Reading Our Library- Keith Baker

Keith Baker's books have appeared on many reading lists and blogs. Baker is an award-winning American author/illustrator who has written several children's books, most of which feature different animals or nature scenes. Here are a few of his books we've read recently:

Little Green

This is a simple story that is just beautifully illustrated. A little boy is sitting at his window with his paints and paintbrush in hand admiring a little green hummingbird as it flits about the garden. The boy narrates the journey the hummingbird takes as he flies amidst the flowers. At the end of the story, you see how the boy tried to capture the hummingbird's flight through his painting. The bright illustrations are very fetching and Jonathan really enjoyed this book. We had attempted it earlier (when he was less than a year old), but he really engaged with the book this time. He had fun pointing out the bird on each page as well as trying to find a little caterpillar that is hidden in each illustration. This is a very toddler friendly book. For more books on hummingbirds, as well as Little Green inspired craft visit Almost Unschoolers.

Big Fat Hen 


This is Baker's version of the nursery rhyme "One Two Buckle My Shoe". The book counts up from 1-10 with bold colorful illustrations. The double-page spread show different hens with their little eggs. The acrylic illustrations really caught Jonathan's eye and we practiced counting the eggs and insects on each page. The book does not cover the entire rhyme, however, so if you are looking for a book specifically on the nursery rhyme, you may want to choose another selection. If you're looking for a toddler friendly counting book, this is a great choice!

LMNO peas 


This is a fun alphabet book that both parents and toddlers will enjoys. Baker's book features little peas on each page along with the letters of the alphabet. Each pea is engaged in either a profession or activity that begins with the respective letter such as electrician, singer, and voter. There's a lot to see on each page and that kept Jonathan and me quite entertained. There isn't a plot beyond showing the little peas in their different activities, but the rhyming text and detailed illustrations make this a winning alphabet book! Brimful Curiosities has a more in-depth review that made me decide to check out this book as one of our Keith Baker picks. She also has a fun craft to go along with the book. I think we may attempt this next time!

We've also read Keith Baker's Meet Mr. and Mrs. Green as part of our alligator lesson. We enjoyed this beginning reader book so much that we're planning on reading more in this alligator series.