Maplewood has a library of over 800 preschool and 300 infant toddler books. We look forward to sharing them with our Maplewood and Chicago families. In the autumn with the help of over 20 families we donated over 200 new and gently used children’s books to local shelters.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite children’s books for you!

Infants & Toddlers

Feast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell

Eat by Verdick and Lisovskis

Counting In The Garden by Hruby and Hurby

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

Daddies and Their Babies by Guido Van Genechten

You’re Getting A Baby Brother! by Sheila Sweeny Higginson

You’re Getting A Baby Sister! by Sheila Sweeny Higginson

Bathtime For Twins by Ellen Weiss

Rabbit Pie: The Perfect Recipe For Bedtime by Penny Ives

When I Go To Preschool by Jill Harker

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Andreae and Parker-Rees

Toes, Ears, & Nose! by Bauer and Katz

Things That Go by Moira Butterfield

Jo MacDonald Saw A Pond by Mary Quattlebaum

The Quiet Book by Underwood and Liwska

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Martin Jr and Carle

Blankies by Carol Thompson

A Love Song For Baby by Marion Dane Bauer

All Of Me That You Can’t See by Callie Grant

Colorful Garden by Suzy Spafford

School Mouse by Amye Rosenberg

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

 

 

Preschoolers

Senses in the City by Shelley Rotner

My Five Senses by Aliki

Penguin Dreams by Seybold and Walsh

C is for Caboose by Gillman and Todd

My Five Senses by Margaret Miller

The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses by Cole and Degen

I am Mighty! by Kate and Jim McMullen

Airport by Bryon Barton

Ish by Peter H Reynolds

Boat Book by Gail Gibbons

Lightship by Brian Floca

Look At Your Eyes by Paul Showers

Alphabeep A Zipping, Zooming ABC by Debora Pearson

If You Take A Mouse To The Movies by Laura Numberoff

Train Time by Paul Fleischman

The Dumpster Diver by Janet S. Wong

The Jacket I Wear In The Snow by Shirley Neitzel

Ducks Don’t Wear Socks by John Nedwidek

Do You Have A Hat? by Eileen Spinelli

The Pet Dragon by Christophe Neimann

Snowglobe Family by Jane O-Connor

 

Plan a Family Field Trip

Where will you go? Illinois and neighboring states are packed with interesting places to visit. But keep in mind that to a young child, even the backyard or the neighborhood can offer many discoveries and new experiences.

What will you see, do, and find out? Any trip can be a rich learning experience if you and your child go with questions to answer, problems to solve, or a list of “things to look for.” You and your child can observe, sketch, write, photograph, audiotape, count, measure, or take notes about the place you visit.

How will you get there? Walking and biking are good ways to get physical exercise as part of the field trip. (Be sure to wear protective gear!) Traveling by bus, boat, train, or trolley can add to the learning experience.

What will you want to consider in scheduling the trip? Trips with young children may need to include mealtime and naptime. Plan ahead so your child can get both. It’s a good idea to set a “rain date” with your child in case of dangerous weather. You might also want to avoid peak visiting times at large public places.

What will you take? Maps, drinks and snacks, diapers (if needed), a change of clothes, books, paper and drawing materials, and change for parking meters are basic field trip equipment. Your trip might also call for special items like cameras, binoculars, tape recorders, or sandwich bags for collecting specimens. Family members can carry backpacks or “funny packs” so their hands can be free.

How will you assure your child’s safety on the trip? Parking lots, trails, and large crowds call for special safety precautions. Parents need to be especially vigilant. Talk with your child ahead of time about how to stay safe. Be specific an firm so that your child knows exactly what she needs to do.

Have a Good Time

Don’t trip to do too much. You can see and do more another time!

If you have to wait, try playing games or looking at books with your child.

Follow Up

After the trip, make time to talk Toyo child about the experiences. Encourage her to tell you the store of te trip, an write down whit she watches you. Keep a scrap book or collection box of specimens, hoots, or other reminders of the trip. Your child might enjoy dramatic play with items from your field trip.

http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/familyfieldtrip.htm