This story was inspired by my career in Early Childhood Education, specifically in Infant Day Care. I wrote it to help transition families from home care to daycare. The story is intended for children who have outgrown board books but are not yet ready for picture books.
Marion, My Day Care Friend
Marion holds me while Mom says goodbye.
"Wa-a-a," I say. "Wa-a-a."
Marion says, "We'll see you soon, Mom."
Marion turns up the music and we dance.
One block, two blocks, three. Marion builds a tower. She waits for me to knock it down. We laugh.
"Wa-a-a," I say. "Wa-a-a."
Marion sings, "If you're hungry and you know it, say wa-a-a, wa-a-a."
Sometimes Marion feeds me. Sometimes I help her. Sometimes I feed myself.
Marion washes my hands and face. Peek-a-boo!
Marion puts toys in the box. I dump them out. Marion puts toys in the box. I dump them out. We love this game.
"Wa-a-a," I say. "Wa-a-a."
Marion smells my diaper. "Oh, poopie." She makes a silly face and we laugh. "Time to go to the change table," Marion says.
Sometimes I hold my diaper. Sometimes I don't.
One arm, two arms. Marion helps me put on my jacket. I go for a ride in the stroller with my friends.
Tweet. Tweet. Tweet.
Marion says, "Look at the bird fly."
Woof. Woof. Woof.
Marion says, "Hello, dog."
Two arms, one arm. Marion helps me take off my jacket.
"Wa-a-a," I say. "Wa-a-a."
Marion sings, "If you're tired and you know it, say, wa-a-a, wa-a-a."
Marion and I like to cuddle when I drink my bottle. Soon, I'm fast asleep. Marion carries me to the nap room and puts me in my crib.
When I wake up, I see Mom.
Marion says, "See you tomorrow," and waves goodbye.
About the author...
Leanne Dyck studied children's literature at the University of Winnipeg, was the sole proprietor of a children's literature bookseller business, and read scores of picture books to groups of children during her fourteen-year career in Early Childhood Education.
On this blog in September...
