Discuss the three baby books you read, and explain why you think these are examples of “good” children’s literature for babies. What makes the baby book a good reading experience? Why did you choose it? Be sure to let us know the full title and author/illustrator. What kind of exposure to books should babies receive? Studies have found that babies “respond” when they are read to while still in the womb-what do you think about this?  
 
“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” was published in 1806. Why do you think this poem has become a classic? Point out the differences between several of the “Twinkle…” selections.  

The first book I chose is called Cowboy Baby, written and illustrated by Sue Heap. I chose this book initially because it was illustrated with bright bold colors and the title had the word baby in it. I thought it would be appropriate. I like the message of the book too, however. Every little toddler goes through the nap stage and the not wanting to go to bed at night stage. Kids want to stay up with their parents and always be involved in whatever is happening with the parents at night time. This story is great because it is about Sheriff Pa coming up with a plan to get Cowboy Baby and his other toddler friends to go to bed. 

The second book I picked is called Eyes, Nose, Fingers, and Toes written by Judy Hindley, and illustrated by Brita Granstrom. I also liked this book because of the bright colorful illustrations and thought the title seemed really appropriate for kids who are young and learning to talk; also learning to relate their body parts with motion and activity. Usually some of the first words and objects kids learn are body parts. This book is all about kids learning the different things they can do with their nose, fingers, eyes, toes, and all their other parts. This book would be especially fun for the reader and the kid, if there was interaction and freedom to move and be active with the kid.  

The third book I read is called Baby Shoes, written by Dashka Slater, and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata. This is a cute book about mommy and son walking around town doing different activities like walking through the park, playing with chalk, shopping, and walking across the street. His new white shoes get dirty with all kinds of different colors from the day and at the end he takes and bath and washes his shoes.  

I think a good reading experience for children would be when the reader is enthusiastic, both reader and child are involved and engaged. They really want to hear the story and maybe there is even interaction, like pointing, demonstration, asking the kids questions about the story or what they think. Anything that creates fun and excitement for learning with children is awesome! I love it when parents talk to their babies in the womb, read to them, and play music to them. I think it is effective and necessary. I also think children should be taught the importance of reading and learning as soon as they can understand what that means.  

These different versions of “Twinkle, Twinkle” are nothing alike. They are about different topics such as Ringo Starr and wondering if he is really underneath all that hair, and if he’s really even there. “Twinkle, Twinkle Firefly” is about a firefly flying all across the sky, over a river, and twinkling for the traveler passing by.