Clean-Up Time

Toddler Tools

by Elizabeth Verdick, Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator)

Toddlers will look forward to clean-up time with this simple rhyming book that encourages them to chant along as they tidy up. Young children learn to work together to put items in their place, make a neater space, keep a smile on their face—and make room for more fun. Delightful illustrations enhance the text. An award-winning author/illustrator team offers a fresh look at the times and transitions all toddlers face daily, giving young children the tools to handle routines with confidence and cooperation. Part of the Toddler Tools series, Clean-Up Time can be shared before (or during) the desired ";time,"; or whenever toddlers need encouragement with routines.Book Board BookPublication 8/10/2008 24Reading Age 1 and Up

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

24 pages, Board Book

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Elizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children, now ages 13 and 8, are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth edited books for children and parents.

These days she writes books for toddlers to teens, and everything in between. She especially loves creating new board book series for toddlers—the latest series is Toddler Tools™, which helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). The Best Behavior™ series helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.

Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn™ series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social/emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary– and middle school years. Elizabeth lives with her family and five pets near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another board book that I read just for the Spanish words. Pretty sure one of my resolutions for the next year is going to be to focus on book that will help me learn Spanish. This book had several words I recognized but did not know they could be used in that particular way.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a firm believer in explicit instruction for young children. I still utilize the "Clean-Up Song" by Barney and Friends.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a great collection of these books to be had, going back over the last several years. The script is pared back to really junior level – on the main pages, that is, not the two pages of for-adults material at the end each time. There's a sort of rhyming sensibility to many pages – and if there isn't there is an element of repetition that forces a kind of rhyme through anyway. The artist sustained her ability throughout, too, using striking fabric patterns to make her cartoonish characters a lot more detailed than otherwise expected, in a sort of broad-lined cutout style. They all get a strong four stars from me, for their competent and quick lessons.

Manners Time (ISBN 9781575423135) shows the merits of being polite and positive, from our 'hello' and 'goodbye' to saying 'sorry' when we burp or break toys.
Sharing Time (9781575423142) is to get us to share our things – and how to react properly when we're honestly told we can't share someone else's items.
Bedtime (9781575423142) is a lullaby that also gets around to telling us why we're expected to sleep properly – "I do my best growing when I'm sleeping".
On-the-Go Time (9781575423791) is all about getting ready for a day out – and some of the behaviour we should consider when in public, such as the "indoor voice".
Mealtime (9781575423661) is a simple look at a matter-of-fact success of a school lunch, where there is no drama, and everybody tries everything at least once.
Bye-Bye Time (9781575422992) reminds the kid who has had to say goodbye to the parents at the start of the school day that without it there would be no need for that lovely "hello" at the end of it.
Clean-Up Time (9781631981548) turns classroom tidies into pleasures – and classrooms into tidy pleasures at the same time, obviously.
The much newer Outdoor Time (9798885543934) shows a school break spent outside, where the right moves, activity and voice level is different to the ones allowed inside. But it should only be a simple switch on and off, anyway.
Wriggly Time (9798885548021) shows the on-and-off nature of the class physical activity session, too.

Add to those the unseen Naptime, Try-Again Time, Calm-Down Time, and Listening Time volumes, and you have a grand little shelf of very early development guides, all with – to repeat – their own spread of bespoke information for adult consideration.

NB some of the above ISBNs are for a bilingual English-Spanish edition, so double-check first. I have no connection with either creator, or the publishers, and volunteer these honest opinions based on files submitted to edelweiss.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love most any book about teaching children how to clean up. Why? Because it is such an important skill to have. We all clean up pretty much every day of our lives. I love the parenting tips that are in the back of the book - especially the "Expect resistance" one.

** Talking Points: Is your bedroom clean or cluttered right now? Are your chores done? Did you do them yesterday? What are the benefits of a clean home? Are there any benefits for a cluttered home?

** Essential Oil Pairing Tip: doTERRA's Citrus Bliss essential oil blend is wonderful to diffuse when you are cleaning. All citrus oils lift your spirits and help bring positive energy into the environment.

[Angel Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great resource to use in the classroom to get small children excited about cleaning up. The book features a rhyme that can be chanted while the children clean up. I like the book highlights the importance of routine and why you should tidy up. Children who struggle with the thought of having to clean up may feel more motivated with the help of this book. It is a nice resource to have in the classroom. The book is fun while still containing a helpful undertone.

[Gatto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple book for young children. The version I have is in English and Spanish. It directs the kids on how to clean. It is most relevant for pre-literate children. The pictures are colorful and easily accessible.

The version in Spanish has two benefits. First, it is accessible to a wider audience. Next, I think all exposure to other languages is good exposure.

[Iman Altoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book (For three & four years old) teaches young kids to work together to put items back in their places, clean up the table after eating, help each other’s to keep the class clean, and have fun at the same time. Also, this book can be shared before or during the wanted time to inspire kids with routines.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

So it was great and good. I loved it. Clean up time. My favorite part was when they got it all cleaned up. 🇻🇨🇹🇱🇸🇩🇹🇳🇸🇾🇹🇼🇿🇦🇻🇨🇹🇲🇨🇭🇹🇿🇧🇱🇺🇾🇬🇧🇺🇸HOPE
it was a nice read and I liked that this version had Spanish and English. Hope seemed to enjoy my reading the parent tips on the last page even.

[Megababy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute book to remind us of how to clean up, and that after we clean up we can go outside and have fun with a ball. I like this book because there is a bear, and a choo choo, and a kitchen, and colors are still on the floor, "they fall down!"

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shows kids cleaning up together. The book describes cleaning as fun and says that after cleaning, it's time for more fun.

The Spanish translation was good, but I don't remember how well it kept the rhyme/rhythm.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For: readers looking for a book with clear steps for cleaning up/tidy time (with some additional talking points for parents/caregivers in the back).

Possible red flags: brief example of making mistakes.

[Doniell · Rating 4 out of 5]

We like how this book addresses cleaning up, and how it also includes the fact that things might look all put away, and then you find other small objects that need to be put away after the major event.

[Haaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful book to read to younger children about clean up time.

[Jenna Kistner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows a great variety of ways for children to acknowledge what to do during clean- up time.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are great resources for teaching toddlers important skills! The illustrations are colorful and pretty to look at too.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books so much! I wish they were still in print.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle reminders for wee ones of the reason for clean up duties along with parental tips.

[Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for this indoctrination series of books, and have loved all of them - until this one. They've managed to make nap time, bed time, meal time, potty time, and just about every other time seem awesome. They were able to convince all who read that noses are not for picking and tails are not for pulling. But Clean-Up Time just didn't gel the same was as the others. Maybe the crazy seventies fabric patterns everyone wears was too much. Maybe the obviously misplaced crayons visible pages before they're cleaned tugged at my desire for cleanliness.

[Kate Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for preschool teachers and parents to talk about cleaning up!

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I was a kid, I STILL wouldn't be convinced that picking up my crap is fun by reading this. Oh, well.

[Amber]

1 copy

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* art
4* story/concept

I didn't think Squirt would enjoy this book as much as he does. We are working steadily at teaching him to clean up after himself, and this book only helps.

[Stephen Snyder · Rating 1 out of 5]

Than you forbthe loan Franklin Public Library .

[Susan S.C.C.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this board book and am looking forward to reading some of the other titles in this "Toddler Tools" series. I think the variety of topics will be helpful when trying to deal with some of my granddaughter's two and a half year old moments. The text is rhyming, the illustrations bold and colorful, and best of all, the final two pages are filled with helpful tips for parents and caregivers dealing with the different topics.

[Erika Arrieta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for toddlers. It teaches them responsibility. This book uses team work to clean up.