Otto is a toy octopus, and he’s Gideon’s favorite friend! Gideon brings Otto with him everywhere. But one day Otto doesn’t stay right where Gideon put him…
Knowing names of books and identifying them by the picture on the cover
Turning pages right to left
Making connections between pictures and real life, like noticing their own shoes when they see a picture of shoes.
A whole lot of learning goes into how your toddler is interacting with books now! You’ve been reading to them for two years and now they know how to hold the book so their stuffed animals can see the pictures when your toddler “reads” to them. Your child may even be pointing out interesting things on the page and asking questions just like you do when you read to them. They likely have a favorite book that they want you to read, and that they may even pretend to read to you. This may not seem important as they’re “just pretending” but they’re doing all the things a skilled reader does without actually reading the text. This pretending is an important part of becoming a reader. When they “read” to you, it’s your turn to say, “Again! Again!” and know that you’re building a reader!
Click here to see a full list of milestones for your 2-year-old as well as tips and activities for you and your toddler!
Why did we select this book?
There are many funny books about Gideon and the other goslings by Olivier Dunrea. Your child may recognize themselves in the young goose's behavior. They may know what it feels like to love a toy deeply and to lose it (even temporarily). When your child sees their own experiences in books, books become important to them. This book can also make your child feel powerful. After several readings, they might see the exact moment when Otto goes missing. While Gideon looks for Otto, your child might know where Otto is. Knowing something like this makes your child feel proud. They will feel even prouder when you praise them for remembering where Otto has fallen into the grass.
Related Activities
10 Ways to Explore Gideon and Otto: Click to download our suggestions for simple (and fun!) activities for this favorite Raising Readers book.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
