SITTING

A bemused teddy bear illustrates 15 ways to sit.

Energy, humor, and flawless design provide just enough information to engage toddlers. On the left-hand page, bold black type stands out against a white background. On the right, uncluttered illustrations effectively position patterns and primary colors against solid backgrounds. Scenes alternate between familiar and fanciful situations. Though the bear’s mouth rarely changes, subtle shifts of the eyes make its face surprisingly expressive, whether it’s waiting for a hot drink to cool, relaxing in an inflatable pool, or peering glumly from under an umbrella. Minor changes to the bear’s wardrobe add details about each activity. When “sitting in the garden” surrounded by flowers, the bear sports a broad-brimmed hat, but when “sitting in a car,” it wears a racer’s cap and natty striped scarf. A white sailor hat is appropriate for “sitting in a boat”; a white-and-yellow–striped shirt both complements and contrasts with the blue-and-white–striped sail. An arm draped around a companion bunny makes the more-abstract concept “sitting with a friend” clear. Going, which publishes simultaneously, features the same gentle humor, with the bear “going fast” (on a skateboard), “slow” (on a turtle), “to the doctor” (with both lollipop and thermometer), “to the bathroom,” etc.

Definitely worth getting