The Children’s Book Review | July 6, 2016
The Importance of Being Three
Written and Illustrated by Lindsay Ward
Hardback Book: 32 Pages
Age Range: 0-3
Publisher: Penguin Random House
ISBN: 978-052548695
What to expect: What it’s like to be 3!
Being three can be hard. Being three can be fun. But being three sure isn’t boring!
Three darling children take us on an adventure of pint-sized proportions. The book follows the little ones through counting, ABC’s, and even primary colors. There are triangles with their three sides and three angles, three French hens (oui! oui!) and an exciting swimming adventure with Daddy. The children have to learn to share among the three of them, and eventually settle down for a restful night’s sleep.
Ward’s illustrations are delightful, created using a unique cut-paper technique that gives this book a special feel. The children are diverse and completely adorable. The colors are eye-catchingly bright, and the items included in the illustrations can be great talking points. How many points are there on a triangle? What are the three primary colors? Can you count to three?
The prose is perfect, rhyming sweetly all along their adventure. Parents can get in a real rhythm reading it, almost like a song. Children will love to rhyme along, learning the words quickly. It’s fun to read the book together, with children pointing out their favorite parts.
The book is upbeat, even when a little girl has a total meltdown. Hugs and teddy bears can cure almost anything from a patient parent or caregiver, and children will laugh as they see themselves reflected on the page. After all, who hasn’t had a meltdown over ice cream or naptime?
This book is well done and enjoyable, and is highly recommended for any little person turning the very big, very exciting number three.
Add this book to your collection: The Importance of Being Three
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About Lindsay Ward
Born and raised in California, Lindsay M. Ward received her BA from Syracuse University. She is now a cut-paper artist living and working in Lakewood, Ohio.
The Importance of Being 3, by Lindsay Ward, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like The Importance of Being 3 by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Books for Three-Year-Olds, Gift Books, Lindsay Ward, and Picture Book.