As a mom to three children ranging in age from toddlerhood to (gasp) almost tween, I have read poems, sung nursery rhymes and tickled along to fingerplays for years and years, to various audiences. I love adding books to our personal collection that contribute to our repertoire of games, rhymes and songs for quiet moments and snuggling times. With her new book, Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy, Martine Groeneveld has created a unique hybrid children’s picture book/parent resource guide.
With a subtitle of “Rhymes, Songs and Touch-Play Activities to Stay Connected,” parents know exactly what they’re getting when they pick up this book. With some simple illustrations in the background, the bulk of this book is in the text. There are sections with rhymes, games, songs and stories to share with your little ones, and alongside each of those passages are italicized directions detailing massage techniques and simple touch activities for the adult to act out while singing or reading. Much of the content of this book was new to me, from the rhymes to the resources, and I found it to be a lot of fun to try out with my 1 and 3 year olds.
Emphasizing the importance of touch in our relationships with our children, Groeneveld shares research on the benefits of touch to young children, as well as a comprehensive list of resource articles, books and organizations that support these findings. This is a book that I’m happy to find a place for on one of our many picture book OR parenting resource book shelves! For caregivers of babies, toddlers and preschoolers, Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy is a wonderful resource and go-to book for shared moments of happiness with their little ones.
Books, kids and giggles are all shared in copious amounts on Dawn’s blog, my thoughts exactly.
estimates provisions available per prepared effect resulting compared