Embracing the Joys of Babyhood: A Heartfelt Review of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Every evening in our home feels like a chaotic symphony of bedtime routines—teeth brushing, pajama wrestling, and my favorite moment, snuggling up with a stack of books before the lights go out. Recently, amidst the delightful pandemonium, I encountered Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury. This charming padded board book caught my eye, and I knew it would strike a chord with my littles, ages 3 and 5.
This book is a celebration of baby fingers and toes—an absolute joy for parents and children alike! As I flipped through the pages, I was instantly enchanted by the rhythmic, rhyming text that guides us through a sweet exploration of babies from all corners of the world, highlighting those adorable little fingers and toes we can’t help but squish. The repetition and melody made it the perfect choice for tired little ears, and both my kids perked up when I read it aloud, their tiny faces lighting up with recognition and delight.
The illustrations are a feast for the eyes—soft, luminous watercolor depictions of babies with wonderfully pudgy arms, dimples, and quintessential baby rolls. My 3-year-old, who loves to point at everything, was enamored with a particular page featuring a chubby baby in a vibrant yellow onesie. "Look, Mommy! He has big toes like mine!" she squealed, lifting her foot to compare. Moments like these are pure magic!
What really struck me was how the book invited conversation. While reading, my 5-year-old began counting fingers and toes—a delightful surprise, as I hadn’t set out to teach numbers that night. Instead, we ended up chatting about how every baby, regardless of where they come from, has these little features that make them unique yet so similar at the same time. It’s a gentle reminder of our shared humanity, one that made my heart swell with pride for my little ones’ insights.
As for the experience of reading the book, the rhythmic style held their attention beautifully. We read and then reread, not because I was asked, but because they begged for more of that cozy, repetitive embrace. One of our favorite lines becomes a chorus, a chant that echoes through the house: "But everywhere, all over the world, babies have ten little fingers and ten little toes!" It’s a line that sticks with you, like a cherished nursery rhyme.
I wholeheartedly recommend Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes for parents of babies and toddlers. Its simplicity, combined with its warmth, makes it a perfect addition to any bedtime library. Plus, it’s the kind of book you won’t mind reading on repeat. For us, it has nestled itself into the fabric of our nighttime routine, a new family favorite that captures the fleeting essence of babyhood and sparks joy—even during the most chaotic of nights.
So grab a copy, snuggle up with your little ones, and prepare for a sweet dive into the world of wiggly baby fingers and toes. You’ll cherish those moments together as they grow—because, truly, there’s nothing sweeter in this world.
Snuggle up with the charming Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes Padded Board Book! >>
