I’m posting about the two books (so far) in the Little Aiden series today, which is turning into a bigger challenge than I expected. The two books are pretty similar in terms of style, quality, etc. So, yeah, the second post might sound a lot like the first—occasionally I’m just going to copy and paste. Sorry about that. But they should be different enough to justify your time as well as mine.
Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers
by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)
DETAILS: Series: Little Aiden Publisher: Mytogo Publishing Publication Date: May 22, 2023 Format: eBook Length: 41 pg. Read Date: June 10, 2023
What’s Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers About?
This book is basically someone* narrating a day in Aiden’s life (or a bunch of activities over a few days), assuring him of their love in all the things he’s up to—when he’s being brave, when he’s being calm, when he’s sad, anxious, scared, and so on. All throughout the day and with a promise that this love will continue.
*Presumably his mother, given the art—although you could make the case that it’s from the point of view of the dad seeing both of them. It really doesn’t matter.
Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute
The art is as adorable and eye-catching here as it was in the other Little Aiden book. Fantastic expressions, great background illustrations, etc. These are going to be very fun for a toddler—and whoever is reading with the toddler—to stop and talk about.
Braskó’s use of Aiden’s teddy bear is fantastic, once I saw what she did on the “Brave” illustration I had to go back through the whole book just looking for what was going on with the bear. (adding the rest of the toys to the mix on the “Confident” page was great, too)
I like her use of the first Little Aiden book here—that was such a nice touch. I wonder how many toddlers will notice?
Be sure to check out some of the samples on Braskó’s website.
How is it to Read Aloud?
I don’t mean this in a bad way—but this isn’t going to do much for the adult reader. It’s a simple and repetitive text. You don’t get to do any fun rhymes, tongue twisters, silly voices, or goofy noises (well, maybe a couple). And it’s okay, because it’s not that kind of book.
It’s the kind of book that’s intentionally repetitive—this is how you can help the child learn. It’s written simply for the same reason. Short and clear sentences that make it easy to grasp the point.
It’s also the kind of book that’s easy to stop reading to discuss—what Aiden is doing, the art, what his Teddy Bear is doing (alongside or in contrast to Aiden), or whatever. And that’s where the engagement for the adult reader is going to come in.
And, hey, some of the pages serve as a good reminder to the adult that it’s okay for the toddler to be frustrated and angry—because it’s really easy for parents/caretakers to forget that sometimes. It’s good for us to vocalize that.
So, what did I think about Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers?
This is just so sweet. There’s some fun to be had (primarily from Braskó’s art, because the text is earnest), but it’s largely warm and sweet reminders of a parent’s affections.
It just made me melt, it’ll likely do the same for you.
It’ll be a great springboard for a parent/grandparent/caregiver to use to talk about all the different ways and times they love the toddler they’re reading with—and who can’t use something like that?
Another heartily recommended book from this series.
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