Caillou

by Christine L'Heureux

Published 8 October 2000

Caillou is becoming more and more independent. He wants to put on his shoes himself, help clear the dinner table, and so much more. Caillou doesn't always succeed, but with his parents' support, he manages to overcome his frustration. Thanks to his determination, Caillou's efforts are rewarded. Good job, Caillou!

The path to independence is sometimes slow and frustrating. Supportive parents can help toddlers persevere and make progress in mastering new skills. As they grow older, little ones claim small victories that build confidence, while learning the importance of working hard.

CAILLOU'S ESSENTIALS is a collection of books about Caillou growing up. It depicts the developmental milestones, both the small and the significant, of toddlers striving to become self-confident and independent. The stories present a range of childhood experiences, such as potty training, brushing your teeth, trying new foods and learning to share


Caillou: Good Night!

by Gisele Legare and Christine L'Heureux

Published 1 September 2006
Caillou is a big boy now. When his sister Rosie goes to bed, he can stay up with Mommy and Daddy. However, when the games and stories are over, when his parents leave the room and close the door, Caillou feels very vulnerable, alone in the dark. Nevertheless, Caillou manages to prove to his parents that he really is a big boy! Bedtime is often a trying time for parents and children. Alone in his room, the child feels frightened. Sleeping with the door closed is an important milestone in growing up and becoming more independent. This step can be difficult for children and for parents, who do not want to see their children in distress. Having mastered his fear of separation, the child feels proud and grown up. Caillou: Good Night illustrates the rewards of being a big boy. Growing up brings with it privileges that younger children do not have. "Caillou was proud to be a big boy. While Rosie slept, he could stay up with Mommy and Daddy." Then Caillou plays "games that were too hard for Rosie." However, growing up has its difficulties too. The child needs help and encouragement. The teddy bear is a transition object that can represent the parents.
The closeness of this object helps the child overcome his fear of physical separation. Caillou doesn't want to sleep alone in the dark, but Mommy tells him, "You're not alone, Caillou. You've got Teddy". As they grow up, children need parents who are firm and consistent. When Caillou cries out that he is scared, Daddy replies, "Go to sleep, Caillou. We're right here". Hugging his teddy bear tightly, Caillou gradually becomes used to the darkness. Once he is calm and more confident, he can hear the comforting sounds around him: "He heard water running. It was Mommy having a bath. He heard a voice. It was Daddy talking on the phone". Caillou realizes that even if his parents are out of sight, they are still close by". Caillou felt less alone. Soon he fell asleep". Children learn from their parents' approval. The next morning, Daddy tells Caillou, "You're a big boy now...You slept with the door closed". Encouraged by his parents' praise, the child masters one more hurdle of growing up. He earns the rewards of being a big boy: "Tonight, we'll play the game again and I'll win!" says Caillou.

Now that Caillou isn't a baby anymore he has been nervous about trying new foods. What if they don't taste good? But with Mommy and Daddy's help, Caillou learns that when you to try new foods, you often find out that you like them after all!



CAILLOU'S ESSENTIALS is a collection of books about Caillou growing up. It depicts the developmental milestones, both the small and the significant, of toddlers striving to become self-confident and independent. The stories present a range of childhood experiences, such as potty training, brushing your teeth, trying new foods and learning to share.

Caillou loves to hear Daddy tell stories of his birth and to look at baby pictures of himself. But Caillou is growing up, he wants to dress like Daddy and carry a briefcase like Daddy. When Grandpa comes to visit, Caillou understands that he comes from a long line of fathers and that one day he will also grow up to become a Daddy!



CAILLOU'S ESSENTIALS is a collection of books about Caillou growing up. It depicts the developmental milestones, both the small and the significant, of toddlers striving to become self-confident and independent. The stories present a range of childhood experiences, such as potty training, brushing your teeth, trying new foods and learning to share.

Caillou loves to have Mommy all to himself. One quiet morning Caillou and Mommy read stories and play a game of hide and seek that ends with a cuddle and Mommy singing softly to her beloved Caillou. A reminder that the bond between mother and child is celebrated in the little gestures of daily life.



CAILLOU'S ESSENTIALS is a collection of books about Caillou growing up. It depicts the developmental milestones, both the small and the significant, of toddlers striving to become self-confident and independent. The stories present a range of childhood experiences, such as potty training, brushing your teeth, trying new foods and learning to share.

Caillou learns about healthy digital habits!


Caillou would like to watch a cartoon on Daddy’s tablet, but Daddy suggests they play a game on it together instead. Once the game is over and the tablet is turned off, Daddy continues to spend quality time with Caillou by reading him a book.


Screens are part of our daily lives and their use, especially with children, can be a challenging issue. It isn’t necessary to ban digital devices or unplug from everything all the time. But it is important to help your child establish a healthy relationship with electronics.


By setting a good example, adults teach children that these devices can be used to learn and have fun.




This book helps parents with managing their little ones' screen time;

Reading with your child is a bonding experience;

Daddy helps Caillou understand when and for how long to use a screen.



Caillou’s Essentials is a collection of books about Caillou growing up. It depicts the developmental milestones, both the small and the significant, of toddlers striving to become self-confident and independent. The stories present a range of childhood experiences, such as potty training, brushing your teeth and learning to share.