sports and activities

All of Isabel Wilner's children's books are wonderful, and this is no exception. Great games to play with babies, the songs you heard as a child -- but with the words!! In case (like me) you've forgotten them. Get this and ALL her books!

I am a first time parent and I bought this book with the idea that it might give me some interesting things to do with my 5 month old daughter. I found the book to be so simple it wasn't worth the money. As an example, there are only about 10 "games" outlined and they all tend to just be renditions of bouncing your baby on your knee while repeating a rhyme. For $15, I sort of expected something a little more creative and informative.

This is the perfect gift for the new baby! Isabel Wilner has gathered familiar and not-so-familiar rhymes that introduce simple games to play with babies. Several rhymes name the fingers and toes. Others make great lap games. Others encourage an action on the baby's part. My granddaughter's favorite is, "Put your finger in foxy's den." The den is made by making a fist with one hand. The baby puts her finger in the fist! Rhymes and games to accompany bath-time, bed-time, and just plain fun-time have instructions for the novice parent, grandparent, relative or friend.

The illustrations by Sam Williams are whimsical or realistic, whichever is required. All are gentle. Pastel watercolor images set a restful tone. Notable is the presence of the father as caregiver and playmate.