Barney: Sharing is Caring

ISBN 0307987906 - As a Little Golden Book collector, I had to have this one. As a parent of a first generation Barney fan, whose kid is now an adult, I don't look forward to Barney anything. I feel Barney-ed out. Baby Bop has a special yellow blankey and a reluctance to share it with anyone. Whenever anyone asks her to share it, she happily offers to share other things in place of the blankey - but she maintains a hold on her most special possession. Until, that is, Snuggles the cat falls into the pool and needs to be dried off so that she doesn't catch a cold; then Baby Bop offers the blankey even before she's asked. As I said, I'm not a Barney fan, but my review has nothing to do with that. Here are the problems I have with the book: "blankey". I don't, and never did, use baby-talk and find it annoying. My kid spoke clearly, early, and I've always believed in the studies that show that children who are spoke to in a normal tone of voice, using adult-speak (as opposed to baby-talk) learn to talk earlier. I also dislike the fact that the book promotes the untrue notion that being wet will cause someone, even if it is a cat, to catch a cold. Colds are caused by germs, not old wives' tales. That all aside, I think Sharing is Caring really does deserve 4 stars. The messages in here - you can share some things but don't have to share everything and sharing with someone in need, when you DO want to, is especially nice - are great for any child, particularly children about to welcome a new baby into the family. Barney fans will, of course, love the book. - AnnaLovesBooks

As BabyBop finds herself in many situations with her adorable friends, she learns that she can share her most treasured possession. Our son received this gift before the birth of his first baby brother. What we like most about it is that BabyBop discovers on her own that she can share.With its typical "Barney" style, the characters are gentle and respectful of one another. BabyBop is not coerced into sharing nor is she told that she must share "or else". It is a great book, particularly timely when a new sibling is on the way.