Review of Play Baby Play

Play Baby Play by Marilyn Janovitz grabs your attention right from the start with its adorable cover of a bent over baby looking at your between its legs. This familiar playful stance is absolutely endearing. Through the book, we follow the young boy as he frolics at his playgroup. Rhythmic rhyming text details favorite baby activities, such as riding a rocking horse, reading books and kicking a ball.



The characters in this book were very carefully chosen to represent both boys and girls, as well as the basic different ethnic groups. The pictures are absolutely adorable, which will make it an appealing read for parents as well as for young children. Text is also easy to read. It reminds me a lot of the Toddler Time series by Elizabeth Verdick. Those books have always been popular with the young children with whom I work. I can see snuggling with a young baby or toddler while reading this book over and over again.



I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review of Henry Helps With the Baby

Beth Bracken's book about Henry and his new baby sister Penny is really cute. At first, he isn't sure what to make of this noisy little creature. His mother tells him that she needs lots of help because she is so little. So, Henry quickly finds ways to help his parents with the baby, such as bringing the burp cloth after a feeding and finding her hat before a walk. He really is sweet with her as he sings her lullabies and kisses her when she cries. He really is a good big brother.

This story is really cute and relatable to young children who have a new baby in the house. After reading it, you can ask the child to explain how he helps with his baby at home. Chances are he will already be telling you as you read through the book.

The illustrations are also adorable. You can see Henry's frustration quickly change to pride as he learns how to help care for his baby. The baby's face shines with admiration as she looks up to her older brother. Parents are often found beaming in the background as their big boy helps out.

I love that on the back of the book are pointers for parents about raising toddlers and young children. Parents need all of the advice that they can get. The information is concise, relates to the story, and is based on current research by the University of Minnesota.

Children and parents will both enjoy sharing this book with each other.


I received a complimentary preview set of galleys from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Free Picture Books for Kids: Teddy Bears, Monsters, Animals & Baby

Amazon always has a daily offering of children's books that are free for the Kindle. Here are a few that I found today. Please note that while they are free as of the time of this posting, prices can and do change without warning. Always verify the "Buy" price prior to your purchase.

Teddy Bear Town Bundle

This collection of three stories is made to teach children while also sharing a fun story. In The Flag Keeper, children learn about respecting the flag. Victoria Rose and the Big Bad Noise helps children to not fear household noises. Sticker Shoes is supposed to teach children how to problem solve and learn independence.

 Get your Kindle copy here.

The Little Red Fox and Lufa the Lab

This book is one of the Little Red Fox books based on stories from the author's childhood. In this one, the Little Red Fox saves Lufa the Lab from Farmer Brown and learns lessons in courage and helping those in need.

Get your Kindle copy here.

Little Sister Sounds

Babies make all kinds of sounds, each one meaning something different. Join a daddy and a big sister as they learn what the new baby is trying to tell them.

Get your Kindle copy here.

The Monster on Top of the Bed

This book is written for children with three lessons in mind. First, those scary monsters can be banished! Second, friendship conquers fear. Third, make friends with The Golden Rule. It helps kids feel safer about falling asleep at night.

Get your Kindle copy here.