Oral Language

The picture on the cover of the book is a great way to get your toddler excited about the story. Ask your toddler if she can point out the mama bird and the baby bird. Explain that mama birds sometimes need to help their babies when they are learning to fly. You can explain that birds have wings, and the baby bird must learn how to “flip and flap” his wings in order to fly! Point to these words on the cover as you say them and explain that is why the title of the book is Flip, Flap, Fly!

You might encourage your child to participate:

"Can you show me how you flip, flap, fly?"

Help your toddler make predictions about the story. You might say:

"I wonder where the baby bird will fly when he learns to fly. Maybe he will fly up high into a tree or way up in the sky! Maybe he will fly to see other animal friends, like squirrels or fish. Let’s open the book and find out."   

Oral Language

The story is all about how the mama animals help their baby animals learn to explore the world, and about the other baby animals they see. There may be some new words for your toddler, so make sure to pause and explain those words. For example, each animal makes a different sound, such as a snake hissing or a mouse squeaking. You might act out each sound for your child so she understands. See if she can imitate the sounds.

Phonological Awareness

The story transitions smoothly from one page to the next with predictable rhymes. After the first few times reading, your toddler may be able to “read” along with you by guessing which animal she will see next, making for an interactive experience every time! Make sure to emphasize the rhyming words so she can hear how the words have the same ending sounds.

Oral Language

Ask your toddler what other baby animals one might see. You might use her stuffed animals or toys to act out how each baby animal would move and play, what sounds they might make and what they look like.  

If your toddler enjoys reading about animals, try these toddler books:

• Barnyard Banter
• My Farm Friends
• Are You My Mother?
• A Good Day
• Who’s in the Farmyard?

Browse more recommended children’s books for toddlers 18 to 23 months, or find an easy at-home activity.