Children's picture books Archives - Page 4 of 5

I Kissed the Baby

January 17, 2010 jennifer Children's picture books

If I had to choose just ONE book to read to my infants, it would be this one.

This board book by Mary Murphy is an ABSOLUTE GEM. It’s perfect for little ones.

In black and white illustrations with large, fun print, we see different animals exclaim about their experience with the baby. Each page is completely black and white with a border of bright color somewhere.

Animals talk about seeing the baby, feeding the baby, tickling the baby, singing to the baby, and at last about kissing the baby. And when it comes to kissing the baby, the mother duck says, “Of course I kissed the baby, my own amazing baby!” (What mother doesn’t know that feeling?)

The book ends with another kiss from mother duck, and the baby duckling responding with lots of excitement.

I once handed this book to my mom, along with one of my infants, and told her that this book was my baby’s favorite. My mom, who has raised 8 children of her own, read the book to my baby and then came back to say “When you said this was her favorite book, I thought that a baby really doesn’t get into books, but she REALLY likes this!” I’m telling you, it’s perfect for little ones. The colors, the simplicity, everything.

Here is my own baby playing with it yesterday.

If you’re looking for a book for your little one, or a gift for any little one, please consider this wonderful little story. You won’t regret it, and reading it will make sure you sneak in a few more kisses, too!

As I said, it’s an absolute gem. My all-time favorite first book for a child.

Hopeful Homemaker

Little One Step

January 3, 2010 jennifer Children's picture books

I want to introduce you to the board book that I bought for myself. Yes, for myself.

A few weeks ago I woke up with the familiar heaviness in my heart… the weight of the world and the wish that I didn’t have to get up and deal with it all. One morning my eyes fell on this little gem, and I laid in bed and re-read it. Then I cried.

It’s called Little One Step by Simon James It’s the story of three little ducks who have become lost. The littlest of them all is frightened by their plight.

So his big brother teaches him how to solve the problem:

You put one foot in front of the other, and take ONE step. So they continue on their search for home, and it gets tough again.

The answer:

You can guess how the story ends.

This book is a sweet little one, and I confess that lately I feel a lot like Little One Step.

In all honesty, the book isn’t a favorite with the crowd that typically uses board books. The illustrations lack enough color and contrast for my babies to stay interested. However, I love the book because I love the lesson it teaches, and because it’s a sweet way to share this lesson with children who are a little bit older.

I love being reminded that problems are solved if we just take small steps.

The Giant Jam Sandwich

September 20, 2009 jennifer Children's picture books

Fresh rolls and strawberry jam always make me want to read this book.
I think it is my favorite book from childhood.
I really love it.
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First published in 1972, I’m so glad it’s still around.

It’s called the Giant Jam Sandwich, by John Vernon Lord and Janet Burroway.

The story begins with this verse:
“One hot summer in Itching Down, Four million wasps flew into town.”
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In a fun, rhyming, sing-song text the book chronicles the disruptions of the wasps.
The town gathers to find a solution, but no one has any good ideas.
Until… the baker suggests making a giant jam sandwich to catch the wasps.
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They set to work baking a two-story sized loaf of bread, which is then sliced and hauled to a farmer’s field where they spread out the jam.
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“Suddenly the sky was humming!
All four million wasps were coming!
They smelled that jam, they dived and struck!
And they ate so much that they all got stuck.”

You learn how they ultimately get rid of the wasps and the wasp-filled sandwich, and the town returns to normal. It’s a great story of cooperation and creativity.
This book is so much fun to read aloud. I have always loved reading it to my kids.
My children love finding silly things in the illustrations, like the farmer whose tractor is somehow flying with the help of balloons and a propeller.
In all my years as a mother, I have never met anyone who knows of this book, but I think it’s a gem.
Enjoy your jam sandwiches!

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