Keep Your Mouth Closed, Dear

Reach for this book when your child is going through a phase of putting everything in their mouth or is feeling clumsy and discouraged by frequent accidents. It is a perfect choice for the preschooler who feels overwhelmed by the 'no-no' rules of the house and needs to see their own impulsive behavior reflected back through a lens of humor rather than reprimand. The story follows Charles, a young crocodile with a very large mouth and a very big problem: he cannot stop accidentally swallowing household objects. From his father's hat to a whole can of baby powder, the slapstick consequences of his wide-open jaws will have children giggling. Beneath the absurdist humor, the book gently explores themes of family patience and the trial-and-error process of learning self-regulation. It is an ideal read for children aged 3 to 7 who are navigating the transition from toddlerhood to more controlled behavior.