Clean-Up Time

by Elizabeth Verdick, Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator)

Overview

An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation.

Toddlers will look forward to clean-up time with this simple rhyming book that encourages them to chant along as they tidy up. Young children learn to work together to put items in their place, make a neater space, keep a smile on their face—and make room for more fun. Delightful illustrations enhance the text.

Part of the Toddler Tools series, Clean-Up Time can be shared before (or during) the desired “time,” or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781575422985
Publisher:	Free Spirit Publishing
Publication date:	08/10/2008
Series:	Toddler Tools® Board Books
Edition description:	First Edition, Board Book
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	1 - 3 Years

About the Author

Elizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth edited books for children and parents.

These days she writes books for babies, toddlers, teens, and every age in between. She especially loves creating new board books. The Happy Healthy Baby® series is designed to capture the interest of the littlest readers. Elizabeth’s Toddler Tools® series helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). In the Best Behavior® series, she helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.

Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn® series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social-emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary and middle school years. She’s also coauthor of The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (And Their Parents), which offers kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day.

Elizabeth lives and writes near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Marieka Heinlen received her BFA at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and also studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London.

She launched her career as an award-winning children’s book illustrator with Hands Are Not for Hitting and has illustrated all of the books in the Best Behavior® and Toddler Tools® series. Marieka focuses her work on books and other materials for children, teens, parents, and teachers.

She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband, son, and daughter.

Interviews

A note from the author, Elizabeth Verdick:

Many of my childhood photos have a similar theme: me, with a mop of curly hair and my nose buried in a book. Fast forward to today and you’ll see the same picture, except I’m taller and, I hope, a little wiser. As an avid reader, I feel incredibly lucky to write books for my favorite audience, children. As a mother, I feel great knowing that my books help parents with the hardest—and absolutely most rewarding—job on earth. I hope my books help put a smile on a child’s face and give the feeling of “I can do it!” With the Toddler Tools series, I want to help families build life skills while they have fun reading together. During the toddler years, daily routines and transitions—bedtime, naptime, clean-up time, and so on—are big challenges, and every little success matters. The books are meant to take children and parents through familiar routines in a gentle, positive way. The simple language and colorful illustrations show toddlers learning new skills and celebrating success. Parents and caregivers can use the tips at the end to take the ideas further and personalize their routines.

A note from the illustrator, Marieka Heinlen:

As an illustrator, I always have two objectives. The first is to create artwork that truly engages young children. I try to see the world through their eyes, brimming with color and positivity. I keep my images bright, bold, and simple with fun details. Many people tell me kids like finding a paw waving among hands or a doll changing expression, little jokes just for them. The other goal is to try new mediums. I started with pencils and paints, moved into creating art electronically, and am currently playing with fabrics and collage. A lot of the vintage fabrics reminded me of my own childhood—other readers may get that warm, fuzzy feeling from them as well. Making art for children is a joy, and using it to teach them is a privilege.

Editorial Reviews

Another beneficial addition to any bookshelf used by preschoolers and toddlers.

Andrea Coventry

"Clean-Up Time breaks down a routine activity as something necessary that 'can be quick and fun. Let's work together, everyone.' This cheerful book could act as a positive introduction to an unpopular task...The pictures are upbeat and expressive."

School Library Journal

There is no such thing as a quick fix. However, if you’re beleaguered by the baby battles, these books could serve as a life preserver.

The Post & Courier

Winner, Creative Child Preferred Choice Award

From the Publisher

Elizabeth Verdick gives caregivers practical, positive tools for building and maintaining the positive care environment that toddlers need.

Dr. Dan Gartrell

"I highly recommend these books for your home library if you have a little one."

Mommin' It Up

"Toddlers will manage to calm down fairly quickly upon coming across these gentle books that help them deal with various transitions in their young lives."

SAHManswers.com (Stay At Home Moms)