excellent book for toddlers

This book teaches some rhyme, about making friends, and vocabulary. ( )

Sandra Boynton’s children’s books are new classics. I first discovered her delightful picture books via my sister-in-law, who had an entire shelf of Boynton’s books for my nephew. Now, with my own little boy, I’m really enjoying them. Her books all claim “serious silliness” on the back cover. I’d agree: we all enjoy the light-hearted silliness, but a child may still learn something. more detailed review on my blog

This story teaches children to include everyone. People get their feelings hurt when they are left out.

Poor li'l armadillo. *sniff*

There isn't a moral message in this story. A hippo sulks while her friends have fun without her (I always think of the hippo as a girl, anyway) - probably not even noticing that she's there.

This is great for hamming it up, with lots of fake sobs as the story goes on.

Then she is given her metaphorical engraved invitation and is delighted to join in. And now the armadillo is on the sidelines, probably to have his own (armadillo always seemed like a guy to me) happy ending later.

Simple, short story for short kids. ( )