Storytimes for Two-Year-Olds - Hardcover

As she did in the first edition of Storytimes for Two-Year-Olds (1987), Nichols applies an overriding thematic structure to library programming for very young children ranging in age from 18 months to 36 months. The book's contents have increased from 33 to 50 programs; each section, built around a high-interest topic, includes a list of 16 titles, both old favorites and newer books that are mostly in print. The program notes that appear in each chapter give guidance on how to use the titles with toddlers.The chapter on planning considerations raises some common complaints about parents to which Nichols applies some rigid rules: no latecomers or siblings admitted; "one lap, one child," even with twins. Librarians looking for a more flexible style that truly advocates parents as partners and takes a developmental approach to programming should check out Nancy DeSalvo's Beginning with Books (1993) or Jane Marino and Dorothy Houlihan's Mother Goose Time (1992). Despite these philosophical misgivings, librarians can pick and choose from a wealth of ideas on rhythms, rhymes, and finger plays; crafts; and parents' follow-up suggestions. Availability of Spanish editions is noted. Storytelling devices, such as the professional bibliography and discography, four indexes, and black-and-white illustrations, increase the value of this accessible professional resource. Julie Corsaro