Apple Pie ABC: Alison Murray

I love introducing the alphabet to totz! Why not start early? And why not start with apple pie? Alison Murray creates a suspenseful story for the youngest readers as she presents the A, B, C's.

E eager for it
F find a crumb of it
G get a taste for it
H have to get a lick of it

Get the picture? The young girl has baked a pie and the dog is eyeing it for certain. Murray's textured print-like imagery offers loose line, hard shapes, and occasional unfinished edges. The retro layout and color pop.

Your totz will love Apple Pie ABC. They'll be asking for another read and another slice.

Apple Pie ABC
by Alison Murray
Disney Hyperion, 2012, US Board Book

February: For the Older Sibling: Dinosaur vs. The Potty

A small red dinosaur is the hero in this dynamic picture book, which taps into totz' notions of their own invincibility. This is a hero that will appeal to girls and boys alike. Dinosaur conquers lemonade, the sprinkler, and juice...yet he proclaims over and over that he still does not need to use the potty. Eventually he does a "potty dance" and totz will breathlessly watch as he makes a dash for the bathroom. Will he make it in time?

I first met Dinosaur in Dinosaur vs. Bedtime, which I also enjoyed. These books are fresh, fun, and address real-life issues that concern totz. I "roar" for more, Bob Shea. I can't wait to see what Dinosaur is up to in the next episode.

Dinosaur vs. The Potty
Author-illustrator: Bob Shea
Disney * Hyperion Books, 2010