the nanny book
Where words and pictures play on the power of perspective, creating a captivating experience that highlights just how exciting having a new carer can be.
Ages 2-6yrs
Let us explode positivity around childcare.
Let us ignite babe’s imagination and help build excitement around having their new Nanny bounce into their life.
Let us open up space for conversation around how life may look with babe’s new friend, and help them mentally prepare for that change.
Let us celebrate Nannies.
But above all, let us remember that just a sprinkle of playfulness can turn the most ordinary of situations into an adventure!
Available worldwide on amazon
See below for helpful ways to use it.
how to use it
Emotions
Discuss them
Eli goes on a journey with his emotions throughout the story. He experiences feelings of nervousness/anxiousness, surprise and excitement. Use this to talk to babe about their feelings and work out how best to support them during this time of change.
“Eli feels quite sad when his parents are leaving, doesn’t he? How do we know he is a bit sad? What are some things we can put in place to ensure you feel the best you can when your lovely Nanny joins our family?”
Timeline
Explain it
Babe’s comprehension of time looks different depending on their age and development. Little ones don’t understand “I’m leaving at 8am and I’ll be home at 6pm.” They understand time through core events that happen during their day, so use these moments to explain the duration of your absence in a digestible way.
“After breakfast Eli’s Nanny arrived. Your new Nanny will arrive in time to give you your breakfast in the morning.”
“I’ll be home at bath time this evening, let’s have a load of bubbles!”
“It will be dark outside when I get home today, but you’ll still be awake and we’ll have time for a story together.”
Plans
Make them
There are a lot of everyday events in this book that can organically turn into play. Eli and his Nanny enjoy a whole lot of imaginary play as well as things like baking, riding bikes, visiting the playground, building a den, dressing up as pirates, cowboys and witches. Observe which pages babe seems to be interested in most, and talk about how they can do this with their own Nanny.
Younger Babes
Practice emotions by pointing to facial expressions and copying them, while saying the word to describe it. For example, point to Eli’s face and mimic his sad face, “Sad. Poor Eli is feeling a bit sad.” Use the illustrations to practice naming colours and objects, or mimicking the sounds things and animals make. Let them turn the pages.
Reading is not always about the story.
Love Jane x
P.S.
Can you find Manky on every page?
Can you pull a face as silly as Eli’s in his family portrait?
