Caillou, Careful!

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

Compass Collection books are designed to mirror the stages of
development in a child’s life. Growing and experiencing new situations
and challenges, they become more independent. Toddlers and parents
sharing these three new titles in the series will find much that is both
familiar and reassuring.

Caillou, Day Care describes Caillou’s introduction to day care. At
first, he is excited by the prospect of new toys and friends to play
with. Upon arrival, Caillou faces the reality of the situation. He feels
shy at seeing so many new faces, and sadness and anxiety when his
parents leave. Gradually Caillou begins to feel more comfortable, and by
the time his parents come to collect him at the end of the day he is
playing happily.

Bedtime routines and fears are the focus of Caillou, Good Night! The
youngster feels very grown-up when he gets to stay up later than his
baby sister, Rosie, playing a game and enjoying a bedtime story. But
when it’s time to turn out the light and close the door, he’s not so
brave. Comforted by the presence of Teddy and the sounds of Mommy and
Daddy going on with their activities, he eventually drifts off to sleep.


In Caillou, Careful!, Caillou begins to assert his independence. For
example, he refuses his mother’s suggestion that he wear his gloves to
play outside. When he begins to make a snowman, he’s not long changing
his mind and following her advice. Admirably, Mother refrains from
saying, “I told you so.” In this and other situations she allows
Caillou to test things for himself, at the same time making sure that he
is in no real danger.

All three books portray Caillou’s parents as supportive, treating
Caillou kindly yet firmly. Caillou is never chastised for his failures;
rather, he is praised for his successes.

Attractively designed in bright primary colors with expressive
cartoonlike illustrations, these book will bring parents and toddlers
enjoyment and hopefully, learning. Recommended.