Your Child's Listening Ears

Read the whole book

Every page, starring our demo kid — this role goes to your child.

1. 1

   Mom says, "Your Child, could you bring the picnic basket?" But Your Child is busy stacking blocks — up, up, up goes the tower. Your Child's little ears seem to have switched right off.

2. 2

   Bath time — but wait! Why is Your Child standing by the bubbly tub wearing big red rain boots? Your Child looks down at the boots... and giggles. Something got mixed up somewhere!

3. 3

   Picnic time! Everyone is ready at the door. But what Your Child carries over isn't the picnic basket — it's a great big fluffy pillow! The basket is still sitting in the kitchen.

4. 4

   And one day, Your Child heads out the door wearing just one sock. The other sock lies all alone in the hallway. A cool breeze tickles the bare little toes. Hello, breezy toes!

5. 5

   "Ice cream time!" Mom calls and calls — but the little ears stay switched off. By the time Your Child comes running, only a melty puddle is left in the bowl.

6. 6

   Mom kneels down and gently taps the big felt ears on Your Child's headband. "Let's play the Ear Switch! Stop, look at me, then say it back." Your Child nods hard — this sounds like a fun game.

7. 7

   Your Child practices with Teddy at the little tea party: stop, look, say it back. "Teddy, it's tea time!" One hand on a felt ear, Your Child repeats it perfectly. Teddy seems very impressed.

8. 8

   Mom asks again, "Your Child, could you bring the picnic basket?" Stop. Look at Mom. "Picnic basket, got it!" Your Child marches back holding the real wicker basket high — and this time it's exactly right!

9. 9

   With the ear switch on, Your Child hears all sorts of brand-new sounds — birds chirping, leaves whispering. And then... ring-a-ling! Ice-cream bells, far down the street! Your Child freezes mid-step to listen.

10. 10

    This time Your Child hears it first and gets there first! Mom laughs, "What wonderful listening ears!" Side by side on the park bench, they enjoy two sweet, drippy ice creams. Best sound ever: ring-a-ling!