A woodpecker learns to PECK, PECK, PECK from his Dad in this gorgeous book by Lucy Cousins. This stiff oversized board book edition is so kid-friendly and enchanting that everything woodpeckers will become a family fascination. Sturdy pages with holes for small fingers to explore fill every page. Paired with a Wild Republic plush pileated woodpecker this makes a great addition to a home visit bag for early intervention workers, story hour in a preschool or library, or on a blanket outdoors with that special grown up. Prepare to be smitten! This picture book is an invitation to label everything as you and your little listener become woodpeckers peck, peck, pecking everything you see. The bird bible that every family needs to expand the joy of PECK, PECK, PECK is David Allen Sibley's Guide to Birds. Browsing the woodpecker pages is a great way to foster wonder in the natural world that is right out your back door. Field guides make perfect family gifts and this exceptional one by Sibley is sure to be on your local library's shelf to borrow again and again. One magical feature of this plush woodpecker is a spot on its back that you press to hear the bird's call. Get out and enjoy birding in your local area. I purchased this children's book and toy at the Audubon Shop at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, MA. Drumlin Farm has owl presentations among its many educational encounters. For a family experience feeding small local birds, head to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield, MA. Stand at the stone bridge with birdseed in your hand for a visit from small chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches. Yes, they eat right out of your hand. Birding at its best for getting up close and personal. Stroller friendly trails are well worth the busy parking lot experience on the weekends. Not from the Massachusetts area? Search the web for ways to see birds and wildlife in your neck of the woods. Whatever you do get yourself a copy of PECK PECK PECK by Lucy Cousins for a timeless and powerful introduction to a majestic, irresistible bird. Somebody little is bound to love you for it.

September 17, 2017

INCREDIBLE INDESTRUCTIBLES

These amazing books for babies are among my go-to favorites when I pack my home visit bag. Babies love the texture, colors, and scrunchability of page after page. From a practical standpoint I get excited when I can let a baby fully explore a book as they would any other favorite toy. These books are 100% washable, rip proof, chew proof, nontoxic gems. They are easily toted because they are lightweight. Offer an Indestructible as an alternative to the papers in your folders that little hands reach for.

These two titles are beautifully rendered. The animals in WIGGLE MARCH pose playfully on every page enchanting the babies that I work with. Thank you, Kaaren Pixton, for eye-catching contrast in your illustrations. Wordless, aside from its inviting title, this book makes you want to break out in song! Try the traditional Old MacDonald Had A Farm or When Cows Get Up In The Morning. Listen to the latter song sung by Dana and Lindsey at JLibrary.com for a real treat. BABY NIGHT-NIGHT is lovingly rendered by Kate Merrit. A special thanks to Kate for pages bursting with saturated colors and the diverse exuberant faces that babies love looking at. Inside are double page spreads depicting bedtime routines. Words appear directly on everyday items needed to take a bath, brush teeth, put on pajamas, read a story, and get a kiss goodnight. Parents and specialty service providers can sign the words, say the words, and play point to games to engage even the littlest of language learners.

This fall Publishers Weekly identified Colleen AF Venable as a rising star finalist in the publishing industry. She is known for creating books 'that have never existed before' and for innovation in design that blurs the line between books and toys. Thank you, Colleen, and the design team in the 'art cave' for coming up with Indestructibles. You're all bright stars for early intervention providers working with families with special needs.