Little One & Mama’s Book Review: “Gator Dad” by Brian Lies

Read together October 6, 2019

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️

Book #3 in our “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge

Little One Book Review: Mommy and I read a cute book called “Gator Dad,” about an alligator daddy who spends the day with his 3 kids. Gator Dad wants to “squeeze” (seize) the day with his brood, so he wakes them up for an early morning breakfast to prepare them for the fun day ahead of them. They spend the day enjoying each other’s company: they go to the park for playful adventures, “tear up” the living room to make blanket and pillow forts, take a nice scrub in the tub, and of course, read a book together before bedtime. It’s a great day with Gator Dad.

Mama’s Book Review: This is a non-rhyming book, but the illustrations are the best part. The author demonstrates that dads are a critical component to the parenting experience, and that there’s great value in children spending the day with a loving father.

Gator Dad
by Brian Lies
2016
Hardcover, 32 pages
HMH Books for Young Readers

Mama’s Book Review: “Sleep Baby, Safe and Snug” by Dr. John Hutton, illustrated by Leah Busch

Read together September 26, 2019

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Book #2 in our “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge

This is a very short board book about safe sleep for babies and young children. The goal of the book is to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and to instruct parents on the safest way to put their little ones to sleep. This book was gifted to us as part of a mother-baby program, and we liked it. The text was simple and uncluttered, the illustrations understated and peaceful, as if to encourage the feeling of sleepiness. We will probably read it again soon.

Sleep Baby, Safe and Snug
by Dr. John Hutton, illustrated by Leah Busch
2013
Board Book, 14 pages
blue manatee press

Little One Book Review: “Curious George Visits the Library” by Margret Rey

Read together September 11, 2019

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Book #1 in our “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge

This is the first book Mama read to me outside the womb. This is also my first “Curious George” book and I can’t wait to read more about this silly monkey and his adventures. I read it when I was a week-and-a-half old. I nursed while Mama read about George and his friend going to the library to explore the children’s section.

That curious monkey accidentally caused a ruckus in the public library when he got excited by all the books!! It started during children’s story time, when George got distracted by some of the books around him. The librarian was busy reading to the children, and that gave George just enough time to get into trouble. You’ll have to read the book for yourself to find out if George was able to put the library back in order.

The illustrations were simple and colorful; we think they were drawn with colored pencil. Mama and I enjoyed them almost as much as the story. We recommend this book to anyone who wants to chuckle at the adventures of a silly monkey named George. We look forward to continuing the series!!

Curious George Visits the Library
by Margret Rey
2003
Paperback, 24 pages
HMH Books for Young Readers