Book Review: Sharing Time (Toddler Tools® Board Books)
A Heartfelt Review of Sharing Time (Toddler Tools® Board Books) by Elizabeth Verdick
Introduction: A Gentle Guide for Little Hearts
Parenting toddlers is a beautiful yet challenging journey, especially when teaching essential social skills like sharing. Elizabeth Verdick’s Sharing Time—part of the beloved Toddler Tools® Board Books series—is a delightful, practical guide disguised as a simple board book. With its engaging illustrations, relatable scenarios, and gentle messaging, this book has become a staple in many households. But does it truly resonate with toddlers and caregivers alike? Let’s dive deep into why this little book packs such a big punch.
Plot Summary: Teaching Sharing Through Everyday Moments
Sharing Time doesn’t follow a traditional plot but instead presents a series of familiar toddler scenarios where sharing comes into play. From taking turns with toys to splitting snacks with friends, Verdick captures the small yet significant moments where young children learn cooperation.
The book avoids heavy-handed moralizing, instead using rhythmic, repetitive language that toddlers can easily grasp. Phrases like “Sharing feels good!” and “It’s nice to take turns” reinforce positive behavior without scolding. The situations are universal—whether it’s a playdate, daycare, or home—making it easy for little ones to see themselves in the pages.
Character Analysis & Development: Simple Yet Relatable
Since this is a board book for toddlers, the “characters” are more archetypal than deeply developed. However, Verdick and illustrator Marieka Heinlen excel in making them feel real. The children depicted are diverse in appearance, ensuring inclusivity, and their expressions vividly convey emotions—joy when sharing, frustration when waiting, and pride in doing the right thing.
What stands out is how the book validates a toddler’s feelings. Instead of dismissing their reluctance to share, it acknowledges their emotions (“Sometimes it’s hard to share”) before gently guiding them toward a solution. This emotional honesty makes the lessons more effective.
Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Perfect for Tiny Attention Spans
Verdick’s writing is simple, rhythmic, and repetitive—exactly what toddlers need. The short sentences and predictable phrasing make it easy for young listeners to follow along and even “read” with caregivers after a few repetitions.
Heinlen’s illustrations are bright, expressive, and uncluttered, keeping focus on the key actions. The use of bold text for key phrases (“Sharing is caring!”) helps emphasize the book’s core messages. The board book format also means it can withstand rough handling—a must for toddler books!
Thematic Exploration: More Than Just Sharing
While Sharing Time is ostensibly about sharing, it subtly teaches broader lessons:
- Empathy – Recognizing how others feel when we share (or don’t).
- Patience – Waiting for a turn can be tough, but it’s worth it.
- Cooperation – Playing together is more fun than playing alone.
These themes are woven naturally into the text, making the book a great conversation starter for parents and educators.
Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Works
As a parent, I’ve read many toddler books on sharing, and this one stands out for its non-preachy approach. My two-year-old actually requests this book—partly because of the cheerful illustrations, but also because the language is so engaging. The phrase “Sharing feels good!” has even become part of our daily vocabulary.
What I appreciate most is that it doesn’t shame kids for struggling with sharing. Instead, it normalizes the challenge while offering simple solutions (“You can ask for a turn later”). This makes toddlers more receptive to the message.
Comparison to Other Books in the Genre
Many toddler books tackle sharing, but few do it as effectively. Compared to:
- Mine! by Sue Heap – More abstract, less direct.
- Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney – A storybook format, better for slightly older kids.
- It’s Mine! by Leo Lionni – A classic but more metaphorical.
Sharing Time strikes the perfect balance—simple enough for 1-3-year-olds yet meaningful enough to reinforce real-life behavior.
Strengths & Minor Weaknesses
Strengths:
✅ Perfect for Toddlers – Short, sturdy, and engaging.
✅ Positive Reinforcement – Focuses on the joy of sharing rather than scolding.
✅ Diverse Representation – Inclusive illustrations.
✅ Practical Scenarios – Real-life situations kids encounter daily.
Minor Weaknesses:
❌ Limited Depth – Not a storybook, so older kids might prefer more narrative.
❌ Repetitive – Some parents might find the phrasing too simple, but toddlers love repetition!
Target Audience: Who Should Read This?
This book is ideal for:
- Toddlers (1-3 years old) – Simple language and concepts.
- Parents & Caregivers – A great tool for teaching sharing.
- Early Educators – Useful in daycare or preschool settings.
If you’re looking for a gentle, effective way to introduce sharing, this is a must-have.
Memorable Quotes & Passages
A few standout lines:
- “Sharing feels good! Try it—you’ll see.”
- “Sometimes it’s hard to share. That’s okay. You can try again.”
- “When we share, we play together!”
These phrases stick with kids (and adults!) long after reading.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Toddler Libraries
Sharing Time is more than just a book—it’s a tool for nurturing kindness and cooperation in the earliest years. Elizabeth Verdick and Marieka Heinlen have created something special: a book that respects toddlers’ emotions while guiding them toward positive behavior.
If you’re navigating the tricky waters of toddler sharing, this book is a gentle, effective ally.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
Discussion Questions for Readers:
- What’s your favorite toddler book about sharing?
- How do you handle sharing struggles with your little one?
- Have you noticed your child mimicking behaviors from books like this?
Let’s chat in the comments! 📚💬
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