Quote of the day: "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind."
- C. S. Lewis
Today's featured book:
Author: Susan Hood
Illustrator: Barroux
Ages: 1-4
Publishing date: August 1, 2014.
What's it all about:
This little gem of a book is written in rhyme. "Those ten little piggies! Watch how they wiggle. We count them and kiss them, and oh how you giggle!"
A loving couple swoon over their darling baby and try to interact with singing, a soothing bath with all the toys afloat, and even more toys that dangle, can be swatted or grabbed at. The baby's reaction to all this stimulation? Meh!! But when they wiggle and shake and put the baby's cute little bare piggies into action the whole demeanour of the baby changes. The baby's reaction? Toe-tally euphoric! Little baby has become aware of the best toy available....his toes. He manages to pull off his bootie and bend and stretch his leg until his chubby little units become a delicious snack. Yep, he heads those piggies right into his open mouth....ah Toe-fu at it's best. (sorry that was bad wasn't it?)
The playful text is augmented greatly by the brilliance of the illustrator's input. The artwork is rendered in acrylic with pencil. The cartoon characters are big, bold and simply designed - perfect for that age group to appreciate.
The message is loving and uplifting portraying a mother and father doting on their tiny infant, sharing his joy and laughter as he discovers his toes for the very first time. A perfect follow-up with your child is to repeat the nursery rhyme that just has to include THEIR toes:
This little piggy went to market, (gently rock the bare big toe back and forth)
This little piggy stayed home. (gently move the second toe back and forth)
This little piggy had roast beef, ( gently put the third toe into motion)
This little piggy had none, (ditto to the fourth)
And this little piggy went "Wee wee wee," all the way home.
(take the baby toe and gently waggle
quickly back and forth while saying "Weeeeeeeee!")
About the author:
Susan Hood is the author of more than 200 children’s books, including several other Pup and Hound titles for Kids Can Press. She was most recently the Children’s Content Director for Nick Jr. Magazine. Susan lives in Fairfield, Connecticut.
About the illustrator:
Barroux was born in Paris and spent much of his childhood in North Africa. After returning to France to study at art school, Barroux worked his way up to the position of art director before moving to the New York and Montréal where he found his niche in children’s illustration and press cartoons. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post and Forbes Magazine, and he has published many children’s books. Uncle John and the Giant Cherry Tree won him the 2005 Enfantaisie Award. Today, he is a renowned and very popular illustrator across France, the USA and Canada. Barroux’s first title with Phoenix Yard Books, Mr Leon’s Paris, published in April 2012. Barroux’s very distinctive drawings are produced traditionally using linocut, acrylic painting and lead pencil.
My website is: http://www.barroux.info/accueil-barroux.php
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