Recommended for Stage 4: The Babbler (eight to twelve months) and beyond.
Bear on a Bike will be one of your baby’s favorites for many months. Here’s why. A quick glance through the book reveals simple illustrations with lots of color and design that clearly match the rhyming text. The bear and other cast of characters are appealing and fun to talk about and point to. There are lots of questions waiting to be asked.Where’s the boy or the spotted dog, for example?
The text offers some rich vocabulary. We discuss the importance of “rare” or unusual words in Baby Read-Aloud Basics. Children’s books have three times more vocabulary than spoken language between parent and child. For example, in Bear on a Bike, you’ll read the following less common words: marigold, raft, fearsome, prowl, snarl, dart, herons, groves, carriage. These are words you probably wouldn’t say to your baby or toddler in everyday conversation. Reading those sample words may even peak your interest. Something magical is happening is this book. Try reading it to your baby or toddler and observe his or her reactions. You’ll find your child eager for you to extend the book by talking about it. You’ll also be asked either verbally or nonverbally to “read it again.” Reading a book over and over is good for language development. This might be one book you won’t mind reading again and again. Enjoy!
Bear on a Bike
Written by Stella Blacksone, Illustrated by Debbie Harter
Board book
Barefoot Books, 22 pages, 2001
