PARENT & CAREGIVERS RESOURCES


Browse recommended library books and other resources in the following categories:
Pregnancy, Childbirth & Parenting
Books for Babies
Learn & Grow with Music
New Experiences for Children
Books for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Books for Grades 1 & 2
Books for Grades 3 & 4


PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH AND PARENTING

BOOKS

Beck, Leslie (2004) Leslie Beck’s nutritional guide to a healthy pregnancy: what to eat before, during, and after your pregnancy.

Chopra, Deepak (2005) Magical beginnings, enchanted lives: a celebration of pregnancy and childbirth through meditation, ayurveda, and yoga techniques.

Cooke, Kaz (2003) A Bun in the Oven: the real guide to pregnancy.

Douglas, Ann (2003) The Mother of all parenting books.

Eisenberg, Arlene (1996) What to expect when you are expecting.

Gaskin, Ina May (2002) Spiritual midwifery

Greene, Alan R (2004) From first kicks to first steps: nurturing your baby’s development from pregnancy through the first year of life.

Gurmukh, Kaur Khalsa (2003) Bountiful, beautiful, blissful: experience the natural power of pregnancy and birth with Kundalini yoga and meditation

Healy, Jane M. (2004) Your child’s growing mind: brain development and learning from birth to adolescence

Hunt, Jan (2001) The natural child: parenting from the heart

King, Michael (2002) Pilates for pregnancy

Klaus, Marshall H. (2002) The Doula book: how a trained labor companion can help you have a shorter, easier, and healthier birth

Leach, Penelope (1994) Children first: what our society must do and is not doing --- for our children today

Lim, Robin (2003) Eating for two: recipes for pregnant and breastfeeding women

Louv, Richard (2006) Last child in the woods: saving our children from nature-deficit disorder

Murkoff, Heidi (2003) What to expect the first year

Noble, Elizabeth (2003) Having twins – and more: a parent’s guide to multiple pregnancy, birth, and early childhood

Pantley, Elizabeth (2002) The No-cry sleep solution: gentle ways to help your baby sleep through the night

Romm, Aviva Jill (2002) Natural health after birth:the complete guide to postpartum wellness

Sears, William M.D. (2001) The Attachment parenting book: a commonsense guide to understanding and nurturing your baby

Sears, William M.D. (2002) The Fussy baby: how to bring out the best in your high-need child

Sunderland, Margot (2006) The Science of parenting

Werth, Barry (2002) From conception to birth: life unfolds

Winsor, Mari (2001) The Pilates pregnancy: maintaining strength, flexibility, and your figure


VIDEOS

Baby and mom postnatal yoga (1998)

Canadian Institute of Child Health (2003)
Massage: You and your baby

Crawford, Colette (1996)
Prenatal yoga

Karp, Harvey Dr (2004).
The Happiest baby on the block
The Happiest toddler on the block

Nine Months Video Series (2003):
Birth complications
Birth plans
Choosing a practitioner
Common discomforts of pregnancy
Emotional impact of pregnancy
Exercise during pregnancy
Fertility
Normal birth
Nutrition during pregnancy
Postpartum
Preparing for baby
Preparing for childbirth
Relaxation

Precious minds: nurturing literacy in the early years (2000)

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BOOKS FOR BABIES

Board books are the best choices for babies. Sturdy and durable, they can withstand a lot of chewing and gumming! Look for these books in the “board books” section of the children’s area.

Alborough, Jez. Hug - A baby chimpanzee searches for his mother with the help of many jungle families. At last he finds what he craves: a hug!

Bond, Felicia. Tumble bumble - Join ten new friends as they romp through the neighbourhood. The lilting language and sweet illustrations make this a must read for babies and parents.

Boyton, Sandra. Barnyard dance – Cartoon farm animals dance a boisterous, knee-slapping barnyard dance. The wacky, fun and colourful animals will appeal to babies and the story-in-rhyme is clever enough to sustain those nearly infinite re-readings for parents!

Cousins, Lucy. Count with Maisy – Maisy, the beloved mouse, counts everything from flowers, fish, ducks and even, fleas. The author’s signature simple, yet sweet style of drawing and writing will appeal to both babies and adults alike.

Crisp, Dan. Where’s that fish? – Babies will love searching for the little fish in this optical illusion book. Also try Where’s that monkey? by Dan Crisp if your baby is keen to try a jungle adventure.

Freymann, Saxton. Baby food - Saxton Freymann’s inspired veggie animals will captivate babies and their parents. You’ll never look at vegetables quite the same way after reading this book! Make sure to check out his other titles which are equally fantastic!

McBratney, Sam. Guess how much I love you – How much can you love someone? Little Nutbrown Hare wants to show Big Nutbrown Hare how very much he loves him – but love as big as his is very hard to measure.

Miglis, Jenny. Feelings – Babies love to look at pictures of other babies. This book uses the expressive faces of other babies to help your child discover their own emotions.

Rathmann, Peggy. Good Night Gorilla – The zoo keeper receives a tremendous surprise after locking all the animals up for the evening. Babies will love the antics of this clever little gorilla.

Schneider, Jane. First signs at play - Teach your baby to sign basic words for play time. Signing can give your child a way to make their basic needs known before they can verbalize them. Words are accompanied by easy instructions and illustrations. Look for other titles in this series.

Watt, Fiona. That’s not my kitten - Babies will love the feely patches in this book as they search for the kitten. Each page brings a new texture to be explored. If your baby enjoys this tactile title, be sure to try other board books in the Usborne touchy-feely series.

Williams, Sue. I went walking – This large size board book will allow babies to experience these charming watercolour illustrations to their fullest. Similar to Brown bear, Brown bear, this book leads the reader on a playful walk to meet many barnyard animals.

Wood, Audrey. The little mouse, the red ripe strawberry, and the big hungry bear – Little mouse discovers a juicy, red, ripe strawberry. Where will little mouse hide it so hungry bear can’t find it? Don Wood’s illustrations of little mouse’s facial expressions capture his dilemma perfectly!

Wright, Cliff. Bear and kite – Follow two bear cubs as they attempt to fly their kite. This charming rhyming story is coupled with classic illustrations that gently introduce children to the concept of opposites. See also Bear and ball by the same author.

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LEARN & GROW WITH MUSIC

Music is a part of life from the moment a child is born. A crying baby is soothed by a song, and with time, toddlers will sing the songs they have heard as they go about their day.

CDs available at the Banff Public Library:

Baby time songs & games 784.624 BAB

Campagne, Carmen & Connie Kaldor Lullaby berceuse 784.624 CAM

Campbell, Don The Mozart Effect, music for babies – Nighty night 784.624 MOZ

Clark, Laurie Art and music for children 784.624 CLA

Dreamland: World lullabies & soothing songs 784.624 DRE

Kujawa, Mandi Real wolves: wild songs for kids E KUJ

Sharon, Lois & Bram Sleepytime 784.624 SHA

Mother Goose remembers E MOT

Sweet dreams 784.624 SWE

Song and fingerplay books available at the Banff Public Library:

Beall, Pamela Conn Wee sing for baby 784.624 BEA

Cole, Joanna & Stephanie Calmenson Pat-a-cake and other play rhymes E PAT

Feierabend, John M. The book of bounces 782.42 BOO

Feierabend, John M. The Book of wiggles & tickles 782.42 BOO

Marks, Anthony Usborne children’s songbook J 782.42 USB

Marks, Anthony Usborne farmyard tales songbook J 786.42 USB

Marks, Anthony Usborne French songbook J 782.42 MAR

McKellar, Shona A Child’s book of lullabies J 782.421582 CHI

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NEW EXPERIENCES FOR CHILDREN

New experiences can be daunting for young children. The books recommended in this list can help children face day-to-day routines such as bedtime and bath time and new life experiences such as moving, a new baby, and toilet training.

Bath Time

Ross, Tony. Wash your hands! - Little princess is on the look out for germs and nasties. As we follow her through the day she makes us aware of all the situations that require hand washing. Imaginative illustrations will make your child laugh out loud. Hygiene was never so much fun! (E ROS)

Sanschagrin, Joceline. Caillou: Bath time – Caillou adores making lovely, squishy mud! He wants to play more, but now it’s bath time. Caillou discovers that playing in the tub can be just as much fun as getting dirty. (E SAN)

Bedtime

Gay, Marie-Louise. Good night Sam – Sam can’t sleep without his beloved dog, Fred. But where could he be? Sam knows that Fred is afraid of the dark, of the monster that lives in the closet and of the giant toad that lurks downstairs. Luckily, Stella is there to reassure Sam as they search everywhere. (E GAY)

Harper, Piers. Time for bed, Snow Bear – Snow bear doesn’t want to go to bed, he wants to play with his friends. This soft-to-touch book with brilliant hues of the northern lights will be a gentle way to end the day. (E HAR)

Hines, Anna Grossnickle. My own big bed – A child proudly shows off her very own brand new big bed while also telling herself that she can deal with fears about sleeping in it for the first time. (E HIN)

Wells, Rosemary. Edward’s overwhelming overnight – Edward’s play date almost turns into his first sleepover. He is inconsolable when his parents can’t come to pick him up. Toddlers will understand how there is no place like home for Edward. (E WEL)

Wells, Rosemary. Max’s bedtime – Rosemary Wells has created a brother and sister bunny duo that attempt to solve toddler problems with gentle humour and playfulness.
(E WEL)

Behaviour/Moods

Agassi, Martine. Hands are not for hitting – With this book, children can learn about the fun and caring things hands can do. The illustrations and text are simple enough for the smallest child to understand. (E AGA)

Freymann, Saxton. How are you peeling? Foods with moods. Fantastically fun and zany vegetable faces help you and your child explore the world of emotions. Adults and children will be captivated by the creative ways these vegetables are presented. (E FRE)

Heller, Lora. I’m feeling…. - Teaching your little one these signs will help them to communicate how they are feeling. Giving your child tools to express herself will boost self-esteem and alleviate frustration. Simple instructions and illustrations make it easy for parents to incorporate these signs into everyday communication with their child.

Verdick, Elizabeth. Teeth are not for biting – Simple words and pictures invite children to learn about what teeth are for and discover ways to cope if they are tempted to bite. Includes tips for parents about teething and biting. Also try Words are not for hurting, Feet are not for kicking, and Tails are not for pulling in this series. (E VER)

Doctor/Hospital

Bailey, Debbie. The hospital – Through simple text and photographs, this book helps explore basic procedures your toddler may experience at the hospital. Exploring the images together may help your child feel more comfortable should she/he have to visit the hospital. (E BAI)

London, Jonathan. Froggy goes to the doctor – Froggy isn’t looking forward to his check-up because he might get a shot, but when it’s over and he’s pronounced a very healthy frog, Dr. Mugwort is the one who dreads Froggy’s next visit. (E LON)

MacLachlan, Patricia. The Sick day – Everybody has good days and bad days. Today Emily is having a sick day. Her stomach aches and her throat feels sore. Fortunately, Father is home to take care of her. (E MAC)

Moving House

Green, Jen. I want that room! – Moving house brings change and upheaval which affect all family members, including young children. With amusing pictures and simple text, this book presents the move to a new house in a positive, reassuring way. (E GRE)

Grindley, Sally. A New room for William – When William and his mother move, he is unhappy about having a new room, but he changes his mind after he gets dinosaur wallpaper and makes a new friend. (E GRI)

New Baby

Green, Jen. I’m still important – Jen Green has written a sensitive story about a toddler’s anxiety about a new baby. This book will help your child dispel all the insecurities that may arise at this time. (E GRE)

Murphy, Mary. I kissed the baby! – The barnyard is all atwitter with the news of a new baby. These animals show us how to welcome a baby into our midst with joy. (E MUR)

Wells, Rosemary. McDuff and the baby – McDuff has always been happy at Fred and Lucy’s house, until the baby arrives…. Older siblings will be able to relate to McDuff’s woes in this comforting story. (E WEL)

School

Jagtenberg, Yvonne. Jack and the wolf – Jack is not happy on his first day of school until he is chosen to play the part of the big bad wolf. (E JAG)

Wells, Rosemary. Yoko – When Yoko brings sushi to school for lunch, her classmates make fun of what she eats – until one of them tries it for himself. (E WEL)

Toilet Training

Cole, Joanna. My big boy potty - Little boys can follow Michael through the ups and downs of potty training. A list of tips for successful potty training is included at the end of the book for parents. (E COL)

Pinnington, Andrea. Big girls use the potty! – Step by step instructions to help big girls use the potty. Children will enjoy seeing other babies and teddy bears use the potty.
(E PIN)

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BOOKS FOR TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS

For toddlers and preschoolers, look for these features when choosing books: poetic language (sound & imagery), clear plot structures, captivating illustrations and a balance between pictures and text on each page.

Cooper, Helen. Pumpkin soup – What’s cooking in the old white cabin? Pumpkin soup --- the best you ever tasted! Readers will linger over each page, savouring the delicious illustrations. Read also A Pipkin of pepper and Delicious! by the same author.

Donaldson, Julia. The Gruffalo -

Donaldson, Julia. One Ted falls out of bed – A teddy bear falls out of bed. How will he ever get back in the bed? Count with Ted from one to ten as he goes on an amazing night-time adventure. (E DON – counting books section)

Keats, Ezra Jack. The Snowy day – This classic book first published in 1962 still appeals to children today. Children will identify with the main character as he experiences the gentle joy of a snowy day. (E KEA)

Kelly, Miji. One more sheep – Not your-run-of-the-mill-counting book, this book is hilariously written and illustrated. A must-read for all children and parents! (E KEL)

Kraus, Robert. Mouse in love – Follow this tender little mouse on his search for true love. A story that is ideal for romantics of any age. (E KRA)

Lass, Bonnie. Who took the cookies from the cookie jar? – Children will love to repeat this rollicking rhyme over and over. The text can be chanted or sung from the music provided. The southwestern flavour of the illustrations completes the charming quality of this book. (E LAS)

Lawrence, John. This little chick – Join in the fun of learning animal sounds along with your toddler. This classic verse with a twist is accompanied by large, bold vinyl engravings. This book is a delight for the ear as well as the eye. (E LAW)

Martin, Bill. Panda bear, panda bear, what do you see? – A child dreams of a future for endangered animals. Eric Carle lends his signature illustrations to this new classic.
(E MAR)

Olson-Brown, Ellen. Hush little digger – For fans of tough trucks and rugged rigs to sing along to. Includes an array of machines vast enough for any vehicle loving youngster.
(E OLS)

Vail, Rachel. Sometimes I’m a bombaloo – Sometimes Katie loses her temper. She uses her feet and her fists instead of words.

Wells, Rosemary. Yoko – When Yoko brings sushi to school for lunch, her classmates make fun of what she eats – until one of them tries it for himself. (E WEL)

Willems, Mo. Knuffle Bunny – This is a true-to-life tale about what happens when Daddy’s in charge and things go terribly wrong. The combination of muted black-and-white photographs and expressive illustrations will appeal to children. The plot is funny and clever enough to appeal to parents. (E WIL)

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RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR GRADES 1 AND 2

Cazet, Denys Minnie and Moo save the earth

Fleming, Denise Mama cat has three kittens

Fox, Mem Tough Boris

Gay, Marie-Louise Stella, Princess of the sky

London, Jonathan Froggy goes to school

McPhail, David Pigs a plenty, pigs galore

Rathmann, Peggy Officer Buckle and Gloria

Rylant, Cynthia Poppleton in Fall

Wells, Rosemary Max’s dragon shirt

Willems, Mo Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!

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RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR GRADES 3 AND 4

Benton, Jim Lunch walks among us

Clements, Andrew Frindle

Dahl, Roald George’s marvelous medicine

Gay, Marie-Louise Travels with my family

Howe, Deborah & James Bunnicula

Kerrin, Jessica Scott Martin Bridge on the lookout!

King-Smith, Dick Lady Lollipop

McCall Smith, Alexander The five lost aunts of Harriet Bean

Osborne, Mary Pope Dinosaurs before dark

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