Poetry Friday: Snug, by Carol Thompson

Child's Play isn't as widely known here, but I love their contributions that make their way to the US from England. Snug is perfect for Poetry Friday. The format is large with stiff paper and ADORABLE illustrations from Carol Thompson. I love the free, sketched line-work, paper textures, and fluid color. Here's a snippet to enjoy today:

"As snug as a bug
in a very old rug,
Snug as a mole
in his underground hole.
Snug is a bulb deep under snow,
Snug is the earthworm curled up below."

Snug
by Carol Thompson
Child's Play, 2011

First Time Series: Hospital, Vet

Child's Play just gets it so right. Today I recommend their series, First Time. Included are: Doctor, Dentist, Hospital, Vet, Baby Sitter, Sleepover, Nursery, and Big Day Out.



The stiff paper books are illustrated by Jess Stockham, who has taken the care to portray these new experiences without fear. There's a real honesty in this series which will benefit your totz on multiple levels.

Following several children through each experience, a number of situations are covered to offer familiarity and comfort. In Hospital, one child is having a cast put on, while another has surgery. In Vet, children bring in their various animals. Here is an example of appropriate forthrightness when the boy brings his sick rat to the vet:

"She's quite unwell. She has a lump on her side. (child)
I'm afraid she might not live much longer." (vet)

How helpful to open discussions. Overall, the series remains positive and appealing. It will answer questions your totz may have before their first time visits.

First Time Vet
First Time Hospital
illustrated by Jess Stockham
Child's Play

Bath or Bed? Anthony Lewis

This board book caught my eye because of its unique novelty feature. The happy/sad face pivots on a strong vertical thread on each page. So totz can choose a yes/happy or no /mad face option in answer to questions posed such as:

Does Cassie like washing her face?
Would Kamilla like a kiss?

I can easily imagine totz giggling as they jokingly choose the 'no' option on occasion. This book is a good learning tool about making choices, it's colorful, and is surprisingly sturdy. A very enjoyable find.

Bath or Bed?
Illustrator: Anthony Lewis
Child's Play, 2008

Play, Baby: Disney Baby

Don't let this little cover image thwart you from finding this sweet board book! I had trouble finding a larger pic, maybe because attached to the top back cover is a clever rattle handle. Little hands will grab and hold onto this one!

Play, Baby, a Disney baby board book, features multicultural children with superimposed Disney characters, playing together. Dumbo shakes a rattle, the dalmatians stack cups, while Cinderella's mice help a tot push a ball.

I found the graphic combination charming. The palette is gentle and retro, causing the red handle to pop. The left spreads carry text and silhouettes of the Disney characters.

Grab Play, Baby for your totz and rattle around sweet images and words!

Play, Baby
Disney Press, 2010

My New Baby: Rachel Fuller

A few weeks back I posted about Waiting for Baby. Of course the day will come when your totz will appreciate My New Baby. :~)



Here's the logical follow up and joyful help as your new baby arrives in your home. The text captures the wonder and happiness of a tot welcoming a sibling.

"My baby smells nice. Soft and warm.

Presents for the new baby! Is this for me?

Why does the baby always have milk?"

True to a child, voice is given to the observations and questions which naturally arise with a new baby in the family. The closing is particularly comforting:

"Sleep well! You're part of my family now.
Baby's fast asleep. Time for my story!"

In keeping with Waiting for Baby, illustrator Rachel Fuller uses fun texture swatches to accompany her watercolor and varied black outlines. The addition brings a vibrancy to the spreads.

Enjoy this board book with your tot now and possibly your new baby in the future. "This is what it was like when you were born..."

My New Baby
illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Child's Play, 2009

Waiting for Baby: Rachel Fuller

The New Baby series from Child's Play is spot on accurate. Waiting for Baby reads like the inquisitive stream of questions from a tot awaiting a sibling.

"How big is the baby? What does it eat?
What's the doctor doing? Does it hurt?"

All the of questions invite you to discuss the topics further. I especially appreciate the inclusion of the ultrasound, for realism, and the father and child making dinner, for thoughtfulness.

Rachel Fuller's watercolors and graphite or grease pencil outlines are friendly and exuberant. Patterned areas break up the solid blocks of color nicely.

Introduce the concept of an upcoming new baby to your totz with Waiting for Baby.

Waiting for Baby
illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Child's Play, 2009

Jess Stockham: Nursery

The four books in the image above are part of the First Time series, which chronicles "firsts" in the life of totz. The illustrations are childlike and very cute! The story moves along at a quick pace, almost as if we're listening in on conversations between totz, or overhearing their thoughts as they experience a first day at nursery school. For instance, this is the text at the bottom of a 2-page spread where kids are in the play area:

Oh no! I've spilt it! Watch out!
I like this crown. Can I be a nurse?

This device is a clever way of make readertotz feel part of the school scene as they read and may very well make them more comfy on their first day of nursery school!

Nursery (First Time series)
Illustrator: Jess Stockham
Child's Play

Roly Poly Ocean: Kees Moerbeek

The flash bounced! It says Child's Play. Forgive the photos, but I couldn't find imagery on the web. Once I describe this work, you'll understand. Consult their website for purchase!


A book in a box? A Roly Poly Ocean? I was delighted to unroll this work!

Roly Poly Ocean simply unfolds over and over into one long showcase. Your totz will encounter an ocean, from surface to floor.

"Watch out for Crab's claws!
Manta Ray soars silently."

Kees Moerbeek's paper engineering is so well done and should withstand many unfoldings and foldings. With clean vibrant colors that pop, especially the red octopus, and your own adventure in a submarine, everyone will be engaged. No one has been able to walk past it without investigation in my house.

I wonder if the entire open work could be mounted on a wall? This book will probably end up hanging in my teen's room. In conclusion, beware of the big bite at the end! There's always a shark, right? Doodoo, doodoo. Doodoo, doodoo.

Roly Poly Ocean

Kees Moerbeek

Child's Play, 2008