Abigail Is a Big Girl

Along with "Billy is a Big Boy," this is a set of books that highlight various milestones in a toddler's life, such as riding a tricycle, sitting at the dinner table without a high chair and sleeping in a big bed. In a simple, straightforward manner, it correlates the substitution of one activity for another, like when you are little, you leave your toys out, but now that you are big, you clean up your room. There are many lessons about self-esteem and self-reliance. These books are tools to encourage a preschooler to try achievements on their own. As a nice touch, the backs of these books have pages to fill in the dates of each accomplishment. Then, books become truly special--to save as a memento. The illustrations are clear and colorful with a strong emphasis on primary colors.

I recommend this book for ages 2 to 5. I was unhappy with one of the examples of being a big girl. It said, "Abigail used to scribble when she made her art--now she paints pictures." As a parent and an educator, I encourage children's creativity by exploring shape, form, and color, and remind them that their art does not always need to look like something. That particular illustration can always be further explained to the child.