Last week, I shared that Augustus struggles with expressive language delay. I wanted to thank each of you that reached out to me and shared your own stories, concerns, and language journeys. Seriously, it was immensely supportive and I really appreciated it. But, I wanted to share a little bit about how we are supporting Gus as he learns more and more vocabulary. Because while we will follow his path, even if that is slower than others, we will still prepare our environment to support his success.
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Right now, that means In the Town, All Year 'Round! No, seriously, this book is amazing. And, right now it's a major part of Gus acquiring new vocabulary words and speech. More than any other tool we have been using, this book has sparked new words and sounds from Gus. A few from just this week alone have been Donkey, balloon, moon, and hi. For a kid with 10 spontaneous words, even a couple new ones have been amazing.
Now, this book is unlike very many I have ever read. And, truth be told, it's been a family favorite for a long time. This is actually our second copy of the book because Nora/Henry loved the first one to death when Nora was a toddler. This mostly wordless book follows a town through one whole year. Each season is a serious of pictures that remains unchanged throughout the book. So it starts with an apartment building, then the outskirts of town, then through the town center and park. In all, it's seven scenes.
But while things stay the same, also nothing is the same - like real life. The people are growing and changing, they form relationships that develop over the year. Buildings are built, babies are born, and the weather evolves. And, it's literally so detailed. I've read this book for years and still notice things that I haven't seen before. It's so realistic and perfectly engaging for children at so many stages. You start to feel connected to these characters and invested in their journey. It's truly a gem. It also has a night time companion featuring the same town at night {this book is in German, but it doesn't effect our ability to read it, the series comes from Europe and is sold in 4 separate books there.}
And that level of detail and charm has meant so much engagement, opportunities to talk, point out words, and see what Gus is interested in! And, I can't ask for anything better than that! So, seriously In the Town, All Year 'Round!
Now, I do want to make one note. I have recommended this book on social media before and have gotten some complaints. One, this book is VERY detailed, and includes some elements of adult humor. There are times when characters are in their underwear, there is a nude portrait in the art museum, some characters drink alcohol and smoke in the book. There are people who are on the street asking for money; there is a burglar. These elements add detailed and realistic picture of life in a city. To me, they are parts of our everyday existence that I think are important. But, if these don't fit with your family's values, know that they are present in this book.
Have you read this book? Do you have any similar book that has sparked language development in your children?
*This book review is absolutely not sponsored by anyone, we really just love it.*
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