Sometimes parents need a book that focuses on the very stage their child is in. “Whoa, Baby, Whoa!” the March Baby Buzz Pick will provide smiles for those dealing with toddler exploration.
This new picture book by Grace Nichols is recommended by parent educators with the Washington School District. The group has been partnering with The Missourian on Baby Buzz for the past five years.
Each month, parent educators chose a hardcover, quality book for little ones birth to age 5. Using funds from a WINGS grant, the group purchases additional copies of the books to use in their visits with parents.
A review of each month’s Baby Buzz Pick is featured in the second weekend issue of The Missourian. An ongoing list of Baby Buzz Books is continually updated and available at emissourian.com.
The following review was written by area literacy advocate Nancy Nagel.
“A family delights in watching their youngest member master the skill of walking. But first Baby crawls, climbs and splashes his way into situations they prefer he not be into. Parents, grandparents and big sister lovingly remove and redirect Baby as they explain the danger Baby has gotten himself into.
“ ‘Hot things can burn you in the kitchen,’ or they express exasperation at the mess Baby has made. ‘Having fun in the tub with my rubber duck, making big splashes that go over the top…Whoa, Baby, Whoa, now Grandma has to mop.’
“Baby finally decides to take matters into his own hands, or feet. He first pulls up on a chair, then stands alone, then takes his first wobbly step. As soon as his family discovers his new skill, the chant changes from ‘Whoa, Baby, Whoa to ‘Go, Baby, Go!’
“Gentle-hued watercolor illustrations depict the love and humor felt by this family as they each try to keep up with Baby and his explorations.
“Children’s motor skills develop with practice. Pushing up, rolling over, crawling, scooting, sitting, pulling up, standing, then walking, all depend on a child having unrestricted use of the large muscle groups in her body. Give your baby lots of time to practice these skills. You may want to place a quilt on a hard-surfaced floor to cushion baby at first.
“Join your baby on the floor for tummy and play time. This lets her know you want to be part of her world.
“The family depicted in this book are from different races and generations. However, no mention is made of this in the text. The message seems to be that while all kinds of people come together to make families, they all share the same joy in watching their children develop.”
Other parent educator favorites this month are “Crafty Chloe” by Kelly DiPucchio, “Boy + Bot” by Ame Dyckman, “Oh, No, George!” by Chris Haughton, and “Laundry Day” by Maurie J. Manning.
