Jessica's Kids' Books
Late Summer 1999

Owen by Kevin Henkes Greenwillow Books, 1993 ISBN: 0688114504

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Owen's parents find a wonderful solution to the security blanket problem in this wise and loving tale.

Owen's favorite posession is his security blanket, Fuzzy. His parents don't seem too perturbed by this, but society, in the form of nosy Mrs. Tweezers, disaproves. No matter what trick Mrs. Tweezers comes up with to try to get Owen to give up Fuzzy, Owen outwits her. No matter how much Owen's parents plead and reason, Owen is staunch in his attachment to Fuzzy. Finally Owen's parents see the light, and find a brilliant solution to their problem. I won't give too much away, but they are able to find a socially acceptable way to meet their child's very clearly stated need. What are parents for if not this?

Kevin Henkes is, as usual, brilliant in his deep and subtle understanding of how children see the world, what is truly important to them, and how families really work. This is a loving and gentle book, with brilliant and lively pastel toned illustrations by the author (all the charecters are mice, by the way, but they seem so human that you hardly notice). Not too wordy, with quiet humour throughout, it's a good book for young picture book listeners and their parents. This is a special book, because it is about validating children's feelings, not bulldozing them, in spite of considerable social pressure. And if you have a child who doesn't want to give up his blankie, you may find yourself using Owen's parents solution too!

Tucking Mommy In by Morag Loh; illustrated by Donna Rawlins Orchard Books, 1991. ISBN: 0531070255

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Two little girls take on an adult role as they put their very sleepy mommy to bed.

This book is kind of a "sleeper." Though it isn't very famous or well-known, I am constantly finding it in the homes of families with small kids, and it is almost always checked out of the library. In other words, once families discover it, it becomes a much loved favorite, to be read again and again. When we first discovered it, we loved it too.

Tucking Mommy In glows with the warmth and comfort of a loving family life. The illustrations are soft and vibrant, the house is comfortably messy. The characters faces are strong and alive, and the kids really look like the parents, which is something I always look for in children's books. The simple story, of two little girls who tuck their mommy in when she is exhausted at the end of a long day, will delight children. Little ones, eager to grow up themselves, love to see kids take charge. Jenny and Sue take over with confidence, telling each other stories, leading Mommy to bed, undressing her and kissing her good-night. I think of this as a "kids are competent" book. Funny how hard those are to find. This is a middle level picture book, great for weary parents and their competent kids.

Annie's Potty by Judith Caseley Greenwillow Books, 1990. ISBN: 0688090656

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Annie learns to use the potty and her parents learn a little bit of patience in this sweet and straightforward book.

With the right attitude, potty training is a fun and exciting time. Going to the bathroom is a real marker for being a big boy or girl and it is great to share your little one's excitement. Annie's Potty is a good companion to this special time. This bright and cheery book really covers a lot of ground in a gentle, non-judgemental way that will be reassuring to parents and kids alike. In the beginning Annie does not feel ready to use the potty, and she resists her mother's suggestions. Her father encourages a wait and see approach. As Annie overcomes her reluctance the book addresses such issues as privacy, using public bathrooms, and accidents. All is handled with a gentle, accepting, child-led approach. The language is just right for the two to four year olds who will be using this book, the illustrations are clear and bright with lots of kid appeal. A great book for anyone you know who is about to take the big step.

Aaron's Shirt by Deborah Gould; illustrated by Cheryl Harness Bradbury Press, 1989 ISBN: 0027363511

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Aaron gets bigger but his favorite shirt does not in this sensitive and realistic story.

It can be hard for a small child to conceptualize the passing of time and what growing older and bigger means. As parents we can't believe how fast our kids grow, but to a child a year is forever. This book helps kids put the passage of time into perspective.

When Aaron chooses his red and white striped shirt off the rack at the end of a long day of shopping it is almost too big for him. Nevertheless, it soon becomes his favorite shirt and he wears it all summer long. He wears it as he makes new friends, wins a big stuffed bear, on the first day of school. He misses it all winter when it is packed away with the summer clothes, and the following summer he again wears it whenever he can. By the next summer of course, this well loved garment is worn and frayed and just too small to wear another summer. Aaron can't believe he has to give up his favorite shirt, but in the end, he finds the perfect home for it (I won't tell you where).

The warm, vivid illustrations make it clear that Aaron's mom is a single parent, which will make this book especially meaningful to many families. For older picture book listeners, this sensitive story will help kids understand some of the conflicts they feel as they outgrow the things they have loved.