Helen Oxenbury's Big Baby Book

Walker Children's Hardbacks, London, 2002.
Big Board Book edition, 12 pages, ISBN 0-7636-2016-5.

"I touch..., I see..., I can..., I hear..., I am...," each introduce six common things or experiences in the world of babies and toddlers. A single word is accompanied by two explanatory pictures in this large format boardbook.

Best for parents or caregivers to use with very young children.

Fosters print motivation and print awareness by labeling pictures with text. Builds vocabulary comprehension.

So Much by Trish Cooke

Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Candlewick Press, Cambridge, MA, 1994.
Hardcover edition, 48 pages, ISBN 1-56402-344-3.

Cooke takes us on an affectionate, lighthearted romp through the individual arrivals for a family party, with each member (auntie, uncle, cousin, nannie, gran-gran, and daddy), all greeting the baby with an exuberant burst of love.

"I want to kiss him,
I want to kiss the baby,
I want to kiss him
SO MUCH!"

Between each arrival, the colors of Oxenbury's resting, waiting characters become muted and almost washed out, mimicking Cooke's text:

"They weren't doing anything,
Mom and the baby and Aunt Bibba,
nothing really..."

As each new family member enters, the colors brighten, reflecting the joyous atmosphere and energy generated by Cooke's zestful language.

Great for toddler storytime.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Margaret K. McElderry Publishing, New York, 2009.
Hardcover edition, 40 pages, ISBN 978-1416987116.

     Hunting bears requires bravado. Rosen's intrepid family faces obstacles: tall, wavy grass ("Swishy, swashy!"), a deep, cold river ("Splash, splosh!"), thick, oozy mud ("Squelch, squerch!"). With the inevitable encounter, panic ensues, reversing the hazards of the outward journey. Oxenbury's simple black and white line drawings and light watercolors capture the high adventure experienced by the characters. This classic is most fun when chanted aloud using exaggerated movements for group dramatization.

Great for getting the wiggles out, ages 2-4.

Onomatopoeia increases phonological awareness, and an understanding of narrative skills is strengthened as the story moves forward and in reverse.

1989   Smarties Book Prize Gold Award  
1990   Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
1990   Horn Book Fanfare Title
1990   Society of School Librarians International Honor Book Award
1991   Japanese Picture Book Award