Preschool Clues

December 18, 2017
In this practical and research-based guide, Santomero, Blue’s Clues cocreator and creator of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and other children’s TV shows, helps parents of preschoolers understand how to use media effectively and age appropriately. The book is divided into five parts, with an introductory section focusing on the importance of learning in the preschool years. Santomero addresses the “elephant in the room” immediately and head-on, namely, should preschoolers watch any TV at all? Her answer is yes, as long as it is interactive, educational, and “not too much.” In subsequent chapters Santomero presents 11 “clues” to help maximize preschoolers’ learning potential. For example, in a section entitled “Play, Pause, Repeat,” she explains how playing is the preschooler’s work, how pausing “helps preschoolers find their voice,” and how repetition enhances learning and enables skill acquisition. Although Santomero is an “educational media advocate,” she clearly values time spent away from screens, and the book is jam-packed with activities parents can share with their children—some inspired by Blue’s Clues or Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, others based on Santomero’s knowledge of preschool education. Parents will find plenty of fresh ideas for raising “smart, inspired, and engaged” preschoolers in this wise and enthusiastic text.

January 1, 2018

In Santomero's first book, the cocreator of the award-winning PBS program Blue's Clues, Super Why, and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, shares the inspiration behind her educational, live-action, animated series, which incorporates both child development and early education principles. Admitting her major influence was Fred Rogers, Santomero gives readers "clues" to help preschoolers thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She begins with the controversial question of whether screen time should be allowed for preschoolers and argues that, like the best children's media, parent time with kids should include play, thinking, learning to help others, and laughing, all elements she believes led to the hit success of her programs. Each chapter concludes with "Angela's clues," a succinct section that provides suggestions for implementing the author's tips. VERDICT Fans of Blue's Clues and Santomero's other popular children's shows will enjoy her practical advice and conversational tone. Educators and parents will likely find a takeaway or two in this breezy, informative read.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2018
A children's TV programming creator shares her insights into how toddlers learn.The co-creator of Blue's Clues, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and other educational programs, Santomero explains the methods and approaches behind the shows that she and her colleagues have created. Early on, she acknowledges the significant influence of Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and how that show prompted her to create her own engaging, entertaining, and educational storylines for children. She breaks down episodes of Blue's Clues so parents can understand the dynamics of the show and how toddlers learn from it. "The single most important factor in ensuring children become successful, productive, happy adults isn't the quality of their education or how high they score on an IQ or achievement test--it's what happens during a child's preschool years...hands down. This is a high-stakes game. Luckily, preschoolers are also the cutest and funniest human beings on the planet." Researchers believe that 90 percent of a child's brain development occurs by age 5, so Santomero explains why play, repetition, and pausing long enough for a child to formulate answers are so important. She incorporates numerous examples of day-to-day interactions with toddlers as well as handy charts and bulleted lists that get to the heart of each chapter, condensing the important information into bite-size bits for the busy parent. Resolving conflicts, showing respect for others, convincing toddlers to help around the house, and modeling good behavior are just a few of the topics Santomero and her team cover through the creative use of a puppy named Blue and a tiger named Daniel. The author alleviates the fear of oversaturation by helping parents understand that these specific shows are actually beneficial to the child, not just mindless fluff that suck up time.An entertaining and educational analysis of how toddlers learn and why specific TV shows are actually useful for preschoolers.

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March 1, 2018

In Santomero's first book, the cocreator of award-winning programs such as Blue's Clues, and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood shares the inspiration behind her educational, live-action, animated series, which incorporate both child development and early education principles. Admitting her major influence was Fred Rogers, Santomero gives readers "clues" to help preschoolers thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She begins with the controversial question of whether screen time should be allowed for preschoolers and argues that, like the best children's media, parent time with kids should include play, thinking, learning to help others, and laughing, all elements she believes led to the hit success of her programs. Each chapter concludes with "Angela's Clues," a succinct section that provides suggestions for implementing the author's tips. VERDICT Fans of Blue's Clues and Santomero's other popular children's shows will enjoy her practical advice and conversational tone. Educators and parents will likely find a takeaway or two in this breezy, informative read.-Julia M. Reffner, Richmond, VA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.