Little OT: books and other suggestions for 13 mo. old DD too antsy to read to any more -

[jennifer_r]

We started reading to DD when she was just a few weeks old and until the past month or so, she's been content to listen to stories. Now, she wants to get down and about, busy exploring. We've found that lift the flap books (we have most of the K. Katz ones) and books with holes in them (such as Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Fish Eyes by Lois Ehlert) seem to keep her interest longer. We also have a couple of touch and feel books. I think these kind of books are the way to go until she's ready to sit in my lap again. Any recommendations for particular lift the flap books, or books that she can participate in? Or other books that have seemed to work in this situation?

Also, any other general recommendations for keeping her interest longer? I imagine this is typical baby/toddler behavior, especially as they get more mobile? (PLEASE tell me it is and that she's not going to be a more than usual hyper toddler :) )

By the way, she likes looking at books in general - that is, picking it up, turning the pages, pointing to things, babbling at them and ofcourse - eating them. It keeps her occupied while on the changing table, getting dressed, or entertains her when she is in the stroller and we are stuck somewhere.

Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
And another DD arriving end of October!

[brittone2]

ITA w/ what you are doing...lift the flap and touch and feel work great at that age. Do you have Tails? That's a great one and DS still loves it at 19 months ("wag wag"). It has sliders you can pull at a few places to make the tails wag on a few animals in the book and it also has lots of touch and feel. DS also has a touch and feel my parents got him called Good Morning, Good Night (I think? I don't have it handy). He likes that one a lot. I'm not sure if your DD will like them but Sandra Boynton books, while not interactive, have a certain rhthym to them that most toddlers seem to really enjoy (Barnyard Dance, Snuggle PUppy, and Birthday Monsters are favorites around here). Books with pics of other babies in them are also a big hit. Still love Karen Katz around here but obviously you have those already.

FWIW, it is very normal at your DD's age to want to go go go ....I wouldn't worry it is a sign of her being on the hyperactive side ;) They just have lots of new motor skills and lots of desire to practice :)

Definitely check out Tails if you haven't already :)

[hjdong]

I second Tails - it's a great book at that age. And then for the rhyming, repetitive books DS liked at that age (at the moment, Brown Bear, Brown Bear comes to mind, what else . . . Doggies by Sandra Boyton, Dr. Suess' ABC, Old Hat, New Hat), I would often read them while he was having a snack. Usually crackers or something so his hands were dry so he could still turn the pages, point, etc. but he paid attention and was less likely to wander off.

HTH,

[jennifer_r]

Beth and Holly,

Thanks for the suggestions thus far - as it turns out we have most of the books you both mentioned (we have a few S. Boynton books, the Brown Bear book and a number of Dr. Seuss's including ABC). She definitely prefers the rhythmic books. But we DON'T have Tails. I will definitely pick that one up.

You should see me trying to read to her sometimes. I'll be on the floor w/her (because that's where she wants to be) and I'll try to keep her still for any length of time, sometimes following her around until she settles down again. What makes it particularly comical is that I am about 7.5-8 months pregnant and I must look so clumsy.

I like the idea of reading to her in the high chair, during snack time - this might work out in more than one respect. She is a very picky eater and I always have to occupy her w/something (whether it is singing, or letting her play w/a tupperware lid or similiar) so the book thing could be another "distraction" for her. (Don't worry, I am NOT force feeding her - she is just a very skinny baby who is not too crazy about food (or even drinking) in general and I always stop feeding her when she "tells" me "it's enough".) Anyway, if that's the case, I would think that bath tub/vinyl books work well, such as this one:

http://store.babycenter.com/product/...2Fbath_toys%2F

Keep the suggestions coming!

Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
And another DD arriving end of October!

[SummerBaby]

Your DD sounds just like mine- right down to the picky eating! My DD- also 13 months- loves books but lately would rather just walk around with them than sit still and listen. One that does keep her interest recently is Ten Little Ladybugs. It's a counting book with plastic ladybugs that poke through holes on each page- KWIM? My DD loves touching the ladybugs and she seems to really like the pictures in this book- it also has a nice rhyme.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books

Her all time favorite, even now, is Peek-a-Who. This is also good for an antsy toddler because it is short and it rhymes.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books

HTH!


Val
Mom to Madeline
7/28/04

[jennifer_r]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've seen those in the store and I'll check them out.

Ironically, yesterday she sat through SIX books (on two different occasions) perfectly content, and a couple a bit long - like The Big Red Barn. I think I've learned a trick - she had one of her "cuddlies" and that seemed to calm her down.

Good luck w/her picky eating! You've probably seen my posts about DD in the Feeding Baby forum! I just recently thought she was getting better and the past couple of days she decided she didn't want to eat anything. Go figure!


Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
And another DD arriving end of October!

[jse107]

I just found the Usborne book series (you can get them off Amazon or pick them up at Borders). The titles all start with "That's not my..." and there are all sorts (dinosaur, puppy, teddy, doll, truck, car, cat, etc.) They are tactile board books. DS really seems to enjoy them! Just a throught!

[ett]

Here are some lift the flap and interactive books that DS liked at that age:
- Spot books
- Dear Zoo
- That's not my Teddy
- Touch and Feel Farm
- Pat the Bunny
- Karen Katz books