Caillou, a Nice Surprise

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

The purpose of the Compass Collection of board books is to help very
young children understand and cope with developmental milestones and
other changes in their lives.

Caillou, a Nice Surprise, first published as Lollypop Makes a Mess
(1995), follows Caillou as he tries to cook by himself. After the
youngster and his mother clean up the mess he created, they make cookies
together. In Caillou, Bad Dreams, first published as Lollypop’s
Nightmare (1995), Caillou’s dreams of scary animals wake him up every
night, and his mother comes in and rocks him to sleep. One night, when
Caillou is given his teddy bear to rock to sleep, the waking problem is
solved. In Caillou, Mealtime, first published as Lollypop’s Mealtime
(1995), Caillou won’t eat his meal; but when he and Grandpa
make-believe they’re bears, the youngster devours his food. Caillou,
Baby Sister, first published as Lollypop’s Baby Sister (1994), deals
with sibling rivalry. When Caillou believes his baby sister is getting
too much attention, he behaves like a baby; but he soon learns that
being older has its advantages. Caillou, Potty Time, first published as
Lollypop’s Potty (1994), is designed for children who are in, or about
to enter, the toilet-training stage. Caillou doesn’t get the hang of
the potty immediately; he has accidents, gets frustrated, but eventually
achieves success. In Caillou Says No!, first published as Lollypop Says
No (1995), Caillou starts asserting himself. When he’s asked to stop
playing and come to dinner, he says, “No!” He says no again when
he’s asked to go shopping. The trouble is, he really means “yes.”

Throughout this series, Caillou’s parents are revealed to be firm yet
supportive. For example, when the toddler accidentally wets his pants
and starts to cry (in Caillou, Potty Time), he is comforted by his
parents rather than chastised; he is also praised when successful.
Hélиne Desputeaux’s boldly colored, cartoon-like illustrations
charmingly capture Caillou’s range of emotions. Parents looking for
strategies to help them deal with the realities of toddler life will
enjoy these books. Recommended.