July 11, 2011
Children's librarian Cobb (I'm a Little Teapot! Presenting Preschool Storytime) presents rhymes, stories, and book lists for newborns and toddlers in this creative resource geared toward early-childhood educators, parents, and caregivers. Because a child's primary brain development occurs during the first three years of life, Cobb emphasizes the importance of properly utilizing this period. Cobb insists language play is needed on a daily basis to have the greatest impact during this time of growth. She cites nursery rhymes as powerful tools for fostering attachment and brain and language development. In separate chapters, Cobb presents various types of rhymes, including bouncing rhymes, games and dances, face rhymes, hand rhymes, greeting songs, lullabies, rhymes in other languages, toe wiggling rhymes, and good-bye songs. She also provides clear guidelines for both parents and educators on how to encourage and enhance development and offers sample programs for educators to use. Containing nearly every rhyme imaginable, this is a charming and useful resource for early-childhood educators, librarians, day care teachers, and parents of young children. Includes a CD of nursery songs.