CHRISTMAS IN THE MANGER

A cute board book for babies and toddlers - with artwork by the illustrator of the IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE books, Felicia Bond:

CHRISTMAS IN THE MANGER by Nola Buck.  Sweet and gentle telling of the Nativity story for the very youngest, a "pat and peek" book with a rhyming text from the point of view of the animals, shepherds, Mary and Joseph.  The last line is so sweet,

"I am the baby asleep in the hay, and I am the reason for Christmas Day".

CRADLE SONGS AND LULLABYS

The other day as I was driving home on one of our many crowded freeways, a beautiful piano piece began playing on our local classical radio station.  Immediately I began to relax to it's slow, rocking rhythm.  It reminded me a little bit of the music I enjoyed so much in the recent Disney movie UP.  If you liked that, you'll like this!  It's Chopin's Berceuse, which is translated "Cradle Song" or "Lullaby".

As soon as I got home, I googled the piece and found a fun artwork montage and recording of the music. The montage (artwork by Vladstudio) starts with some winter and Christmas scenes - which reminds me:  tomorrow, November 15th,  I "unveil" my list of Christmas book faves, FORTY BOOKS FOR FORTY DAYS.  Remember to "Comment away for my Advent Giveaway" on today's and tomorrow's posts.  (Winner to be announced on November 16.)

Click HERE to listen and watch BERCEUSE.


OF COURSE, I HAD TO SHARE A COUPLE OF CUTE BEDTIME STORIES FOR YOU.  What were your favorites?

SWEET DREAMS LULLABY (toddler-preschool)
This imaginative, peaceful bedtime book invites a bunny (tucked snugly into bed) to dream of comforting scenes from nature's nighttime.  Each page reveals a delightful dreamscape for children to imagine as they drift off to sleep with the lulling, rhyming text...

"Dream of purple twilight skies,

a bedtime kiss from butterflies.

Caterpillars in cocoons

are tucked in tight beneath the moon."

ALL ASLEEP by Joanna Walsh (baby-toddler).
The gentle text is about all babies - from tall babies to small babies, from babies asleep in cars, to babies snoozing under the stars. It's a perfect bedtime rhythmical board book story for babies everywhere. I also love that it represents multi-ethnic babies.






Youtube Link:  Chopin's Berceuse (or "Cradle Song")

HELEN OXENBURY'S BOOKS FOR BABIES, TODDLERS, AND PRESCHOOLERS

Helen Oxenbury was one of the first children's book author/illustrators to design board books for babies and toddlers.  It must be that thoughtful attention to detail that makes her illustrations of young ones so authentic and appealing.  We especially liked her TOM AND PIPPO series and her illustrations in the book WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, by Michael Rosen.  Here are some more of her wonderful books:

BABY AND TODDLER BOARD BOOKS (a few of her many titles)
I SEE



I TOUCH



HELPING



SAY GOODNIGHT



CLAP HANDS



TICKLE, TICKLE




TOM AND PIPPO SERIES (Ages 2-5)
In this series for toddlers and preschoolers, young Tom and his constant companion - stuffed monkey animal friend, Pippo - have many simple, sweet adventures that are just right for the youngest book lovers.
"Oxenbury understands her audience; young people as well as adults will find pleasure in repeated readings of these unassuming gems, and no one will be able to resist the facial expressions and postures of the long-suffering Pippo," (Ellen Fader, from Horn Book).  There are about 15 titles, most are out of print, but can be found at the library or used, on Amazon.

Tom and Pippo See the Moon, Tom and Pippo Read a Story, Tom and Pippo in the Snow,Tom and Pippo and the Dog, Tom and Pippo Go for a Walk, Tom and Pippo Go Shopping,Tom and Pippo Make a Mess,

Tom and Pippo in the Garden, Tom and Pippo and the Washing Machine, Tom and Pippo and the Bicycle,

Tom and Pippo Make a Friend, At Home with Tom and Pippo, Pippo Gets Lost, Tom and Pippo on the Beach, Tom and Pippo's Day

PICTURE BOOK
WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.  "We're going on a bear hunt.  We're going to catch a big one. What a beautiful day!  We're not scared."  My kids absolutely loved this book!  Oxenbury's pictures are so endearing and bring the text to life.  Great read aloud!  (Ages 4-8)