A quick note before I dive in—from 2/6-2/8 (11:59 PST), this book is available for free for Kindle. Now’s as good a time as any to pick it up!
Little Aiden: A Big Kid Book for Toddlers
by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)
DETAILS: Series: Little Aiden Publisher: Mytogo Publishing Publication Date: January 7, 2025 Format: eBook Length: 45 pg. Read Date: January 6, 2025
What’s Little Aiden About?
Aiden’s grown up a bit since we last saw him, and he’s working out how to be independent. Sometimes with great results, sometimes with unfortunate ones (and some of those are cute from the perspective of the reader, while frustrating for the Chois in the moment, I’m sure).
There’s a lot for the young reader/read-to person to identify with—perhaps a mildly mischievous inspiration, too (not that most toddlers need it).
Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute
Braskó’s work is the star of the show. Particularly in the depiction of Aiden’s Teddy. I don’t know if that’s all Braskó or if the Chois give direction for Teddy—even if they split credit for it, it’s Braskó’s execution that sells it. I think that Teddy’s background antics are going to be the main appeal of this book/series (aside from the all-important bonding with the young reader/read-to).
As for the main action? Aiden’s as cute as you want, the illustrations are bright and whimsical—the affection between the family is clear. I have a pretty good idea what this little moppet is like from this book alone.
How is it to Read Aloud?
It’s full of short, declarative sentences. No flair, no goofy words or rhymes—it’s a piece of cake on that front. I think the text serves well as a launching pad for discussions about the scene depicted and how it’s like their life.
It’d also be good for early readers to use to read to a younger sibling (I think).
What did the Little Critter think of It?
N/A—my phone screen is the only reader I have at the moment that can handle the color, and it’s too small for us to use. But it’s the kind of thing he’d dig for sure.
So, what did I think about Little Aiden?
It reminded me of I Am a Big Brother by Caroline Jayne Church, in that it’s not so much a story or a book to teach about something/render a lesson. It’s just a look at the life of someone going through something the reader can identify with—having a younger sibling in Church’s book, going through this stage of life in this case. I think seeing that commonality with others is an important thing. It’s also good to see that bigger people care enough about this stage of life to make books about it—it’s not all about big kids/adults or creatures having adventures or all about the cute baby stuff.
And there are some younger types who need to see early on that people who may have different ethnic backgrounds have similar experiences.
That’s probably a little deeper than people need to think about a picture book, though (or is it?). So let’s go with this—it’s a cute read with fun pictures. At the end of the day, that’s enough for the audience.
Like the other two books in this series, I recommend it.