Spenser is many things....he is strong as a bear, funny as a monkey, wild as a tiger....but when his parents bring home the new baby, he becomes gentle. Children will like knowing and naming the creatures on each turn page while parents will no doubt like the underlying message of big brothers and sisters being gentle. 2-4

Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

One of a series of Now I'm Growing books that deal with milestone events in a child's life. A useful and reassuring little book that previews a visit to the doctor. Step by step it covers all the typical moments of the visit including a shot, given by the nurse. The doctor has a pleasant manner--he's not goofy, but he jokes with the small brave boy.  It is worth mentioning that the illustrations have a diverse cast of characters, including a non-Caucasian doctor who is also mostly bald.

Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Two masters combined forces to create a charming book about the anticipated arrival of a new baby. We wish the text matched the glorious art. Each handsome scene between Mama and the big brother-to-be is followed with multi-framed art imagining the baby to be. Most of it is amusing, though one must wonder if the baby's future career would be interesting to this little boy--rather than his own future. Obviously, imagining the baby as an artist covered with paint and working as a chef makes amusing art. But when Mama suggests baby might work at a zoo, the big brother's idea of baby being eaten by a tiger feels a little over the top. Granted, the anticipation of a sibling is likely to include some anxiety, the question, "Mommy, can't you tell the baby to go away? We don't really need the baby, do we?" is asked--but never answered. One could say better that way; but one might also wonder---why ask the question? Sure kids feelings about siblings often include such thoughts. But truth be told, such questions usually comes after the event.

Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

These are two of a new series of toddler books about first time experiences. Unlike the usual psychodrama with separation tears, these slice-of-life books follow the process of going to the museum or on a first sleeepover (with Mommy along). The colorful illustrations follow events as they would typically unfold in the best of all possible worlds. Maybe these should have been titled, Second Time, since the child seems to know just what comes next and the supporting adult in each setting. The illustrations are cheerful, colorful and populated with a multi-cultural cast of characters. Printed on sturdy cardboard stock, they will withstand unpracticed and often rough handling toddlers dole out as they look at their books independently. Unlike usual storybooks, the text is not so much a story as it is a chronicle of a typical event. It is peppered with lots of questions that will invite opinions of the young listener, as well. Another two titles in the series are worth looking at as well; Nursery, about going to school and Baby Sitter, when Mom and Dad go out for an evening. There are all good choices for 2's and 3's.

Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

These are two of a new series of toddler books about first time experiences. Unlike the usual psychodrama with separation tears, these slice-of -life books follow the process of going to nursery school or being left with a sitter without the tears. The colorful illustrations follow events as they would typically unfold in the best of all possible worlds. Maybe these should have been titled, Second Time, since the child seems to know just what comes next and the supporting adult in each setting. The illustrations are cheerful, colorful and populated with a multi-cultural cast of characters. Printed on sturdy cardboard stock, they will withstand unpracticed and often rough handling toddlers dole out as they look at their books independently. Unlike usual storybooks, the text is peppered with lots of questions that will invite opinions of the young listener, as well. Two other titles in the series are worth looking at as well; Big Day Out, about a trip to a museum and Sleepover, an overnight away from home but with Mom. There are all good choices for 2's and 3's.

Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

You won't find any psychobabble here. These two sturdy board books are illustrated with all the typical events of getting ready for the new baby and the arrival. The illustrations and text both invite a lot of talking rather than simply listening. They do not anticipate the mountains of feelings that the arrival of a new baby brings. That's a different story. These two little books are a refreshing walk on the sunny side! Just right for toddlers and young preschoolers. 2 & up.

Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Age: Toddlers,Preschool. Award Year: 1999.

Age: Toddlers,Preschool. Award Year: 2003.