My dear friend Kate is a member of our select and very small Janeite group, Janeites on the James. We’ve not met often recently due to busy schedules and life’s vicissitudes. When Kate’s wee one was born almost two years ago I gave her the board book Emma by Jennifer Adams to read to her daughter.
Emma by Jennifer Adams
Our sweet peanut, as she is affectionately known, loves to hear her mama read Emma. Jennifer Adams has written another series of books for toddlers.
Peanut’s Papa may soon be sent to Paris for several months on a business venture. Coincidentally, Jennifer Adams has written another series of books for toddlers, this time taking them on a tour to famous cities – like Paris, New York, San Francisco, and London.
My Little Cities by Jennifer Adams and pictures by Greg Pizzou: Paris, New York, San Francisco, and London
You can imagine our wee one’s delight in reading these books designed just for her age group.
Evie, or Peanut, reading Paris, where Daddy might be stationed.
This beautifully illustrated series also includes more detailed information for parents at the end of each book that they can explain to their budding globe-toddling child.
Notes for parents
For example, at the end of San Francisco the notes state that:
The Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s most famous landmark and one of the wonders of the modern world. The bridge opened in 1937 and is 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) long. It is a suspension bridge…
Kate tells me that Evie reads her book independently now. Her reaction? Priceless!!!!!
As a sidenote, Jane Austen was a doting and affectionate aunt and an impressive and witty story teller. Her nephew James Edward Austen Leigh recalls:
Though in the course of fifty years I have forgotten much, I have not forgotten that Aunt Jane was the delight of all her nephews and nieces. We did not think of her as being clever, still less as being famous: but we valued her as one always kind, sympathising and amusing.
Jane Austen’s connection to us and our children remains strong to this day.
- Find the little cities books at: Chronicle Books: My Little Cities
Jane Austen's World 
Nothing nicer than seeing a child with a book in his or her hands, instead of those electronic game/phone things.
Made my day.
Thanks Vic :)
I so agree with you, Vic. To learn manners, values and imagination as shared by Jane Austen is a blessing every child deserves.
I have a complete boxed set of Miss Austen’s works all ready for my granddaughter, Ruby Alice, for when she gets a wee bit older, she’s 4, and though loves books, she has many, I think perhaps a couple of years more will be wise.
Hope I’m here to give them to her, (I’m in my 83 year)
Thanks for your sweet comment! (How true!)
Tell Evie’s mama that she is adorable, especially the reaction to the book. And yes, so glad to see her with a book instead of a smartphone.
Evie rarely watches t.v. and has yet to be introduced to a tablet. Kudos to Kate.
what wonderful books for her!
denise
Agree!
My daughter loved the P&P version of this series! So fun to see them get started early :)
I thought the Jane Austen for toddler series was brilliant!
Evie is so cute. I remember receiving as a child – What Dog is It? and What Horse is It? Two beautifully illustrated books depicting and naming many popular breeds. Both books stayed with me as I’m still interested in breeds.
Agree that one’s early introduction to books is so significant. Now I know why your articles about horses are so thorough and interesting.
What a delightful little post. I’m in my 60’s and I still adore children’s books and always have. I thrust a ‘cloth’ book in front of my son at age two or three months, about the only thing that really engaged or calmed him. Oh gosh the giggles. That adorable sweet picture. And the Oshkosh overalls took me back.
These little Austen and Cities books by Adams are precious, and I’m so glad they and some other’s baby books have come out. Even without a child in the house to read them to I’m picking them up for my Jane collection. :)
As a reading instructor I am acutely aware of how important it is to engage very young children in early reading activities to instill a love for books and the written word, and to read at grade level when entering 3rd grade. “Written words,” not mindless viewing – and eventually to express oneself in writing.
I love this! She is just adorable and proves that you are never too young for Jane Austen.
So right! Never ever too young.
I’ve given many toddlers and babies those little board book classics. Jennifer Adams completely captured Pride and Prejudice in numbers. It appealed to my younger niece, who before the age of 2, already knew “Daddy likes money.” She used the book for playing school with her dolls for a long time later. I also love the cute Cozy Classics by Jack and Holman Wang. My nieces and nephews have enjoyed those as well and I got some autographed for my cousin’s children when I stayed with them during JASNA last year. I agree you’re never too young to read a good book! My nieces will soon be ready for these beautiful adaptations https://www.kinderguides.com/collections/coming-titles/products/pride-and-prejudice