Spring edition part one: the Book Nook with Kesia + Toru
Part one of our spring Book Nook compilation!
Kesia and her partner are loving daily story times with their three-year-old son, Toru. As his interests become more apparent and his attention span for longer and more complex stories increases, they love choosing books that not only align with his own current curiosity but also help expand his horizons.
They have been making the most of curbside hold pickups at the Ottawa Public Library to discover some new favourites.
The Salamander Room by Anne Mazer, illustrated by Steve Johnson + Lou Fancher
This is a beautifully illustrated story about the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Brian’s Mom’s style of gentle guiding questions to support and respond to Brian’s curiosity is one of my parenting goals as a mom to an inquisitive three-year-old.
Peanut Butter and Cupcake by Terry Border
This book is so much fun, for all of us! It’s a clever story about friendship, and the unexpected pairings with peanut butter always make us laugh.
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Patrick Benson
We’ve dealt with bouts of separation anxiety, and this story of three owl babies who are missing their Owl Mother is sweet and reassuring. A biologist colleague (also a mom) noted that the difference in age and maturity among the three owl babies is also biologically accurate, as barn owl eggs hatch at different times!
And then it’s Spring by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
This has been a new favourite story this spring. The illustrations are so intricate, with so many details that hint at the progression of the season from one page to the next.
Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert
We’ve been trying to involve Toru in planning our vegetable garden more this spring, and this story illustrates how all those seeds you plant in the spring turn into veggies for delicious recipes in the fall.
The Diggers are Coming by Susan Steggall
This was a library book we read so many times that Toru still has it memorized months after we returned it. The collage-style illustrations with torn paper are unique, and the rhyme and rhythm make this a great story for reading aloud and memorization.
Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton
This has been a favourite since Toru was small, but as he’s gotten bigger, he loves to accompany the story with his own interpretive dance, demonstrating the difference between a twirl and a spin, or slide and a shuffle.
