Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

On nights when I'm stretched for time, but still wish to write a blurb about a beloved book, I turn to my stash of board books.

And I would be remiss not to include an Eric Carle picture book among my first twenty posts. Add Bill Martin Jr. taking care of the words, and what do you get?

A brown bear, red bird, yellow duck, green frog... Yes, the classic Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?



I'm not sure if this picture book was written with the intent to be sung, but I have never been able to read it without adding a musical lilt to the words. Or peppering it with animal sounds, especially if someone is especially squirmy or sleepy-eyed. I would read this to my daughter when she was wee as a bedtime story. It is one of a number of books that will always bring her babyhood to mind.

Eric Carle's signature tissue paper collage is beautiful as always. After writing a number of these reviews, I'm finding that I'm especially drawn to collage-style illustrations. And Carle is certainly a king among collage artists.

This book is a classic and ought to be on every child's bookshelf, well-worn and much-loved.

A Good Day

The powerful message of this optimistic book, intended for toddlers, is ageless.

Told simply through the stories of squirrel, bird, fox, and dog, who suffer various losses and pitfalls, the message that an unfortunate situation can improve hinges on a simple, decisive "but then...". Mindful living, a buoyant spirit-these are the qualities that will turn bad into good.

As a mother, what I take away from the book is that there will be meltdowns, for example, but they should not, need not, dictate the course of the day. The story perfectly complements mothering at its best.

And it doesn't always take a larger nut, in the case of squirrel, to turn the day around-it could simply mean having a greater appreciation for the small, everyday things we take for granted, or surprising someone with an unexpected treat. Or giving extra hugs.

Making a determined, honest effort to turn a "bad day" into a good day is an invaluable lesson that even the oldest among us
will appreciate.

My Little Matryoshkas

There is much to love about this book.

Firstly, the subject matter: matryoshkas- Russian nesting dolls!

Second, they pop out of the book and can be played with! And then put back inside as a puzzle.

Third, the illustrations are delightful, from the eye-catching patterns on their shawls to their perfectly round, sweet pink cheeks. I love them as individuals.

Fourth, this book introduces children to the Eastern European palate-cabbage, borscht, apple dumplings. How do you say “yum” in Russian?

Fifth and finally, the text is very simple and rhythmic. One food is shared on Monday, another on Tuesday, and so on. All you hungry little matryoshkas, come and eat it up!

My Little Matroyoshkas is inventive, fun, and eye-opening. And, as a bonus, it’s quite pretty as well thanks to Tanya Roitman’s artistic talents.