"Mirror
There's someone in the mirror.
Look, can you see?
It looks like they're talking.
Is it them? Is it me?
I've gone away now -
I'm not saying where.
I can't see the mirror.
Am I still there?"
Michael Rosen explains in an opening author's note how important it is to introduce young children to the sounds words make when you write them down. He fills this new book with the fun that takes a child from getting up in the morning, through a busy day, and all the way to a bath and pajamas, a look at the starry sky, and a final tuck-in for a good night's sleep.
As the poems are read, listeners will hear the rhythms and rhymes of the language presented. There are nonsense words, repeated phrases, plenty of action, and much enjoyment to be gained as the children pictured go about their day. With guidance and taking time to stop and talk, kids expand their experience with sounds and conversation in response to the artwork they are seeing.
The poems are short and numerous. They are concerned with commonplace events that children encounter on a daily basis and that fill their lives with joy. The watercolor illustrations show four little ones as they experience a variety of activities together and on their own. Filled with happiness and surprise, it makes for a delightful time spent together exploring language.
If you are interested in getting your toddler on the way to reading, books like this one make the journey a pleasure. It's a fun-for-all read! And a great introduction to poetry if you are looking for a new baby gift.
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