BOOKS ALWAYS EVERYWHERE
by Jane Blatt ; illustrated by Sarah Massini
Books are everywhere, as these adorable toddlers prove!
The word “book” is paired with a second word on each page or spread as a troupe of little ones demonstrates the meaning. The first spread reads, “Book big,” and shows a child opening a massive book to a picture of an elephant; both book and illustration dwarf the tot. Small, wide and tall follow. Then comes “Book build / book mat / book chair / book hat,” all across one spread, and the children use the books as indicated. The multiethnic toddlers interact with books throughout, and many have befitting titles. In “Book park,” three munchkins sit in swings; one is holding the book Trees Are the Bee’s Knees, while another has dropped Oops-a-Daisy! by accident. The illustrations are full of charm, and the mouse that figures throughout will provide children an additional means of engagement. The children have dots for eyes and squiggles for facial features, and humorous touches, such as a diaper peeking out over a waistband, abound. The large size and nice, heavy paper stock make this lap friendly.
Though some adults might suck their teeth at a few of the suggested uses, the message that books are fun (and useful) certainly overrides that. In two words: Books rule! (Picture book. 2-4)