diverse picture book (growing up/siblings; toddlers-preschoolers 18 months and up)
*Prominently features diverse characters: yes, mainly starring 2 black siblings and their mom; they live in a neighborhood with both light- and dark-skinned people.
* Great choice for preschool storytimes and maybe mixed toddler/preschool storytimes - this book comes in board book format (for younger chewers) as well as in picture book format; I looked at the board book version, which has nice large pictures (almost 8.5" high and almost 17" wide for a 2-page spread) that would be visible to larger storytime crowds. The text is short and rhyme-y, with the catchy refrain "You Can Do It Too!" This is the sequel to I can Do it too, in which the sister was growing up; in this book a baby brother has been added to the family and the sister is teaching him some things. ( )

This book is about a girl who encourages her younger sibling to do things with her, she tells her sibling that they can do it too.
Source: Pierce College Library
Ages: 3-4

A simple book encouraging children celebrate what they can do!
Source: Pierce County Library (Steilacoom)
Ages: 2-3

[This review was previously published. It has been edited and rewritten.]

These are my newest, most favorite board books! In the first story, an exuberant little girl carefully demonstrates her many exciting new skills, one for each member of the family. She pours juice like Dad, gets dressed all by herself like big sister, makes cakes like Grandma, and finally celebrates her baby brother's new independence with the rest of her family.

In the second story, the same little girl takes her role as big sister seriously as she role models fun skills for her baby brother, from playing drums with the pots and pans, to painting and going down the slide. The story finishes with the delighted baby brother finding something he can teach his big sister how to do!

These board books are nice and sturdy and a lovely oversized shape, approximately 8 by 8 inches. The rhyming text is perfect for small children, encouraging them to try their own new things and enjoy the simple humor and overflowing happiness and love of the families in these stories. The illustrator's art is vibrant and splashy, with simple lines that even younger children can follow and a few small details for older listeners.

These are great toddler story time read-alouds, great for parents to read with their little ones, and would also be absolutely perfect for older siblings to read to their baby brothers and sisters, or for a family to enjoy together, trying out the different activities.

Verdict: Highly recommended for your board book section. I'm so pleased I purchased these and we've had years of love for them.

I can do it
ISBN: 978-0811875608; Published June 2010 by Handprint Books; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library.

You can do it
ISBN:978-0811875615; Published June 2010 by Handprint Books; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library.