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| Baby Loves You So Much! by Eileen Spinelli and David Wenzel |
Written by Eileen Spinelli
Illustrated by David Wenzel
Ideals Children's Books, 2007,
Fiction, ages 3-8
Themes:
Siblings, Babies
Opening:
"Baby loves you so much!" That's what Mom says when Baby wakes me up in the morning screaming . . .
Waaaaa! Waaaaa!
"Baby wants you to be awake too," says Mom. "To enjoy this bright new day."
Great. A baby brother who thinks he's an alarm clock.
Synopsis:
Big sister can't seem to get through her day without a series of mishaps caused by her baby brother. In each instance, Mom reminds her that drooling on her homework, chewing on her toys, and throwing his lunch are just the ways Baby says, I love you. But big sis is not so sure.
What I Love:
Eileen Spinelli, poet extraordinaire, surprises and delights in this gentle non-rhyming picture book. She includes irresistible sound-effects, like Zaaaa, Slurple, and Boink!
I love artist David Wenzel's illustrations. His clever use of perspective and warm tones put the reader in the story. As a bonus, the book includes a full color, pull-out growth chart.
Every sibling struggles with the nuisances of the baby in the house. This story is a gentle reminder that babyhood has charms as well. It makes a great gift for a struggling child.
Bonus for new big sisters/ brothers:
2. Let older kids make their own baby book to record their sibling's changes. They can include themselves or chart their growth in a big kid book.
3. Reminisce about big brother / big sister's babyhood. Make an album or start a journal.
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| Courtesy Hope Studios |
Bonus for any reader:
5. Play the game Spinelli creates, with your own family members or the family pet. It's sort of like Pollyanna's glad game. Every time someone makes a mess, find the silver lining.
6. Make sweet LifeSaver and jellybean pacifiers.
Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday for November 22, 2013.
Thanks to Susanna Leonard Hill.
I can feel that big sister's pain. Whenever we have pups staying here I hear that same refrain from my Mom Person. Crazy. I like your idea of having the big sibling keep a baby book about the little one. I don't think I could do that, but it would be a fun one for a big kid! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe difference between puppies and babies? My "puppy" is 10, but still a big baby. Come to think of it, I have a 17 year-old . . .
DeleteAn extraordinary poet and person!
ReplyDeleteShe doesn't live far from here. I hope I get to meet her someday.
DeleteLove the cover and the look on that sister's face. Too funny. I like the text you shared and I can imagine the illustrations are lovely. Will find this book for a friend's daughter -- they're expecting a Christmas baby!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice gift!
DeleteI will need to check this one out to see her non-rhyming work. Love the activities too.
ReplyDeleteThanks. There are certain writers who continue to amaze, and Eileen Spinelli is high on the list.
Delete