No Need to Sit Still!

Anyone who spends time with a toddler or preschooler often knows it can be difficult to get him to sit still long enough to enjoy a book. And the last thing you want to do is force him to sit still while you read the book if he would rather be up and moving around. We all want storytime to be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. That's crucial for developing his print motivation - a child's interest in and enjoyment of books! This is a much-needed skill for developing his interest in eventually learning to read. Sharing books together should be fun - not something he feels he must do only because mommy or daddy makes him. We all want him to enjoy books.

Choosing quiet times to share books - right before bedtime or a nap - might be the best choice for your child when the goal is sitting quietly as you share a good story. But for those active times, you can still incorporate a good read! Who says storytime must always be a quiet, still time?

These books encourage your toddler to move along to the story. It can be a great solution for those wiggly little ones. He gets to be active and enjoy a book! For more suggestions, ask a Youth Services Librarian.

Animal Fun by Zita Newcome

A group of toddlers has fun imitating a penguin, a crab, a duck, an elephant, and other animals while they exercise.

Bounce by Doreen Cronin and Scott Menchin

Rhyming text offers advice on the best ways for toddlers to bounce.










From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

Encourages the reader to exercise by following the movements of various animals; presented in a question and answer format.









If You're Happy and You Know It: Jungle Edition by James Warhola

Jungle animals sing the verses of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through voice and movement.






We've All Got Bellybuttons! by David Martin

Various animals invite the reader to experience what their different body parts can do, including their tickly belly buttons.