It’s My Potty!

Place a stack of appealing children’s books in the bathroom. Your preschooler may enjoy reading on her own, in the privacy of the bathroom. And if she is working on potty training, you are also giving her the message that it is OK to relax as she takes care of business. It is definitely a win-win situation.

Starting Preschool? Books to the Rescue, part 2

Here are a couple more books that can help you prepare you child for starting preschool. Of course no one book will address all of your individual child’s unique concerns. But reading about how other children or animal characters respond can open the door to a great discussion about what is on your child’s mind. To open the conversation, you can mention a character's concern and talk about how it was resolved and then ask your child what she might be thinking about.

What to Expect at Preschool by Heidi Murkoff

This book predicts some question that children might have before they begin school--and gives good answers.

Tinyflock Nursery School by Suzy-Jane Tanner

This book might be an ideal choice if your child has already expressed some specific fears about starting school.

Starting Preschool? Books to the Rescue, part 1

Many young children need time to get used to new experiences. If your child is about to start in preschool for the first time in September you may want to start talking about the event soon. Here are a few books that might help you prepare your child and start the conversation about the exciting new experience in his future.


Francine's Day by Anna Alter
This book is a nice starting point for addressing any of your child's mixed feelings about starting preschool.


Little Bunny’s Preschool Countdown by Maribeth Boeltz
Reading this story is a good opening for talking about growing up and changes, including starting school.


My First Day at Nursery School by Becky Edwards
Reading this book will give your child an opportunity to talk about the many kinds of feelings that he might have about starting school.

Unexpected Choices

You have probably read about what to look for in books for your preschooler. And there is no shortage of ideas--including ones I have suggested in this blog. However, you might be surprised to find that your child's attention is captured by a book that is not at all what you expected. She might be captivated by a book of technical drawings or diagrams, a catalog of clothing or camping equipment, or a gardening how-to book. You may dream that she is headed for a career as an engineer or fashion designer or master gardener. In fact, she might not be able to tell you what intrigues her. If she is feeling talkative, ask her to describe what she sees and what she likes to look at. Talk with her about the contents of the pages. Or just let her peruse the pages and enjoy herself. She is learning about something and her world is expanding.

Sharing the Spotlight

If your vacation plans include an extended stay with relatives or friends or having company for awhile, you may be apprehensive about how your preschooler will adjust to giving up the spotlight. There is a perfect book to share for some laughs and lots of insight. Read The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story by Ellen Weiss (published by Abrams Books for Young Readers). This book works on several levels and your young child will enjoy the message about getting along. (Full disclosure: This book is written by a dear friend of mine, who is the author of many books for children. If you haven’t discovered her books yet, here is your chance.) Read about how a stubborn little shrew who is used to having her own way meets her match--and has to live with him. The book has beautiful illustrations by Jerry Smath, and is a perfect vehicle for opening a discussion about getting along with your company or hosts.

Souvenirs of Summer

If you take a family trip, be sure to collect some souvenirs that your preschooler can use to make a memory book. Photos and postcards are easy to slip into a scrapbook or glue to card stock. Shells, leaves, and pebbles can be glued as well. Have your preschooler dictate to you her memories of days at the lake or the beach. You may want to pack your supplies. If you have a rainy day on vacation, making a book can be an enjoyable activity. Or, after you are home and unpacked, creating a memory book is a perfect way for you and your child to relive a special time. It may become her new favorite book!

Choices, Choices, Choices

With so many choices available, sometimes it is hard to know what to look for in a book for your preschooler. I just came across a list of criteria that can help guide your selections.

Check out this article: http://www.literacyconnections.com/blog/choosing-books-preschoolers-0