Hennepin County Library: Birth to Six Blog

Princess boys and dinosaur girls

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:48:38 CDT

A girl walked into the library the other day and exclaimed, "They put out the dinosaurs! Just for me!" A boy walked into the library a few weeks ago, made a bee-line for the dress-up clothes, and decked himself out in full gown and crown. Absolutely fabulous! At the library we love to help kids explore every dimension of their personality, and we especially love it when the library feels like it's just for them. Because, they're right! We hope you'll check out the play spaces at many of our libraries, and let your children fit right in. And of course, we have lots of delightful picture books about princesses and dinosaurs for all!

ELSIE gets a makeover!

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 01 May 2013 09:24:22 CDT

Over 10 years and 800 books strong, the very popular ELSIE page has gotten a makeover along with a new name: Star Books. If this is the first you're hearing of ELSIE, it is a collection of picture book reviews by Youth Services librarians. We've selected books that have something special to offer young readers, whether for their renowned writer, delightful rhyming text, or bright, colorful pictures. These are books that will get your child excited about reading and build early literacy skills to make reading a lifelong joy. Find your child's new favorite books at Star Books!

Just add water

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:55:52 CDT

My daughter recently received her first Lego set as a gift, complete with directions that were a little advanced for her. However, she was so excited, we worked our way through them, and by the end she was understanding how things worked. Imagine my surprise when I found that IKEA directions and Lego directions are very similar. So she's now built her first bed frame (with a little help). While there aren't any words, there are sequential and spatial skills that may be developed.

Carry that into the kitchen where we enjoy cooking together. Recipes (another form of directions) are also great for building reading and logic skills. And what about those directions I printed offline to find my way to a play date? All around me I'm finding opportunities to learn and explore together.

What's new in children's picture books?

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:25:22 CDT

Don't miss our list of selected New Picture Books. Every two months we update the list with some of the most appealing, eye-catching, and charming books that we have added to our collection.

Welcome to the new Birth to Six!

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:57:10 CDT

Notice anything new? We've updated Birth to Six to make it easier to discover how to Talk, Sing, Read, Write and Play Together with children to help them get ready to read. We've also added a new Tech Together page that offers resources for adults about technology and digital media for young children, and redesigned our Stories and Games page. Of course you will still find all our great book lists and information on Storytimes. Please explore our new site and let us know if you have any comments and feedback.

How to Choose

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:24:17 CDT

Whether you're a brand new parent or a seasoned picture-book reader, the rows and rows of easy fiction at your local library can seem overwhelming. How do you know if a book will be beneficial as well as fun for your little one? What features make a picture book stand out?

We've put together a list of types of books we think are especially valuable for young readers, from textures to concepts. Use these recommendations as an easy guideline for finding enjoyable and educational picks. And check out our outside link for other great information on choosing picture books for your child.

Happy Birthday, Pigeon!

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:57:27 CDT

The pigeon in the beloved books by Mo Willems has been asking to drive the bus for ten years! Celebrate the pigeon's antics with the Actvity Kit that includes coloring sheets and instructions for drawing pigeon.

Help your child learn how to learn

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:07:27 CDT

Learning about the world helps children get ready to read. Children are naturally curious, so encourage your child to ask questions. Talk about possible answers and look for answers together. Our libraries are full of engaging and richly illustrated nonfiction books, such as the ones featured on the Science and Nature book list, for young learners. Ask Us to help you find books on whatever subjects your child is curious about.

Process not Product

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 10:32:09 CDT

Some time ago, an art instructor visited the ECFE class my daughter and I attend. One of the things she said that struck me is to focus on what your child is experiencing, not what they come up with. Instead of saying, "What did you draw? Is it a tree?" we might say, "How did you make such thick lines there? How do you make thin lines?"

The same goes for reading. Don't worry about getting to the end of the story without interuption. Instead follow your child's lead. Perhaps you will skip portions of the book or even turn back a few pages. Maybe you will stop halfway through and go do something else. Maybe you will even spend the entire time looking at a single page.

The main point is to make the reading experience a positive one. Someday, when your child is struggling with learning to read, it is the positive memories that will help her to work hard to overcome the obstacles to reading.

Sharing eBooks with children

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:00:15 CDT

Did you know that many picture books, including new and classic titles, are available as eBooks from the library? Just like with traditional print books, the best thing about eBooks is sharing them with children and reading them together as an interactive experience. Reading Rockets offers more tips on making the most of eBooks for children.

Sing a song!

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:22:25 CDT

Literacy begins earlier than you might think. From the time they're born, children watch, listen and learn based on the myriad stimuli around them. Books are a great literacy tool, of course, but another means of learning is through songs and fingerplays. As children hear the rhyming words and follow the vocal patterns, language becomes more accessible, not to mention fun!

Don't know where to find these tools? Check out our page of fingerplays and songs and watch librarians demonstrate the motions. You can try these out in a waiting room, in line at the grocery store, during car trips or during your own storytimes at home. You'll be amazed how quickly your child learns, remembers and loves these little treasures.

"I used the potty!"

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 14:14:13 CDT

I was at a restaurant recently and heard a child loudly exclaim, "I peed in the potty!" While his mom shushed him, a few of us strangers congratulated him. Because, it takes a village to raise a toilet-trained child, right? It brought me right back to the time my two year old son carried his potty chair into the living room while we were having a party. He apparently wanted an audience for his latest accomplishment. Books can often make a big difference as kids make this important transition to independence. But they can be hard to find in the library. Some are shelved with the picture books, while others are in the easy non-fiction area. That's why I love to show parents our potty-training booklist. These are all of our favorites, from our village to yours.

Literacy-building in the produce aisle

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:12:16 CDT

If your house is like mine, trips to the grocery store with small children can be an adventure, sometimes in good ways, sometimes not. Here are some activities that can take some of the stress out of this task and build early-literacy skills at the same time.

Cut out pictures of some of the things you will be buying, and have your toddlers make a colorful grocery list. You can write the names of the items next to the grocery list.

If your preschoolers or kindergartners are learning to write letters, help them to write out the list for the day.

As you put the items into the shopping cart, allow your children to be the keepers of the list. Let them check off the items and add new items that are not on the list.

And as always have a couple of books handy to read together while waiting in the checkout line.

The slow march to Spring

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:32:04 CDT

Today our library's storytime was all about water in its various forms: how ice and snow melt when it's warm and how water freezes when it's cold. Young children have a lot to say about these processes. They love to become young scientists by predicting and experimenting. What will the duck do when she arrives before Spring? What will happen to Peter's snowball when he brings it into his warm house? We set out a bowl of snow and some ice cubes in a separate dish and watched what happened to them in the course of the storytime. Parents left inspired to try it at home. A bowl of snow on a table can be a great avenue for conversation. And research shows that just such experiences build background knowledge-- a key skill used when children are learning to read.

February newsletter

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:11:09 CDT

Have you read our latest issue of the Birth to Six newsletter yet? Our bi-monthly newsletter is full of fun ideas for picture books and fingerplays to share with your children.

Shake your sillies out!

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:26:06 CDT

In the midst of sub-zero temperatures, it's cabin fever time in Minnesota and we have the just the books to ease the pain! Our collection of Silly Stories are filled with engaging wordplay, fun movement and wacky characters to brighten even the grayest day.

Onomatopoeia aka BLIRRRRRK

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:58:45 CDT

The other day I tried to explain to my daughter what onomatopoeia is. You know, it's when a word is created to imitate a sound. (Remember the old expert, Batman? BAM, KAPOW, ZOWIE). Here are three ways you can use onomatopoeia to build literacy:
1. Ham it up! Like rhyming words and animal noises, words like 'PLOP' and 'SNAP' may be exaggerated to highlight the smaller sounds within them.
2. Try to think of examples of onomatopoeia together.
3. Make up your own words together (ie. I was jumping on the bed and PLOOFED onto the pillow).
The book that caused us to begin talking about onomatopoeia is Listen to My Trumpet by Mo Willems. Just see how many ways the author can mimic the sound of a trumpet.

Help for your new reader

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:06:33 CDT

If you have a new reader at home you know how difficult it can be to find books for her. Finding a level that is challenging but not overwhelming can be a daunting task. Add to this the fact that a Level One in one publisher's series can vary wildly than a Level One in a different series. School systems use different systems for defining a reading level as well-- the Fountas & Pinnell or the Lexile level are examples. Luckily, help is here! We have booklists for children who are learning to read that will take your reader step by step. The booklists include Starting to Read, First Easy Reader, and Advanced Easy Reader. And your local youth services librarian will love the challenge of helping your child find the best next book for him-- at the right level and on the topic or storyline that will inspire him to take the plunge. Believe me, this is the kind of challenge we librarians live for!

Guide to apps for children

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:40:07 CDT

Feeling confused about choosing apps for your children? Common Sense Media's Essential Apps for Kids and Teens can help! This comprehensive guide allows you to search by device and age-group, including preschool children.

Librarian favorites of 2012

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:32:28 CDT

At the start of this new year, it's fun to take a moment to appreciate our Favorite Picture Books of 2012. These books were chosen by librarians who create our Birth to Six book lists. How many of these delightful books have you enjoyed with a child?

The anticipation begins

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:04:40 CDT

The coveted Caldecott Award, which honors an extraordinary picture book for children, will be announced in January, but avid readers of all ages are already weighing in. At the Allen County Public Library, the kids' book club chose Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger as the winner of their Mock Caldecott Award. Meanwhile over in Rhode Island, librarians from across the state have put together a list of nominees for a similar competition, showing love for such books as Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead and Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett. Which book wins your Mock Caldecott this year?

While we wait for the new recipient, check out our list of past winners and be reminded of a rich history of picture books worth revisiting.

Make learning a holiday tradition

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:50:15 CDT

Take a break during the busy holiday season to enjoy spending time reading to your children. Reading Rockets' Learning Traditions guide suggests easy and no-cost ideas to listen, laugh, and learn with children of all ages. Explore the magic of the season with the fun, seasonal books on the Winter Holidays list.

A few words about Play

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:19:04 CDT

At the library you will hear us singing the praises of Playing Together. Playing is the way that children begin to learn and develop the skills they will use to succeed in school and beyond. And it's fun. Here are what a few people you may recognize have said about play:

It is a happy talent to know how to play. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A child loves his play, not because it's easy, but because it's hard. - Benjamin Spock

Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. - Fred Rogers

Play is the work of children. - Maria Montessori

...And young children are 100% employed, all the time. - Raffi

Books-- the gifts that keep on giving

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 16:49:02 CDT

When your mom is a librarian, you can always count on getting books in your stocking. As a parent, you can count on those books being a great return on your investment. Just this past week my six-year-old daughter read a book out loud to me-- it was a beginning reader book about Wonder Woman. She had received the book in her stocking when she was three and was way obsessed with princesses. I was countering that obsession with the powerful Princess of the Amazons. It worked like a charm, by the way. Her favorite princesses are still the princess-warrior types. She asked her dad and me to read that Wonder Woman book to her every night for months. And now, three years later, she is reading it to me. Books have a way of coming back like that, again and again. Check out our lists for books on princesses, superheroes, and beginning readers!

"The Snowy Day" turns 50

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:30:50 CDT

The beloved classic picture book The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Now is the perfect time to introduce your children to this charming and timeless book. Looking for a newer book to share? Explore the engaging books by new authors on the Ezra Jack Keats Awards list.

Sing together!

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:12:31 CDT

Singing is one of the most powerful ways that you can help your child learn about language. Songs often include rhyming or simply push us to slow down pronunciation, which increases children's awareness and sensitivity to the sounds in words. Your local library has a wealth of family-friendly music CDs you can check out. Need one more reason to sing? You can download up to three free songs each week using the Library's subscription to Freegal.

Minnesota music for kids

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:38:03 CDT

Did you know that several popular Minnesota rock and folk musicians have made music for kids? You can check out CDs by Haley Bonar, The Roe Family Singers, Peter Himmelman, and Bunny Clogs (featuring Adam Levy of the Honeydogs) to name a few! Be sure to sing with your children any chance you have: at home, in the car, during a walk. You don't need to be a rock star, just have fun!

Halloween -- a great chance to face your fears

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 14:05:56 CDT

Halloween can be downright terrifying for young children. They are just learning the boundary between truth and fiction, and those ghosts and zombies can seem so real. As children negotiate that boundary, things that are scary can also be deliciously fun. You can help your children work their way through scary feelings with some books that walk this line, too. These monster books show that children can be in charge of their fear, and enjoy the fun without getting overwhelmed.

Write together

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:30:49 CDT

Many activities that young children enjoy are terrific for developing fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination, which they need for writing. Encourage your child to cut paper with child-friendly scissors, place beads on a string (or pasta shapes on a shoelace), play with blocks, and do simple jigsaw puzzles. Even pinching spring-loaded clothespins can help build the muscles your child will use for writing.

Explore books a whole new way

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:38:23 CDT

The nature of reading is changing before our eyes and not just for adults: more and more picture books are available in ebook format, as well as print format. Just as with adult ebooks, baby and toddler ebooks present a wonderful opportunity to have multiple books on hand with just one device. This presents a great diversion for long car trips and time spent in the waiting room, all without having to keep track of each individual book or worry about late fees.

Talk to your local librarian to learn more about getting started with your ebook device and check out this list of Ebooks and More for Young Children for a list of available picture ebooks we love.

What's new in children's picture books?

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:44:16 CDT

Don't miss our list of selected New Picture Books. Every two months we update the list with some of the most appealing, eye-catching, and charming books that we have added to our collection. October's updated list includes a new Olivia story, Halloween books, and Apples A to Z.

Online early literacy video

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:58:19 CDT

Discover how you can help preschoolers develop early literacy skills by watching Toddling Toward Reading online. You can view the entire 30 minute episode of this public television program or just the highlights that interest you. The episode is hosted by Reba McEntire and includes an interview with popular children's book author Sandra Boynton.

Pretend play is important work-- for real!

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:04:27 CDT

When children play make-believe, they are actually building their pre-reading skills. The ability to symbolize, to know that the word "princess" on a page connotes a certain image of royal girly fabulousness, is an important concept they will need to understand before they can learn to read. When they are three and pretend to be a different creature every hour, they are studying this very thing. When they take a stick and turn it into a magic fairy wand, or a warrior's sword, the power of symbolic thought is hard at work in your preschooler. So you can feel like you're preparing your children well when you bring home these books for your superheroes and princesses at home. Just be prepared-- they may ask you to be the dragon once in a while.

Celebrate picture books

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:45:22 CDT

In honor of their twentieth anniversary, children's book publisher Candlewick Press presents a We Believe in Picture Books video celebration. Each day their site will feature a new video from Candlewick authors, illustrators, and staff. Highlights include interviews with My Friend Bear author Jez Alborough and Megan McDonald, author of Judy Moody. Don't miss this chance to learn more about some of your favorite picture books.

Reading outside: It's ok if the book gets dirty

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:59:36 CDT

In his book, Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv warns against what he calls Nature Deficit Disorder. Try this simple trick for helping your child connect with books and nature all at the same time. Ask the friendly youth services librarian at your local library to help you find the Easy Nonfiction section. Find a book about things you can see all around you in nature. Then go outside and explore.
Here's another one: Do a Storywalk. Read a book about leaves as you walk down a colorful path in October. Read a book about frogs as you hunt for them by a nearby pond. The Webber Park Library even has an organized Storywalk planned in October. Book and nature activities will help your child build a relationship with nature as well as build vocabulary along the way.

Stories for all

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:23:12 CDT

Sometimes the gap between a toddler and a kindergartener can seem wider than the Grand Canyon! At different stages of development, even at a matter of months, children show varied interests and skillsets when it comes to reading. But there are some wonderful books that can help bridge the gap and speak to all members of the family at different levels.
Check out our list of Family Read-Alouds for titles sure to please everyone, from classics like The House on Pooh Corner to new treats like The Amazing Trail of Seymour Snail.

Sing songs about your child's day

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 11:59:15 CDT

Singing helps children hear that words are made up of smaller parts. This is an important skill for learning to read later on. You can build on your child's daily experiences by singing songs about them. Make up songs or rhymes with your child based on what they're doing, using familiar tunes. For example, in the car you could sing "Baby Jack is riding, Baby Jack is riding, to the store, to the store..." to the tune of Frere Jacques. Here's a great list of rhyme books to get you started. You'll find your child joining in with her own creations soon enough!

Places to talk

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:03:00 CDT

Talking with your child is one of the best ways to help develop language and other early literacy skills. Conversations help a child express thoughts, learn what words mean, and gain new information about the world. Of course talking about books is a great way to start a conversation, especially if you choose books about dinosaurs or anything your child is interested in. Chances to chat during the day also include while doing household chores, in the car, at the store, waiting in a line, during bath time, during meals, or out on a walk. Listen to what your child says, answer questions, add new information, and listen some more!

See how easy shared reading is!

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:18:20 CDT

It's never too early to help children start developing a love of books and reading. Read to Me videos show how easy and fun it can be for parents and caregivers to share books with babies and young children. Take a look at our Favorites for Babies and Favorites for Toddlers book lists to discover books that promote reading as a positive experience and encourage young children to want more.

A great tradition continues

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 10:14:59 CDT

For decades, American libraries have been educating, entertaining and inspiring their communities with a range of services that continues to expand. But perhaps the most beloved of ongoing library programs is storytime for children. From classics like Blueberries for Sal to more recent favorites like Fancy Nancy, librarians have a knack for choosing great books that spark a lifelong love of reading through traditional narrative, music and movement.

But unlike years ago, storytime now reaches out to children of all ages, including babies and toddlers, because it's never too early to introduce your child to the magic of language. Have you checked out storytime at your local library? Visit our Birth to Six page to find more detailed descriptions of each type of storytime and schedules for libraries around the County.

Enjoy delightful new picture books

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:21:49 CDT

Looking for something different to read with your children? Be sure to take a look at our New Picture Books list. You will be amazed by the variety of creative, fun, quirky, and sweet books that are available.

Don't forget the nonfiction

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:57:47 CDT

Did you notice that this week's featured Birth to Six book lists include nonfiction (information) books for young children? Nonfiction books are a great way for children to learn new words. Nonfiction books also help children learn more about the world, and this background knowledge helps your child understand more when he or she begins to read. If your child is on-the-go and doesn't want to sit still for very long, you can spend just a few minutes looking at a nonfiction book together. Animals, trucks, sports, space, flowers, states: these are just some of the many subjects you can explore with your child. At your next library visit ask for help finding nonfiction books to match your child's interest, or Ask Us via text, IM or e-mail.

Raising a great big brother or sister

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 14:04:35 CDT

When I was pregnant with my second child, there was one book that my oldest child loved to read. It was Julius, The Baby of the World, by Kevin Henkes. The story is about big sister Lilly who is NOT happy about the new addition to her family. My son didn't show any signs of jealousy or uncertainness about our upcoming arrival, but reading about Lilly's troubles -- over and over again -- was somehow helping him sift through his feelings. Just as Lilly embraces her big-sisterhood by the end of the story, my son is now 9 and is always a great big brother (even if his patience at times runs thin.) Whatever the major life or family shift of your young child, we have the booklist of librarian-selected books to help him or her through it. Check out all the lists under the heading Helping Kids Cope. And pay special attention to the ones your child wants to read again and again!

Let creativity abound

Hennepin County Librarians — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:46:28 CDT

While spoken language may come more gradually, toddlers are rarely at a loss for expressive content. Every finger-painting, hummed song and tapped rhythm is means of growing emotionally and psychologically, as well as artistically.

In our list of Art and Music stories, we highlight authors who set the beat, color outside the lines and rock out. These are stories that celebrate aspiring artists and encourage creative thinking in their young readers. Personal favorites include the color-swapping Mouse Paint and the hilarious rock n'rollin' Punk Farm.

Discover something new every day

Hennepin County Librarians — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:09:28 CDT

Inspire your children to love books by connecting reading to fun, hands-on activities. Start With a Book offers themed book lists paired with fun ideas to help children learn more and make connections between books and the world around them. Book lists on popular subjects like Dinosaurs and B ugs, Birds and Animals are sure to excite young children!

Video fingerplays

Hennepin County Librarians — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:03:17 CDT

Did you know you can watch videos of Hennepin County librarians doing fingerplays on our website? Fingerplays, rhymes and songs promote early literacy by slowing down language so children can hear the different sounds that make up words. You can find more fun and easy things to do together with your children to help them get ready to read on our early literacy page.

Outdoors for summer gets kids ready to read

Hennepin County Librarians — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:54:23 CDT

Exploring the outdoors is a great way to build on your child's understanding of the world around her. Research shows that the greater a child's background knowledge, the greater his comprehension once he is reading. So when you are looking for butterflies, investigating animal tracks, even splashing in the lake together with your child-- you are actually building their reading comprehension skills! Who knew school preparation could be so much fun? And don't forget to check out some of the many engaging Science and Nature books your library has just for young children.

Fill in the blanks

Hennepin County Librarians — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 10:58:40 CDT

Storytime is a multi-faceted adventure both for readers and audiences. Children's responses to books can range from silent awe to uproarious laughter, but whatever the reaction, we aim to make storytelling a living, breathing experience, rather than a passive one. One of the best ways to involve children in a book is to allow them to tell the story; some of the best books for creative storytelling are wordless books.

Popular wordless authors like Barbara Lehman and Alexandra Day leave the door open for individual interpretation by providing expressive illustrations that guide the reader, but it is up to the reader to fill in the narrative gaps. What does your child notice in the pictures? What is really happening in this scene? Try switching places with your child with these extraordinary tales. Sometimes it's most enjoyable to be on the receiving end of a great story.

New early literacy page

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 10:31:37 CDT

Talk together. Sing together. Read together. Write together. Play together. Sounds simple, right? It is, and fun! Our early literacy page explains how these five playful and simple ways help prepare your children to become readers.

Karaoke time

Hennepin County Librarians — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:43:41 CDT

Karaoke isn't just for grownups! You and your child will love singing along with classic songs like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "The Wheels on The Bus" featured on Baby Karaoke. These charming animated videos include words and actions and are fun for toddlers and preschoolers, too. Singing together is a great way to prepare children to become readers. Songs, rhymes and fingerplays slow down language so children can hear the different sounds that make up words.