly rhythmic.

The illustrations, composed in Adobe Photoshop, are bold and energetic. As the hours tick by, the sky gradually darkens, until at midnight, the full moon wishes the little mouse goodnight.

There can never be enough books about the unconditional love between a parent and child. The latest entry is "Only You" by Robin Cruise, with pictures by Margaret Chodos-Irvine.

"When the sky glows peachy-rose at dawn I love the way you stretch and yawn," the book begins, and the text follows baby and parents as they go through a day of adoration, loving "your knees, your toes, your feet your voice, the words you say the way you stretch and sigh," until bedtime when "I love to watch you dream, so deep."

Chodos-Irvine uses a variety of printmaking techniques to depict the texture of a baby's blanket, colorful autumn leaves and the soothing patterns of the night sky.

Pair this with Remy Charlip's "Sleepytime Rhyme" for a reading session that is sure to leave everyone feeling warm and cozy together--even if your baby crawls off partway through!