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BOOKS

Little gems by kristen schottPublished: September, 2009

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I wish I could remember every book my parents read with me as a toddler – all the board books filled with large, brightly colored words and pictures; all the interactive stories that helped me identify different animals, objects, sights and sounds. If I did, I’d tell you which was my favorite. Instead, I discovered a brand-new batch of books perfect for little ones to explore. Though your children may not remember these simple, sometimes silly books when they’re older, they’ll help to form the basis for their development and literacy throughout life. ‘Have You Ever Tickled a Tiger?’ [ages 0-3] By Betsy Snyder (Random House; $9.99; 14 pages) The first page of this book presents the question: “Have you ever poked a penguin?” Of course, I had to review it. But it gets better: The penguin’s belly is soft to the touch. Turn the page, and there’s a cute, spiky-feeling hedgehog waiting for children to discover. The different textures, colors and animals on every page serve as an introduction to the world’s different species. ‘Jacob Lawrence in the City’ [ages infant-4] By Susan Goldman Rubin (Chronicle Books; $7.99; 24 pages) “Jacob Lawrence” takes 11 of the artist’s paintings and combines them with rhythmic, easy-to-read phrases to capture the heart of a city. The result is a book so visually stunning that one can almost hear the sights and sounds offered up on the pages. I applaud Chronicle Books for its modern art board-book series, and I praise Rubin for her own innovative works of art. Rubin is also the author of “Magritte’s Imagination,” among others. ‘Duck & Goose: How Are You Feeling?’ [ages 2-5] By Tad Hills (Schwartz & Wade; $6.99; 22 pages) There’s something special about a book when it can capture a multitude of emotions in just a word and a picture, and “Duck & Goose” does so with an ease and clarity young ones will quickly grasp. Each page showcases a different feeling in the faces and actions of the very expressive characters, as well as in the single word highlighted in the cloud. For more board books featuring this endearing duo, check out “Duck & Goose” and “Duck, Duck, Goose.” ‘A Small Surprise’ [ages 2-6] By Louise Yates (Alfred A. Knopf; $16.99; 40 pages) If your little one is searching to find his or her voice among the members of your family, it might be a good time to read “A Small Surprise.” This adorably illustrated tale follows a tiny bunny who can’t always tie his own shoes or eat food without making a mess because of his size. But he is unique in his own brilliant way. This is a charming, beautifully written story that is at the same time both humorous and moving. It’s a hard book to resist. Kristen Schott is OC Family magazine’s children’s book editor.

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