Toddlers Enjoy Special Hour at Book Revue

Toddlers and parents alike gather at Book Revue every Tuesday at 11 a.m. for a special hour of adult-child bonding.

While sitting cross-legged on the carpet in the cozy kids' corner of the store, the guests take part in "Toddler Time" where Caitlin Burke, the group's leader, reads children's books aloud and then helps create arts and crafts projects with the kids, inspired by the stories they've heard.

"I try to pick a different theme each week," Burke explained. "I've done circus themes, animal themes, baseball themes … this week's theme was royalty."

Burke said that she always tries to include coloring after story time to accommodate the different age groups. She explained, "Toddler Time is for any kid who isn't yet in school … usually between the ages of 3 and 4, although sometimes younger siblings will tag along."

Burke, who has been heading up the Toddler Time program for the past five years, said in addition to story time and arts and crafts, guitarist Jeff Sorg comes once a month to play for the kids. Additionally, they have hosted Wee Warriors Yoga Playtime during Toddler Time, which had "a huge turnout," according to Burke.

She added that the arts and crafts segment of Toddler Time often turns into a question and answer session about the stories as the youngsters are interested in the books.

"It's great because the crafts correlate to the story," said Cindy Eckstein, of Woodbury, who said she heard about Toddler Time through the Book Revue's website, as well as from friends.

Jessy Mejia, of Lindenhurst, brought her 3-year-old daughter, Valentina, for other reasons. "Valentina loves books and loves having people read to her," Mejia said.

Valentina said she enjoys Toddler Time, "because she [Burke] plays with us."

But Toddler Time isn't just for parents and their children. Grandparents take part in the fun as well. "Toddler Time is wonderful," said Dale Kimball, of Huntington, who said she often accompanies her 3-year-old grandson Benjamin Oren. "It engages the children so well. Benjamin tends to stand to the side in the beginning and then he'll warm up a little. Caitlin is a wonderful tool in drawing the children in. Benjamin likes to hang out here even when it's over."

Toddler Time meets every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Book Revue, and lasts for one hour. Admission is free. Registration is not necessary except for large groups. Newcomers are welcome. For more information, call (631) 271-1442.