40 Great Reads
AGES 0-1
WEB EXCLUSIVE One Gray Mouse by Katherine Burton, illustrated by Kim Fernandes (Kids Can Press, $9)
The bright Fimo characters in this colour and counting book will appeal to the playdough set. Gray Mouse is our genial host as we visit groups of animals such as a crew of feathered firemen in “nine white ducks in a red duck truck.” The sturdy board book format is great for those who haven’t quite mastered the art of delicate page-turning. SE
Peek a Little Boo by Sheree Fitch, illustrated by Laura Watson (Orca Book Publishers, $20)
You’ll find baby’s first game (hiding and finding), first story (thrilling disappearance, reassuring return), first joke (you fooled me!) and first rhyming couplet (“peek a boo, I see you”) in this little gem. In a new twist on the universal poem, the author and illustrator celebrate babies from around the world – you can find the babies’ countries, their names and meanings in an appendix at the back of this board book. SE
What Do You Want? by Lars Klinting (Groundwood Books, $16)
This view of the familiar things in a baby’s life – pillow, shoe, chair – is a perfect introduction to the drama of the turning page. “The cone wants…its ice cream.” FAMILY-TESTED! “Abby, 1, seemed to enjoy the simple phrases of who wants what, and enjoyed helping me turn the pages to see what’s next. I liked how it used familiar scenes with animals, people and infant clothing that I could point out to Abby as I read the book to her,” says Emily B.P., Calgary. SE
AGES 1&2
WEB EXCLUSIVE How To Be by Lisa Brown (HarperCollins, $22)
Simple, elegant illustrations and a “be yourself” message are what make this book by a first-time author and illustrator so charming. Economical both in words and brushstrokes, the book explains how to imitate a bear, monkey, turtle, snake, spider and dog, subtly promoting virtues like patience, bravery and curiosity. SE
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late by Mo Willems (Hyperion, $18)
The pigeon is back, and this time he’s engaging in a classic game of bedtime inflation – “Can I have a drink of water? Studies show that pigeons need very little sleep. I’ll go to bed early tomorrow night instead.” Kids will giggle at the familiar delay tactics but revel in sending the pigeon to bed. Fifth in the series, following the award-winning Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. SE
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