I Love My Babysitter

Jean Free is a past judge of the Vicky Metcalf and Ruth Schwartz awards
for children’s

literature.

Children from ages two to five will love Lorimer’s new Tot-Books. The authors have written about relevant situations that small children can easily relate to. What is more a part of their lives than using the toilet, having their hair cut, being afraid to sleep alone, or being left with a babysitter?

These sturdy books are 16 pages in length, with full-colour illustrations, and are designed to help small children (and their parents) through early stages of growing up. They were written by Sylvie Assathiany, a Montreal kindergarten teacher, and Louise Pelletier, a screen writer. The delightful illustrations are by Philippe Béha, winner of the 1983 Canada Council Children’s Literature Prize.

The language is simple: “I hate it when mummy and daddy go to work. But I love Claire, my babysitter.” Illustrations are amusing (sucking up spaghetti) and clear with interesting details. The stories are written with a charming sense of humour that will be appreciated by both adults and their small readers. When little bear can’t sleep and Papa and Mama get into his bed, he doesn’t have enough room so he tells his parents to get back to their own bed! The four books are small in size — just perfect for tiny hands. They are available in French and are non-sexist in their presentation.

These books will be treasured by small children and enjoyed by their parents. Buy all four for your own preschoolers, your grandchildren, or a young child you love. Nursery school and kindergarten teachers will also find them useful for teaching behaviour and values.