Have you ever held a baby??Were you scared and nervous like me…. I was six when I became a big sister. I remember seeing my baby sister for the first time – all wrapped up in comfort in mum’s arms. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life. Are you ready to welcome your new baby brother/sister?? Are you ready for a new adventure??
Did you know? In the animal world, wild animals’ bond with their brothers and sisters in amazing ways!
- Lion brothers and sisters each form their own alliances
- If baby chimpanzees are orphaned, older siblings will often take on the responsibility to raise them.
- Panda mums have One Child Policy
A great way to introduce a new baby to a sibling are through picture books. Books help parents start discussion, give kids both comfort and knowledge. They help to process any doubts, fears, and excitement.
In this post, we are going to show you a few books about babies with some rhymes and a craft that you can share with your tot.
Books
Hickory dickory dock / Keith Baker
Rhythmic text expands on the Mother Goose rhyme, including a variety of animals that react as the clock strikes one through twelve.
This picture book is different from traditional nursery rhyme. A variety of animals are included such as hare, snake, bird, bees, pig and hen. It keeps all children curious to know who’s coming next. You can spot the mouse on the giant grandfather clock in every page busy engaging with the other animals. The illustrations are simple and beautiful. This picture book is perfect for learning how to tell time.
This old woman and her household of high-spirited children and talented pets are resourceful. Together they repair their broken furniture, find alternative modes of transportation when the car breaks down and remake worn clothing with colorful patches.
This picture book is a new fun filled version of the traditional rhyme. The artwork in the book is bright and beautiful. The story is about an old woman who lived in a shoe with so many children and animals. She loved them so much. She kissed them all lovingly. This book is a celebration of mothers.
Hey diddle diddle You all know the riddle a cow jumps over the moon. But the moon is very high in the sky. How many attempts will it take before Cow makes her famous high-flying leap?
It took eight attempts for the cow to jump over the moon. The fiddle, dish, spoon and little dog all supported and cheered for the cow. This inspiring, funny and cute picture book was shortlisted for the CBCA Awards 2016. It is a wonderful book about perseverance, resilience and friendship. It offers children the hope and encouragement to keep trying and trying.
Rhymes
Hey Diddle Diddle
Hey Diddle Diddle is a soft and relaxing classic nursery rhymes. The lyrics are funny and cute. I enjoy singing this at storytime.
Humpty Dumpty
Most people learned this popular nursery rhyme as children. Humpty Dumpty is a sweet nursery rhyme for all toddlers about an egg. It’s a great song to introduce rhyming words.
Craft – Humpty Dumpty Wall stamping craft
Materials:
-
- Humpty Dumpty picture
- A4 Card in various colours
- Cut up sponges in rectangle shapes for stamping
- Brown/red paint for bricks
- Scissors, textas, crayons, glue
Instructions:
- Print out your humpty template sheet and colour.
- Cut and colour humpty
- Pat sponges onto brown paint and then on an A4 sheet to make brick wall
- Glue humpty on top of the wall
Birak (December – January)
The Noongar Season ‘Birak’ is represented by the colour red as it symbolises heat, sun and fire.
During Birak season the rain eases and the warm weather really starts to take hold. The afternoons are cooled by the sea breezes from the south west.
Traditionally this was the fire season. An almost clockwork style of easterly winds in the morning and sea breezes in the afternoon meant that this was burning time of the year for Noongar people and they would burn the country in mosaic patterns.
There are several reasons for this, including fuel reduction, increasing the grazing pastures for animals, to aid seed germination and to make it easier to move across the country.
There are many fledglings venturing out of nests in Birak, though some are still staying close to their parents such as magpies and parrots. Reptiles will also be shedding their old skin for a new one.
With the rising temperatures and the decreasing rainfall, it’s also a time for the baby frogs to complete their transformation into adulthood.
