Toes Are to Tickle

A preschooler and her baby brother happily demonstrate what they do with the things they encounter every day

PreS. Children will delight in this simple exploration of a pleasant day as seen through the eyes of a preschooler and her baby brother. The sequential progression from waking up in the morning, going to the park as a family, and saying good night with a loving kiss provides the affirmation of routine that toddlers thrive on. As the siblings encounter common objects during the course of the day, the author describes their function ("A mirror is for making faces") and the illustrator playfully depicts the children's actions in breezy, colorful watercolors (Mom applies lipstick in the mirror as the youngsters stick out their tongues). After the first reading or two by their caregivers, toddlers will eagerly turn the pages to "read" their favorite sections aloud.?Amelia Kalin, Valley Cottage Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A takeoff of the Ruth Krauss and Maurice Sendak classic A Hole Is to Dig (1952) that revives the same snappy childlike style of defining words that so charmed generations of early listeners. From the first yawn of morning to the last kiss goodnight, Roddie goes through meals, playtime, a visit to the park, dressing up, and more with simple one-liners describing favorite behaviors and feelings. ``Morning is for waking up . . . milk is to give some to the cat . . . and a mirror is for making faces'' are just a few examples of the cuddly sentiments expressed with joy. Exuberant Helen Oxenburyish expressions enliven scenes of two siblings trying on oversized shoes, seesawing, building tents of blankets, emptying purses, and other typical discoveries. Chipper colors add to the free-spirited frolic found in the pages of this early concept book. (Picture book. 2-5) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Ages 1-4. "Boxes are to see what's in them. A purse is to empty. A cat is to love." Small children (and their caregivers) will recognize the definitions in this exuberant, playful picture book about how a girl and her baby brother view everyday things. Lots of joyful, active line-and-watercolor pictures show the family from early morning and through the day until bedtime. On a walk, "A tree is to hide behind. A see-saw is for feeling funny in the tummy." When they eat, "Jell-O is for wobbling. Milk is to give some to the cat." In the style of Margaret Wild and Julie Vivas' Our Granny (1994) and Shirley Hughes' Alfie and Rosie books, there's a physicalness in these words and pictures that evokes the toddler's world in all its tumbling, laughter, hugs, and messy comfort. Hazel Rochman