As is often the case, this theme was inspired by noticing several cute picture books on the topic of hiding, seeking, and peek-a-boo. The challenge, then, was to choose titles that were different enough to be interesting, rather than rehashing the same shtick over and over. This is a great theme to use scarves and the ever-popular Little Mouse flannel game.
You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.
Early Literacy Tip: Peek-a-boo is a game that helps develop object permanence, which is part of early learning. Object permanence is an understanding that objects and events continue to exist, even when they cannot directly be seen, heard, or touched. Did you know baby’s age affects how they play peek-a-boo?
0-3 Months – Baby just watches and may smile or coo
3-6 Months – Helps baby visually track if you “peek” from different spots
6-9 Months – Baby becomes curious and might laugh because they enjoy the game
9-12 Months – Baby imitates you and may use early language by saying “boo”
12+ Months – Baby might initiate the game by covering their eyes
Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello
I found a number of these different-sized ladybugs made by a predecessor. They are sewn and have some kind of crinkly material in the middle – I’m not sure what they were used for before. But I used one of the smallest ones to “hide” on my body. Using a “itty bitty” voice for the ladybug parts makes it more silly and fun.
Rhyme with Flannel: Hide and Seek Ladybug
Ladybug, ladybug, where are you?
I’m right here beside your shoe.
Ladybug, ladybug, where could you be?
I’m right here upon your knee.
Ladybug, ladybug, did you give me the slip?
I’m right here sitting on your hip.
Ladybug, ladybug, where did you go?
I’m right here, perched on your elbow.
Ladybug, ladybug, are you here?
I’m right here, over on your ear.
Ladybug, ladybug, you’re gone I suppose?
I’m right here sitting on your nose!
Credit: Canton Public Library (MI)
Read: Where’s Lenny? by Ken Wilson-Max
Scarf Rhyme: Little Bo Peep
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep (hide scarf behind you)
And doesn’t know where to find them
Leave them alone and they’ll come home (bring scarf out)
Wagging their tails behind them (shake scarf)
Credit: Jbrary
Scarf Song: One Bright Scarf
One bright scarf waiting for the wind to blow
Toss it up high, and wave it down low
Wiggle it fast, and wiggle it slow (hide the scarf)
Hey! Where did it go? (bring out) Here it is!
Credit: Jbrary
Scarf Game: Peekaboo
Peekaboo, where are you hiding in your… PLACE!
PEEKABOO!
Peekaboo, I see you and your smiling… FACE!
PEEKABOO!
Credit: Jbrary (link no longer available)
Strangely, the game played in this book is hide and seek, not peek-a-boo.
Read: Peek-A-Boo Bunny by Holly Surplice
Flannel: Little Mouse
Little mouse, little mouse,
Are you in the _____ house?
I always knock on the door before seeing if Mouse is home!
Credit: ubiquitous – I can’t remember where I first saw this long ago
Fingerplay/Tickle: Here Is the Beehive
Here is the beehive, But where are the bees?
Hidden away, Where nobody sees
Watch and you’ll see them
Come out of the hive: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…
They’re alive! Buzz, buzz, buzz!
Credit: Jbrary
Read: The Elephants’ Guide to Hide-and-Seek by Kjersten Hayes & Gladys Jose
Ukulele Song: Mr. Sun
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Please shine down on me
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Hiding behind a tree
These little children are asking you
To please come out so we can play with you
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Please shine down on me
Credit: Raffi (from the album Singable Songs for the Very Young)
Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet for “Mr. Sun” here!
Craft: Hide and Seek House
Kids get to craft their own lift-the-flap picture. I included pictures of a dog, cat, or mouse to color and hide behind the door, but of course kids can draw whatever they please.
Download a free printable for this craft!
I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Where’s Baby? by Anne Hunter
Everybunny Count! by Ellie Sandall
Hide ‘n’ Sheep by Jennifer Sattler & Benson Shum
Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars
This storytime was presented virtually on 3/23/21.
Storytime Handout:
Storytime with Ms. Emily Library 