Piggies

Audrey Wood (2004), 32 pages

Illustrated by Don Wood

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book

Looking for a fun counting, bedtime, or storytime book? Well, look no further – this very clever book by husband and wife, Audrey and Don Wood covers all those bases and more.

Read along as little fingers i.e. “piggies” scramble across the pages making bedtime countdown quite a bit of fun!

From one to 10, these little piggies run, jump, and dance across the pages making children squeal with delight. Although the premise is fairly simple, the story reveals a very clever ending and the accompanied images are so bold, bright, and pure - they make the story a blast to share and read, lending itself well as a storytime book. Each page is visually interesting yet strikingly simple, so children even in the back of the circle will easily follow along. I’ve used this book several times, and it’s always a bit hit. The kids love the silliness of the piggies as they balance, cheer, and create havoc among ten little fingers and toes. In addition, this book not only teaches counting, numbers, but opposites as well … as the authors illustrate hot, sweaty palms beside cold mitten-clad hands, or clean hands freshly soaped in a flurry of bath-time bubbles as opposed to dirty, mud splattered palms. One fun activity is to read the book and have the kids hold up their “piggies” matching the gestures in the book when counting (1-10), hiding piggies (closed fists), giving piggie kisses (folding fingers together), etc. – which teaches kids dexterity and important motor skills.

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: The Game of Finger Worms by Hervé Tullet, Peekaboo Bedtime by Rachel Isadora, or Piggy Pie Po by Audrey Wood

Other books by this author: Alphabet Adventure, Alphabet Mystery, Ten Little Fish, Piggy Pie Po, The Napping House, Heckedy Peg, and Scaredy Cats

DwellStudio Board Books

DwellStudio (2009), 8 pages

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: board book

Stylish, modern, and educational … designer DwellStudio has created great starter books for babies and toddlers. Simplified, minimal, outlined objects and animals such as a bear, house, whale, etc. (inspired by their design product line) are perfect subject matter for infants and young children. The glossy black and white images are not only appealing to young audiences; they are especially effective for babies whose vision is still developing in the first few months. However, the black and white images are sparingly paired with bright pops of color to add interest and whimsy; for instance the whale depicted in black and white pops with a turquoise splash of water. Published as board books, this series is both sturdy and durable-perfect for babies and toddlers. Although on the small size (7x7) they are just the right size for lap reading. However, since the images are bright and graphic they may translate well for baby storytime … if concerned about size enlarge the pictures, create felt board cutouts, and display them for everyone to see. Introducing babies to books is important; while being read to, they make connections to words and sounds making reading out loud not only a sensory experience, but also instrumental to early literacy.

In addition, the Dwell Studio has developed baby books devoted to learning colors, textures, and more. For instance, What Colors? was produced as an accordion-style (see bottom image) book which folds out to illustrate a rainbow of color. This unusual format would be great for baby storytimes since the “pages” are unfolded to reveal a large, colorful panel. Have parents create their own accordion-style book with folded construction paper and stamp or outline images. Dwell Studio’s most tactile books for children are their Touch & Feel series; using different textures and patterns not only help engage children – they are a great sensory experience, another way to make reading fun!

Reviewed by: Katharine Conn, MLIS

If you liked this book, you may like: White on Black by Tana Hoban or Charley Harper’s 123s or ABC Books, Sara Anderson’s Vegetables or Fruit

Other books by this company: Eat, Go, Count, Touch & Feel Zoo, Touch & Feel Town, Goodnight Owl, and Good Morning Toucan