High marks for validating toddlers’ feelings but otherwise unremarkable.
Toddler Kai navigates the transition to big brotherhood with the help of his parents.
By providing lots of reassurance and clear explanations, Kai’s parents guide him through his anxiety, pride, and even anger at the arrival of his new little sibling. The story features an interracial, heteronormative family with a White-presenting mom and brown-skinned dad. All plays out exactly as one might expect: Welcoming a new sibling isn’t easy, but the older child winds up feeling secure in his place in the family. With cool colors and a muted palette, the illustrations are sweet if a little bland. The real strength of this book is the way that it models for caregivers how to validate a child’s feelings and provide comfort. For example, Kai’s mother identifies his anger, gives him words for what he’s experiencing, and reminds him, “I love you, Kai, even when you’re angry.” As a part of the Terrific Toddler series, it includes a note to parents and caregivers at the end with advice related to helping a toddler welcome a new baby. Two other books in the series publish simultaneously, Potty! and Time To Go! They address helping children learn to use the toilet and transition from activity to activity, respectively. Oddly, given the audience, the relatively wordy text is printed on flimsy paper pages instead of board.
High marks for validating toddlers’ feelings but otherwise unremarkable. (Picture book. 2-3)Pub Date: Nov. 17, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4338-3250-5
Page Count: 16
Publisher: Magination/American Psychological Association
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
Though its single-minded focus on success offers positive role modeling, it needs to be used with other, more realistic...
A toddler shares his glee at leaving diapers behind.
The book is completely child-focused, without an adult in sight. This youngster's independence influences each aspect of his toileting; he takes himself to the pot, and he uses a step stool to reach the sink to wash his hands after. There's no indication that any accidents may occur. The boy boasts, “When it's time, I know.” Brisk, rhyming phrases miss the mark. “Everyone uses the potty, / like me and Daddy and Mommy. / It's potty time, hooray! / I'm a big kid today.” With a little button nose and short spiky hair, the Caucasian tot is appealing. His favorite teddy bear plays the role of a loyal companion and even sits on his own potty just like the child. A die-cut–framed, battery-operated button (“flush me!”) triggers sound effects. Adults looking for a straightforward celebration of this milestone will gravitate toward this short selection, but there's no hint of the inevitable missteps young children face during the process.
Though its single-minded focus on success offers positive role modeling, it needs to be used with other, more realistic titles (and lots of patience). (Board book. 2-3)Pub Date: May 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-545-35080-8
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 29, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A terrific resource for fans of Daniel Tiger and newcomers alike.
Animated PBS character Daniel Tiger helps readers tell time.
Mr. Rogers–like (explicitly—the show is produced by the Fred Rogers Co.), Daniel Tiger welcomes his neighbors, inviting them to spend the day with him and learn to use a clock along the way. A large clock face with movable hands is accessible through a large, die-cut circle in the upper-right corner of each double-page spread. The hands click and clack as they’re moved around the clock’s face, and the sound is peculiarly satisfying. Each hand has a different noise, helping children to differentiate between the two. Daniel and his family and friends do lots of things throughout the day, including eating breakfast, going to school, running errands, eating dinner, and going to bed. The illustrations emulate the show’s rounded, calmly colored style. Fans of the television show will be entranced. Daniel’s constant engagement with readers will spawn busy interaction, and the fact that this book covers a whole day makes it an excellent read right before bed.
A terrific resource for fans of Daniel Tiger and newcomers alike. (Board book. 2-3)Pub Date: Aug. 30, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4814-6934-0
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Simon Spotlight
Review Posted Online: Aug. 29, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
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