Lots of mileage and learning with baby books

There are countless opportunities to get high mileage from baby and toddler books, and in today's rough economy, that's especially good news.

At first glance, it may seem to an adult that there isn't much going on in a baby book. Not true. The simple story line is intentional for the young, developing mind. But as the child grows, the adult can introduce new concepts not necessarily written in the text. Ask questions about colors, what is pictured on the page, how many and 'can you find' questions.

Add to that the fact that once a little child likes a particular book, they will request you read it hundreds of times. That may drive you nuts, but there is continued learning with each reading, and that translates into a great economical and intellectual investment. Go baby books!

Books to borrow

The following books are available at many public libraries.

• "10 Little Rubber Ducks" written and illustrated by Eric Carle, HarperCollins, 31 pages

Read aloud: age 2 and older

Read yourself: age 7 and older

A giant wave has washed a box of 10 rubber ducks off of a cargo ship and into the sea. "Ten rubber ducks overboard!" cries the captain.

Bobbing away in different directions, each little rubber duck encounters a different sea creature in many areas of the globe. From a polar bear in the north to a flamingo in the south, a seal in the east and a dolphin in the west, the 10 little rubber ducks meet these and other creatures as they bob along the wide sea. As the sun begins to set, the 10th little rubber duck is still alone. What will happen to it?

Filled with a cornucopia of new concepts for young children, including a dual surprise and happy ending, this counting/directional/biology/geography book is wrapped up with loads of fun.

Librarian's choice

Library: Butte County Library — Biggs Branch, 464A B St., Biggs

Library Director: Derek Wolfgram

Branch Librarian: Cynthia Pustejovsky

Choices this week: "Corduroy" by Don Freeman; "The Story of Babar: the Little Elephant" by Jean De Brunhoff; "Over in the Meadow" by John Langstaff

Books to buy

The following books are available at your favorite bookstores.

• "My Favorite Pets" by Jill Ackerman, photos various credits, Little Scholastic, 2009, 19 pages, $12.99 board book

Read aloud: birth to age 3

Read yourself: age 5 — 6

Eight different animals are featured in this fun introductory book on pets, including dogs and cats to fish and birds and more.

Each double-page spread addresses one animal and boasts several different photos, fun, tactile sensations and a brief description of the animal and something interesting about the animal's behavior. An added bonus is a 20-minute DVD of children and their pets in action.

With lots of learning and fun on every page, "My Favorite Pets" is a gem of a book.

• "Little Quack Counts" by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Derek Anderson, Little Simon, 2009, 23 pages, $5.99 board book

Read aloud: birth — age 2

Read yourself: age 5 — 6

The adorable duckling Little Quack and sibling, Widdle, are off exploring. First they chase one butterfly, then they see two fish. Three ladybugs tickle Widdle's nose, and four pretty flowers are fun to play with. Then the ducklings see five bees. Oh no!

Count up to five and back down again with the exuberant Little Quack. Colorful illustrations and a simple story combine to make "Little Quack Counts" a fun learning book that babies and toddlers will want to return to time and time again.

Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at kendal@sunlink.net.