The parent educators partner with The Missourian on the project. Through a WINGS grant, the group purchases copies of each month’s Baby Buzz Pick to use in their visits with parents and children.

The following review was written by Nancy Nagel, area literacy expert and advocate.

“The stuffed pups rule when a young boy leaves his toys out in his bedroom in this new children’s book. A toy goose, frog, and pig take over the toy cars and trucks. Two stuffed dogs become imaginary ‘traffic pups,’ keeping the animal kingdom safe and enforcing the traffic laws of the bedroom.

“The illustrations, produced by oil paints on cotton canvas, use soft, warm colors with rich textures to tell the story and set the mood.

“Simple, rhyming text provides the narrative. This book provides the opportunity for toddlers to practice silly sounds like ‘zooming’ and ‘vrooming.’ Older children will enjoy finding the rhyming words and completing some of the phrases with rhyming words.

“Reading this story together, and talking about it, supports the development of your child’s imagination. It provides a great starting point to discuss the difference between real and make-believe stories. Ask your child if toys can really drive cars to get the conversation going. You may be surprised at the answer. Encourage your child to make up stories featuring some of her own favorite toys.

“For a literature extension activity, draw streets and buildings on a large piece of paper on the floor. Paper grocery bags work great, or draw with chalk on the driveway or sidewalk. Bring out the toy cars and trucks and let the fun with your own traffic pups begin.”

Other parent educator favorites are “My Name Is Elizabeth” by Annika Dunklee, “I Am Small” by Emma Dodd, “Dinosaur Vs. The Library” by Bob Shea, “Nothing Like a Puffin” by Sue Soltis, “Llama Llama Home With Mama” by Anna Dewdney and “Spin” created by Ido Vaginsky.