Policeman Small

Lois Lenski does it again. I didn't think Mr. Atticus could like a book as much The Little Fire Engine, but Policeman Small is a close second. This book was originally published in 1962, but is still going strong. Readers follow the day of Mr. Small as he directs traffic, helps a fire engine and ambulance be on their way, and even leads a parade. Adorably illustrated, this book is a sure hit with the toddler crowd.

The Big Red Barn

An old Margaret Wise Brown classic beloved by both Ivy and Atticus alike. Follow all the animals in the barn from sun up to sun down. Toddlers love books with barn animals and animal sounds, making The Big Red Barn a must have. The book is reads like a soft lullaby, so it is only fitting that each of the pages gets gradually darker. Atticus's favorite line: "With some little puppy dogs all round and warm."

The Farmer's Away! Baa! Neigh!

This is a humorous book by Anne Vittur Kennedy about a group of farm animals just waiting for the farmer to go off for the day. The minute the farmer's tractor disappears, the animals begin their fun. They go boating, have a picnic, ride a roller coaster, jet ski, and even ride a hot air balloon. The only words on each page are the joyous sounds each animal makes as it encounters each new experience. On each picture one can see the farmer getting closer and closer...Atticus gets excited as the farmer gets closer, loudly warning the farmer animals to get back into their places! A fun hit for any toddler. When the farmer's away, the animals will play. 

Whose Tools?

Toni Buzzeo and Jim Datz have gathered to create the perfect book for tool aficionados.

This book is a young boy's dream. Each spread begins with a clue to what part of a house will be built next, ending with "Whose tools are those? Don't you know?" All of the tools are beautifully labeled. They are fun to look at because they have cartoon faces. Despite the humorous context, this is a non-fiction book about building a house. It is a wonderful book, but I am tiring of it slightly. I have had to read it eleven times in two days. A good sign?

20 Big Trucks In the Middle of Our Street

Mark Lee and Kurt Cyrus have created a truck book that Atticus likes almost as much as Mighty Dads. This book has it all rhymes, trucks, counting and kid power. When an ice-cream truck breaks down in the middle of a street, a massive traffic jam ensues. Only the sage advice of a small boy can save the town from congestion and bring ice cold treats to all.

Naptime!

Iris de Mouy's new book translated from the French into English by Shelley Tanaka, Naptime, is a new Atticus favorite. All the animals on the savannah are exhausted, yet they refuse to take naps. Sound familiar, Atticus? Each animal refuses, insisting, "Naps are for babies!" "I'm too big!", etc. Fed up with their excuses, a young girl convinces them to close one eye and then the other.

What happens? Well...you can guess! Atticus likes to chime in periodically that naps aren't just for babies. Remember that, Atticus.

Duck and Goose

Duck and Goose - Goose and Duck. What a pair! These two crazy little winged creatures are just full of antics. In Duck and Goose -Here Comes the Easter Bunny by Tad Hills, the two friends decide to disguise themselves and hide on Easter eve, hoping to catching sight of the famous hopping bunny.

Will they see the Easter Bunny? Of course not, but does that stop us from loving them? Of course not!