"Maisy's Train," written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins, takes toddlers on an energetic train ride through the countryside, depicted with vibrant, color artwork.

Babies and toddlers are on sensory alert. Think of it. The world and all it holds is new, and everything they see, hear, touch, taste, and experience –– it's all fresh.

Nothing is old-hat for the very young, and that's the magic and delight of early childhood.

All children are eager to learn. Like a giant puzzle, children take what they've been exposed to and try to put the puzzle pieces together to create an understandable picture and thereby, learn how to have some control over their environment and life.

Everything children experience will add to how they process what goes on in their life, the world, and how to navigate through it. Conversation, games, reading books, and exposure to what happens in your home, outdoors, neighborhood and beyond add important puzzle pieces to broaden a child's base of understanding.

The bottom line is this: your degree of thoughtful, sensitive participation and input will make all the difference. Think about it, then make it happen –– every day.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Calling All Toddlers"</B> by Francesca Simon, illustrated by Susan Winter, Orchard Books, 33 pages; read aloud: birth to age 3; read yourself: age 7 and older.Toddlers are full of energy, and so, too, is this book. Perfect for little ones ready to learn, this selection is chock-full of fun things for children to engage with.Many of the selections are written in rhyme, some encourage children to find things in the pictures, while others focus on fun activities such as stomping, dancing, splashing, making faces and playing.Sixteen different entries embellished with happy illustrations of children having fun make this book a real delight.

<B>Library:</B> Mars Public Library, 107 Grand Ave., Mars<B>Library Director:</B> Mary Jo Simons<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Joyce Pappert<B>Choices this week: "Dilly Duckling" </B>by Claire Freedman; <B>"Wiggle"</B> by Doreen Cronin; <B>"When I'm Big"</B> by Tim Drury

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Maisy's Train" </B>written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins, Candlewick, 2009, 18 pages, $5.99 board book; read aloud: birth to age 2; read yourself: age 5 to 7.All aboard! Your train conductor is the energetic, irresistible Maisy. Travel along with Maisy and her friends to experience the sights and sounds of a thrilling train ride through the countryside.In her usual trademark, Lucy Cousins has once again created a simple, engaging story and embellished it with her vibrant, colorful artwork. As always, this new "Maisy" book is a guaranteed winner.<B>"Watch Me Hop!"</B> by Rebecca Young, illustrated by Von Glitschka, Scholastic, 2009, 18 pages, $12.99 hardcover; read aloud: age birth to age 3; read yourself: age 6 to 7.Eight animals, simple rhyming descriptions, and an incredible moving photograph of each animal. Moving? Yep – that's right!Gently tilt the book back and forth and watch each described animal move. It's amazing, it's interactive, and a sure-fire way to engage little children in the joy of reading!<B>"Tugga-Tugga Tugboat"</B> by Kevin Lewis, illustrated by Daniel Kirk, Disney/Hyperion, 2009, 28 pages, $6.99 board book; read aloud: age 18 months to age 3; read yourself: age 6 to 7."Cast off! Anchors aweigh. Aye, aye, Captain. Busy day!" So begins the working day of a tug boat. From guiding tankers to freight carriers to putting out a fire, a tug boat's day is busy indeed.A charming book with an exciting surprise ending, children will love this imaginative, fun selection.<B><I>Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.</I></B>