Baby Beluga    As usual, it's hard to go wrong when you take a great story and put it to music.  In this tale we follow the daily adventures of baby beluga "in the deep blue sea" as he dives and spouts, cuddles with his family, and swims past a variety of arctic neighbors.  Very soothing, and a nice introduction to this part of the world.

For even more fun, read along with Raffi's music CD of Baby Beluga

 

Brown Bear, Brown Bear,
What Do You See?
By Eric Carle

"...I see a redbird looking at me. Red Bird, Red Bird, what do you see?"

This is the classic book by Eric Carle that my toddler class is crazy for. The predictable pattern of the story and text helps toddlers anticipate what will come next. Subtly works in the learning of colors and well as animal names.

But Not The Hippopotomus!
by Sandra Boynton

All the animals are having fun, but not the hippopotamus -- what's wrong? Not a thing, she just needs a little encouragement and kindness. This funny book by Sandra Boyton with its great rhymes and illustrations is also a great lead in to talking about shyness -- or as we like to call it these days, being "slow to warm up".

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

"It has letters in it!"
"And they're all climbing up the coconut tree at the same time -- what's going to happen?!"

This book with it's catchy rhyme patterns will introduce toddlers and preschoolers to the alphabet letters in a fun way that they will enjoy for years to come. All my students (from toddlers to kindergartners) have loved Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

The Little White Duck
by Walt Whippo, Bernard Zaritsky, Joan Paley (Illustrator), Bernard Zaritzky

The picture book to accompany the Raffi song by the same name. Everyone's "doin' what they oughter" in this tale of pond life.

 For the music, check out:

 

Everything Grows, by Raffi Contains the popular sing a long story song: Little White Duck (Sittin' In The Water)  1. Bathtime, 2. Brown Girl In The Ring, 3. The Little House, 4. The Mountain Polka, 5. Savez-Vous Planter Des Choux, 6. Mary Wore Her Red Dress, 7. Eight Piggies In A Row, 8. Let's Make Some Noise, 9. Everything Grows, 10. Ha Ha Thisaway, 11. Teddy Bear Hug, 12. Saturday Morning, 13. Little White Duck, 14. Haru Ga Kita, 15. Just Like The Sun Listen to Sample

 

 



 

 

 

 

Wheels on the Bus

This delightful version appears set in the French countryside, with a few farm birds thrown into the jouncing, bounding busload of passengers. 
 

Great go with's:

"Barney's Adventure Bus" DVD

Includes Barney and the gang singing wheels on the bus as they travel to the circus, a castle, and a western singalong.

 

Little People Beeps the School Bus

 

 

 

 

Spot On The Farm
by Eric Hill

A great board book for toddlers -- a group that is gaga for Spot and for farm animals, so of course it makes sense to have 'em both in one book!

 

 

 

I Spy Little Numbers
by Jean Marzoll0, Walter Wick

2s and 3s who love puzzles and challenges will devour these inventive little search and find books.  Parent and child read/play together encourages number learning, and hunting for the numbers amidst the jumbled odds and ends develops the pattern recognition skills that help pave the way for reading.

I Spy Little Letters

 

 

 

 

 

 



Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
by Eileen Christelow

It's the classic story song and fingerplay of five little monkeys doing what they love best.  The funny twist that gives kids a giggle is Mama Monkey jumping on the bed after all the little ones are fast asleep.  Warming:  don't try this book at bed time!

 

Jamberry Board Book
by Bruce Degen (Illustrator)

This is a sumptuous book, to be loved by kids from toddler hood up to early grade school.  The text is wonderfully rhyming and inventive, and the pictures are gorgeous and very appetizing!  We always pretend to eat the berries heaped up at the end!  Better have plenty of jam & toast and berries available for snacking.

"One berry Two berry Pick me a blueberry..."

The Napping House
by Audrey Wood, Don Wood (Illustrator)

This is a great book for kids to grow on as they find new levels to love and appreciate as they get older.  The story builds with rhythmic repetition as, eventually, everyone finds themselves in Granny's bed for a nap on a rainy afternoon.  A great snuggle story.

"There is a house, a napping house, where everyone is sleeping..." (more)

Activity ideas for this book

Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?  
by Dr. Seuss (Hardcover)

 Copying Mr. Brown's silly sounds is a great way to promote language development.  And this shorter version of the classic book features sturdy board book pages, plus all the usual wacky word play of Dr. Seuss. (aka Theodore Geisel)

Max's New Suit
by Rosemary Wells

 Ruby has decided that Max must dress in his best sailor suit for the elegant party she is having for her stuffed animals. Independent toddler Max has his own ideas about what to wear -- and how to wear it! Hysterical!

Max's Bath
by Rosemary Wells

How many baths is it going to take to get Max clean?! Poor Ruby -- it's one hygiene misadventure after another when she takes on the task of getting little brother clean. One of the funniest Max books ever!

For more Max books,
click here!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Board Book
by Eric Carle "In the light of the moon the little egg lay on a leaf..." 

Here's the story of one tiny little guy who just grows and grows and finally turns into a beautiful butterfly.  Of course he eats his way through one heck of a lot of produce, and other silly foods, along the way!  Great tie in for craft activities or for watching butterflies outdoors.

The Best Of Elmo
by Sesame Street

 Toddlers boogie hard to these hits by Elmo! Even if you don't love Elmo, you will love watching your toddler cut loose. T

1. Sesame Street Theme - Elmo 2. Elmo's Song - Elmo/Big Bird/Snuffleupagus 3. Happy Tappin' With Elmo - Elmo 4. One Fine Face - Ernie/Elmo 5. Off To School - Elmo 6. Elmo Wrote His Name - Elmo/Big Bird/Susan And The Anything Muppets 7. Splish Splash - Elmo And Friends 8. Imagination - Elmo 9. Drive My Car - Elmo 10. Be Doodle Dee Dum - Elmo/Telly Monster/Mama Bear/Baby Bear/Zoe 11. Elmo's Rap Alphabet (Elmo Sings Rap Alphabet) - Elmo 12. In Your Imagination - Elmo/Hoots The Owl/Wolfgang The Seal 13. Take A Breath - Elmo 14. Just One Person - Elmo 15. Sing - Elmo/Big Bird/Telly Monster/Hoots The Owl/Cookie Monster/The Kids And The Cast Of Sesame Street 

In this brief but charming tale, the zoo keeper is making his rounds, tucking in all the critters that live in the zoo.  But mischievous Gorilla brings all of his pals in the zoo keepers bedroom for a cozy sleepover.  There are some cute little things to look for in this book, such as the picture on the nightstand.   Destined to be an all time classic bedtime story for toddlers and preschoolers.

 "Good night, Gorilla..." 

Goodnight Moon : Board Book and Slippers
Written by Margaret Wise Brown,
Illustrated by Clement Hurd

 Is this not too cute? A great gift for any "moon" struck toddler.