STORYTIME WITH STEPHANIE

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Bear Has a Belly

Another Big, Little Concept Book by Pajama Press Inc is on its way to bookshelves! Bear has a Belly by Jane Whittingham is a book all about our bodies!

We want to give young readers accurate information about their bodies right from day one. I love how Jane Whittingham compares the body parts that animals and humans have in common. Each two page spread features a lyrical, repeating poem about one part of the body. There are photos of the animal’s body part as well as a photo of a child using the same body part. I appreciate design choice to use photographs instead of illustrations. It creates the opportunity to show many different children joyfully using their bodies in different ways. Also, it helps young children identify and make connections with their own bodies.

The repeating text on each page allows the youngest readers to join in the story and will allow them to access the book independently at an earlier age plus who can resist the pictures of the cutest little animals and children!

It’s a Toddler Tough book design so the cover is thick and plush, making for easy wipe downs and the pages are card stock so should stand up to even the most aggressive readers. Also, like all Big, Little Concept Books, there is helpful back matter for parents and educators to use this book in a thoughtful way to extend the learning.