by Clare Beaton

In our busy, hectic, over-scheduled days, we forget to sit down a minute, take our child on our lap, and share finger-play games, nursery rhymes, and songs. Throughout the ages, children have learned co-ordination, rhythm, language, and movement by playing these games, and it’s so important that we don’t overlook this opportunity for both learning and bonding. 

This particular book is extra special because poring over the illustrations can be a game in itself. Clare Beaton is a superb fabric artist. Each page is a collage of felt, bric-a-brac, ribbon, buttons, and more, adding almost another dimension to the illustrations and a lively, colorful flavor to the rhymes and games. There are movement instructions on each page, and you can sing along with music composed and arranged by Susan Reed and company, included on the accompanying CD.

Songs are performed by Susan Reed and include classics such as I’m a Little Teapot and Row, Row, Row Your Boat, as well as new songs.

Hardcover, 9.25″×10.5″, 64 pages; CD, approx. 25 minutes

1 – 5 years