Book Review: Calling All Toddlers

Calling All Toddlers by Francesca Simon is a collection of foot-stomping, hand-clapping, exercise-inducing rhymes and poems for preschoolers. My own toddler has a small collection of favorite books we have to read over and over again (including Jeremy Fisher, Curious George Rides a Bike, Frog and Toad All Year, and The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth). This is certainly towards the top of that list of favorites.

The first rhyme, appropriately named "Stomping Time", is definitely the most active. If you have a wiggly squirmy preschooler and are needing something to add to your Hokey Pokey/Shake Your Sillies Out routine, this particular rhyme may be perfect. The rest of the book is equally engaging. Francesca Simon aptly puts the varied emotions toddlers feel into her rhymes, and helps them learn to express themselves. She also manages to capture their delight in simple things like playing in the rain, tip-toeing around, or making "Sloppy Gloppy" in the kitchen.

I don't remember where I first heard about Calling All Toddlers,  but I've never regretted owning the book. It would make a delightful addition to any toddler's collection. At the very least I recommend you check it out at your local library.