Lynn Reiser

This is an excellent counting book. The concept is inherently appealing to children, who love puppies. I like the way that it simultaneously teaches counting, subtraction, and also jobs for dogs. Many counting books count up, so I think it is really great that this book counts down, and expects us to do the math as we go. Each page shows the number of remaining puppies in both number form and word form (in capital letters so it is easy to identify). The bright, vibrant illustrations support show more the text by showing visually how many puppies are left. Each page also prompts us to do a simple subtraction problem, by saying, for example, “ten hardworking puppies, minus one…equals…” Children will enjoy doing the math and verifying their answer on the very next page. At the back of the book, it shows all of the subtraction problems in number format (ex. “10-1=9”). There is also an excellent information page at the end of the story that describes in detail different jobs that dogs can do. This is a great book for teaching or reinforcing both math skills and counting skills, while learning more about dogs. Plus, it is a feel-good book where all the puppies end up in good homes. show less

I think this book is very important for younger kids to read. It tells the story of a clam who is essintally being protected by the ocean. The ocean was taught is every thing it needs to know to defend itself, but it is still always there to help. What is so important is that this is a story told to a child in the book and the boy's mother is clearly represented by the ocean. It gives children a clear understanding of what a mother means to the development of a child.

I thought this book was so cute, and it taught the concept of counting. I really liked how they set the book up by counting backwards. I really liked the last page where it had the addition guide for the readers to look at to. I think this would be a great book to introduce to kids when they first start counting.

New babies may seem like they can't do much, but My Baby & Me will convince any child that his new sibling can be great delight! With simple text,

You can crawl?
Watch me go. I go fast -
You go slow!
...

I can read.
Here's my book.
I can show you.
Look, look, look!

older siblings can see the joy of having a younger brother or sister. Side-by-side with building blocks, bottles, sipper cups, car seats, and blocks, siblings are depicted spending time with each other.

The photographs by Penny Gentieu are show more superb! Each double-page spread has a single color background that does not detract from the photos of brother/sister, sister/sister and brother/brother combinations. Photos show children with diverse racial backgrounds, and the they patiently and soothingly depict the reality of having an infant sibling. There are no forced poses or smiles. These are photos of earnest infants looking, laughing. and pondering with an older sibling - and no insinuation that they can do much more. And yet, My Baby & Me is able to convey the loving bond between very young children and new siblings. show less