Toddler Tools - Board Book Series

Every parent, caregiver—and toddler—knows the misery that comes with meltdowns and temper tantrums. Through rhythmic text and warm illustrations, this gentle, reassuring book offers toddlers simple tools to release strong feelings, express them, and calm themselves down. Children learn to use their calm-down place—a quiet space where they can cry, ask for a hug, sing to themselves, be rocked in a grown-up’s arms, talk about feelings, and breathe: “One, two, three . . . I’m calm as can be. I’m taking care of me.” After a break, toddlers will feel like new—and adults will, too. Books include tips for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

Naps are just a little break—but when it’s naptime, many toddlers have trouble settling into sleep. This calming, encouraging book helps young children quiet down so they can get the rest they need. Eyes are closed, lights are dimmed…and (yawn, s-t-r-e-t-c-h) before little ones know it, it’s time to wake up. Cozy illustrations enhance the text. An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation.

Read more less

An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation.Being dropped off at childcare or cared for by a baby-sitter means saying good-bye to Mom or Dad—and for many toddlers, bye-bye is a big deal. This gentle book helps ease the transition with simple rituals: hugs and kisses, a big wave, a deep breath, and the confidence to seek comfort with the new caregiver or other children. Toddlers learn that good-bye isn’t forever, it’s just for a while.Part of the Toddler Tools series, Bye-Bye Time can be shared before (or during) the desired “time,” or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation.Toddlers will look forward to clean-up time with this simple rhyming book that encourages them to chant along as they tidy up. Young children learn to work together to put items in their place, make a neater space, keep a smile on their face—and make room for more fun. Delightful illustrations enhance the text.Part of the Toddler Tools series, Clean-Up Time can be shared before (or during) the desired “time,” or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

Sometimes it’s fun to share, and sometimes it’s hard. This book offers toddlers simple choices (take turns, use the toy together, wait for another time) to make sharing easier, and shows them where to turn for help when sharing is difficult. Little ones learn that sharing can mean double the fun—and sharing a while can make someone smile! Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

“Put away the wiggles. Put away the giggles. Listening works better when your body’s calm and still.” When it’s time for young children to listen closely, this book sets the tone. They discover that it’s important to open their eyes and ears but to close their mouths (“zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket”) so good listening can begin. An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation. Listening Time can be shared before (or during) the desired “time,” or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

Manners start with a smile—then you add the words. There are polite words to use when you greet someone, ask for something, or (oops!) make a mistake. There’s even a nice way to say no. This book gives toddlers a head start on manners, setting the stage for social skills that will last a lifetime. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

Mealtime—“Yummy-in-the-tummy time”—is an opportunity to teach young children two major life skills: nutrition and table manners. Simple but important mealtime routines come to life as the toddlers in this book remember to wash their hands, use a napkin and fork or spoon, stay at the table, and eat healthy foods. Toddlers also learn the one big rule for mealtime: Always try one bite (“You just might like it!”). Parents and caregivers want toddlers to develop healthy eating habits and positive mealtime routines. This book helps them do so with Verdick’s keen ability to speak directly to little ones and Heinlen’s delightful, appealing illustrations. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

Ease little ones into the get-ready-for-bed routine with this warm and cozy bedtime book. Aided by Mom and Dad, a sister and brother enjoy a little snack, relaxing baths, time for brushing teeth, stories, lullabies, back rubs, and hugs. Cheerful, soft illustrations and reassuring text set a tone that helps toddlers feel good about settling down to sleep. (As the narrator explains, “I do my best growing when I’m sleeping.”) In the morning, the children will yawn, stretch, and be a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, and a little bit smarter—all because of a good night’s sleep. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Read more less

Messy play is growing time—with lots of chances to have unstructured and sensory-rich play all day long.“Hello, dough! Squish Squash Squeeze.” Little ones build their gross- and fine-motor skills through play, touch, and—yes—making a big mess. With its bouncy, friendly approach, Messy Time encourages creativity, growth mindset, and messy play throughout the day, indoors and outdoors. “Welcome, rain! Splish Splash Dash.” The newest addition to the popular Toddler Tools® series, Messy Time, shows joyful, messy play in different environments: with art materials; with mud, sand, and water; in the kitchen; in the garden; in the bathtub.  Messy time is growing time, and messy play provides rich sensory experiences and unstructured play. At the back of the book, a section for parents and caregivers has tips for making the most of messy play, including clean-up time.

Read more less

With On-the-Go Time, shopping and errands really can mean fewer hassles and more fun for everyone! Toddlers learn simple tools and encouragement to keep moving, cope with the changing scenes, and be super helpers in the car, at the store or library, and on the road. What do they do when they’re on-the-go? Listen, follow along, and even lend a hand. If they’re disappointed or overstimulated along the way, they can take deep breaths to calm down. Who says running errands with toddlers has to be stressful? Includes tips for parents and caregivers. Part of the award-winning Toddler Tools™ series.

Read more less

Young children learn that they get lots of chances to try again every day.Oops! We all make mistakes. This reassuring book shows toddlers that mistakes are okay and helps them build resilience and independence. “Try-again time is learn-and-grow time. Take it slow . . . Ready—set—GO!” With gentle guidance on how to cope with the big feelings that come with making mistakes, young children are encouraged to think positively about their abilities and to keep trying. A timely addition to the beloved Toddler ToolsⓇ series, Try-Again Time helps young children develop a growth mindset,  learn how to persevere, and practice self-regulation skills. The back of the book provides active suggestions and tips for adults to manage try-again time together. “You might need two tries, or three, or MORE . . . that’s what trying again is for!”

Read more less