Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

Let's start off how Jane Cabrera might – with a nursery rhyme.

One, two. Some books for you.

Jane Cabrera must love nursery rhymes and children's songs. She certainly knows how to celebrate them as seen by some of her charming picture books. Of course this British author and illustrator creates books on other topics as well, but these ones are among her most beloved. 

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Jane Cabrera (ages 0-5)

Her cute and whimsical illustrations bring these familiar rhymes and songs to life. But her books often add even more to their stories. Ms. Cabrera frequently changes some of the words to add her own twist to a classic. Or she writes additional verses to extend the fun.

Here are a few of my favourites.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star by Jane Cabrera (ages 0-5)

The familiar words of the song begin this book with an owl and their owlet looking up at the nighttime sky. The book continues with newly created verses where the star flickers, sparkles and glistens down on more paren'ts with their children. Ms. Cabrera's illustrations of different animals take the reader around the world. As the song ends, the book shows a human mother and child gazing up at that same twinkling star, bringing the reader back to a child's own bedtime.

The 12 Days of Christmas by Jane Cabrera (ages 0-5)

A fantastic read-aloud, or rather "sing-aloud" to share at a children's library program or with a daycare group or at home with the family. With completely different lyrics, this book is a refreshing twist on the familiar Christmas song. Animals (and five shining stars) replace the gifts given. And the traditional partridge is joined by other birds for "a party in a pear tree".

The Wheels on the Bus by Jane Cabrera (ages 0-5)

This is a song that every child and caregiver (in the English speaking world) seems to know. And most children’s library workers have sung it in a program or used its tune to create a new song that might better fit with their storytime's theme. A great way to extend the song is to encourage kids to make up new verses, just like Ms. Cabrera does as she invites more animals along for the bus ride. (Plus there are flamingos that go "flap, flap, flap" in her book, so of course it is one of my personal favourites!)

Three, four. Reading more and more.

Jane Cabrera's song and nursery rhyme books are perfect to share with little ones who are getting "Ready for Reading". They are simple. The text is written in a clear font. They have bright, colourful illustrations. They are based on songs and rhymes that a caregiver may have grown up with. And, most importantly, they are fun!

Toronto Public Library suggests five activities to get your child ready to read: Talk – Read – Sing – Play – Write.

Since many of her books are based on songs, they quite naturally fit into the "Sing" category. Cabrera's "song books" (like my favourites above) include simple sheet music to help the reader to learn their tunes and sing-along. And "singing is a fun way to make language come alive for you and your child, and helps to prepare your child to sound out words as they learn to read.”

And nursery rhymes, like the ones brought to life by Ms. Cabrera, can be looked upon as a type of "Play". Many of them have accompanying actions. Their repeated patterns and straightforward rhymes can encourage young readers to guess what might be coming next. And they can help build a child's vocabulary as "new words can be easier to learn when they rhyme or are put to music."

Five, six. Get in the mix.

Jane Cabrera's books can inspire readers to try to do as she does and create a new twist on an old classic. And since, April is National Poetry Month in Canada, it’s the perfect time to have your own celebration of nursery rhymes and songs (which are like a poem set to music).

Children can draw pictures or create other types of artwork that are inspired by a favourite rhyme. Families can work together to create new song verses or rewrite old lyrics. You can also make up new rhymes using the pre-established patterns found in a classic (as suggested in this WikiHow article). Or make up a whole new song and sing it to an old, familiar tune.

There is inspiration to be found beyond Jane Cabrera's books too. We have many books of nursery rhymes and songs in our print and ebook collections. It is important to note, however, that some well-known children’s rhymes and songs have a history rooted in racism, especially anti-Black racism. It is advisable to do some research before you start your celebrations. You can use what you’ve learned as a teaching moment with your children.

Of course, if you'd rather leave the writing and illustrating to artists like Ms. Cabrera, you can always let her works inspire you to act out one of her books using toys or costumes. 

Seven, eight. Isn't that great?

There are simple joys found in picture books like those create by Jane Cabrera. For me, their appeal is found in their comforting familiarity, creative re-imaginings and sweet illustrations, which remind me of those done by Ernie Coombs on his “Mr. Dress-Up” television show.

Have you read any of Jane Cabrera’s books before? Do you have a favourite?

Maybe this will inspire you to check out her books or to try to bring your own nursery rhyme or children’s song to life in a whole new way.

Nine, ten, And that’s the end.

…or maybe it's a new beginning!

If you've come across or written a re-invention of a nursery rhyme, please share it below in the comments!