Children’s Author Leslie Patricelli

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

— Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”

When I was a little girl, you wouldn’t find me without a book in tow.  I love reading…so much so that I have an entire…library of books in my home.  That library is now expanding to include children’s books for my son.  I strive to read to him every day for 20 minutes.  Did you know that those 20 minutes are the most important part of a child’s day?  According to the National Children’s Reading Foundation, “just 20 minutes a day reading aloud to young children promotes family bonding, encourages listening and language skills, and gives children a strong reading foundation.”

One of the things I do with my son is read a few books over and over (I have a ton so I rotate them out periodically).  The repetition helps him learn things like colors, animals, and objects.  At 21 months he knows some letters, colors, numbers, animals, and objects.  I attribute that to the time I’ve spent reading with him.

We recently had an opportunity to review two books by children’s author Leslie Patricelli, Baby Happy Baby Sad and Higher! Higher!  Leslie Patricelli is the author and illustrator of “a delightful series of bright and engaging children’s books.”  Her stories are simple and fun and make comprehension of simple concepts enjoyable.  Her illustrations are vivid and bold and I like how clearly each concept is demonstrated.  Most of Leslie Patricelli’s books showcase an adorable, diaper-clad baby engaging in everyday activities.

When I read to my son, I often go further then just reading the words on the page.  I ask him about the other objects on the pages, even if the book doesn’t specifically adress those objects.  Leslie Patricelli starts with a simple concept, but allows you, the parent to expound upon that concept with your child, at his or her level.  This is where discovery takes place.  I’ve been reading these books to my son and while we were at the park today, my husband was pushing him on the swings.  He kept saying…”Higher, Higher!”  Now, apart from that book, he’s never heard that word before.  He “put two and two together” as the saying goes. My son is really the perfect age for these books.  He’s not talking in full sentences and  still learning new words and concepts.  While I do believe children should hear all kinds of different words, simple books like these, help reinforce concepts and foster the expression of a child’s imagination.

All seven of Leslie Patricelli’s books are available for purchase from Candlewick Press.

Profuse thanks to Team Mom for this review opportunity!