Love & Numbers Baby Storytime
Counting to 10 has never been more fun, or sweet. Cinnamon Bun, I Love You 1 by Amy Schwartz is the perfect baby storytime book for exploring numbers, counting, love, Valentine’s Day, or springtime themes. Both babies and their caregivers will love the rhythm and the opportunity to count along. The adorable illustrations showcase the many everyday ways a caregiver and little one share love and tenderness, from sharing a tasty cinnamon bun to walking together. Work one or more of these elements into your next Baby Storytime for more engagement and fun.
Cinnamon Bun, I Love You 1 Flannel Board
The beauty of this book is the built-in opportunity to encourage attendees to count from 1 to 10 with you. Large illustrated numbers on each spread are eye-catching and helpful. You could also add numbers or hearts to a flannel board as you read, but it’s up to you and your comfort level. I’ve noticed that some baby groups get too excited by flannel boards and end up pulling the items off, while others, having seen them regularly, may leave them alone.
More Love & Numbers Baby Storytime Books
Cinnamon Bun, I Love You 1 pairs beautifully with these other storytime books:
Numbers & Love Movement Rhymes
Keep the fun going with these sweet numbers and love-themed rhymes.
One To Five
One little nose, two little feet
Three little tickles on your tummy sweet!
Four little kisses on five little toes
Then one more kiss for your sweet little nose!
One Two Buckle My Shoe
One, two, buckle my shoe
Three, four, shut the door
Five, six, pick up sticks
Seven, eight, lay them straight
Nine, ten, a big fat hen!
My Little Baby Loves Dancing
Encourage caretakers to stand up for this song, and if you want to get fancy, try walking around the room in a big circle while dancing with it. You can also swap out “My” for “Mama’s”, “Papa’s”, “Auntie’s”, “Grandma’s”, etc.
My little baby loves dancing, dancing
My little baby loves turning around
My little baby loves dancing, dancing
My little baby loves to boogie down
Lean to the left
Lean to the right
Hug that baby nice and tight
Hug the Baby
Hug the baby, hug the baby
Give a little clap
Rock the baby, rock the baby
Bounce her in your lap
Tickle the baby, tickle the baby
Give a little kiss, MUAH!
Lift the baby into the air
Just like this!
Up, Up, Up
Up, up, up in the sky like this (Lift baby or baby’s arms up high)
Down, down, down for a great big kiss (Lower baby and give a kiss)
Up like this
Down for a kiss
You’re my special baby! (Give baby a big hug)
(Credit: King County Library System)
Playtime Activities
Ending Baby Storytime with free play provides children and their caregivers with an excellent opportunity to explore and socialize. Here are great sensory play activities to enjoy with Cinnamon Bun, I Love You 1:
Hearts Sensory Bin
Fill a bin with red or pink shredded paper. You can purchase shredded paper or put colored construction paper through your office shredder! I like using shredded paper as a bin base with babies because it’s easy to clean up and less of a choking hazards opposed to rice or beans. Add heart-shaped foam pieces, stuffies, or whatever you’ve got for extra fun and exploration!
Blocks & Puppets
Like the caregiver and child playing with blocks and toys on page 2 of Cinnamon Bun, I Love You 1, set out blocks and/or puppets for attendees to enjoy together! These ECR4Kids SoftZone Patchwork Toddler Blocks, available through Amazon, have been a favorite with my groups. I’ve used them during storytime and set them out in the library’s main play area for daily drop-in enjoyment. They are easy to clean and have lasted a good four years so far.
Visit The Youth Desk’s Baby Storytime Page for more information about Baby Storytimes, including a full outline, additional books, songs, rhymes, and prop ideas!
