Cody Knows by Karen Sue Wiesner with Linda Derkez

Cody Knows, by Karen Sue Wiesner with Linda Derkez, illustrated by Candace J. Hardy, is a book that should be given to all parents-to-be and new preschool teachers.  This book tells it like you want it to be, but shows it like it is.  Wiesner and Derkez have perfectly captured life with a toddler, from maddening to heart warming. 

New parents and preschool teachers will relate to this book with a big "Amen."  You can’t turn a page without wondering, what will Cody get in to next?  And how will his frazzled parents cope?  They’ll do what every parent of a toddler does:  watch ‘em like a hawk, pray for patience and strength, and live for the next day, when Cody will learn something new.

Candace J. Hardy’s art illustrates the true essence of parenting.  The parents’ (and grandparent’s) faces are alive with their fears as well as their hopes and dreams.  They rush around trying to stay in step with Cody while he’s gleefully one or two steps ahead of them.  You see their worry and surprise, and also their love and joy.

This book can be a good teaching tool to tell your child what you want them to learn while showing them what you don’t want.  “See what Cody’s doing.  Now look at his Mommy’s and Daddy’s faces.  What do they want Cody to do here?”  I believe if more parents get this book before they become parents, they will be better prepared for everything, instead of hearing, “you have no idea what you’re in for.”  As we all know, parenting isn’t for sissies or cowards.

Available from http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com