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BIRDS

From the Look & Learn series

Young birders and gardeners in the making will applaud this lovely admission to the Look & Learn series and its...

A colorful, photo-illustrated introduction to our feathered friends.

Two double-page spreads are devoted to each featured bird, giving readers a sample of bird activities and characteristics: a “red bird” takes a bath, a “blue bird” sings a song, a “yellow bird” roosts in a tree, a “green bird” feeds itself and its young, and colorful parrots take flight. One to two sentences of text accompany each photo while additional factoids float alongside the main image. Little ones are encouraged to interact with the birds through simple directives: “Say hello to the blue birds,” or “Clap your hands for the flying bird.” The final two pages review most of the birds from the previous pages and ask tots to name the color of each animal. The companion title In My Garden follows a similar format and provides youngsters with an overview of all the things needed to grow a garden, including seeds, water, and sunshine, along with an introduction to several garden dwellers such as caterpillars, birds, and bunnies. People, mostly children, of different races and skin tones demonstrate activities. The bold and vibrant photos are stock images; expertly chosen, they will undoubtedly appeal to tykes learning to name their worlds.

Young birders and gardeners in the making will applaud this lovely admission to the Look & Learn series and its companion. (Board book. 1-3)

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2017

ISBN: 978-1-4263-2843-5

Page Count: 24

Publisher: National Geographic Kids

Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2017

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2018

Categories:
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WHERE DO YOU POOP?

A fun, new take on droppings.

Youngsters can learn about where and how various animals, domestic and wild, relieve themselves.

Via a pull-tab embedded in each recto (not, thankfully, in the rectum) readers can see the before and after, and a goldfish in a bowl leaves a trail while swimming. The verso asks each creature where it does its business, and then a (sometimes-forced) rhyming quatrain, translated from Italian, answers the question: “And where do YOU poop, mouse? / When inside my tummy / Starts to feel not so good / It’s time for a poop / On these chips made of wood!” The final double-page spread queries readers: “And where do YOU poop?” A redheaded, White toddler’s face is visible below this question; the pull-tab on the right opens a bathroom to reveal a White toddler, this time with medium brown hair, happily and modestly sitting on a blue toddler potty. The accompanying quatrain provides some developmentally appropriate guidance for feeling the signs of a movement coming on. Baruzzi’s art is droll and graphically clean (inasmuch as the depiction of excrement can be described that way). Little fingers may need some help finding the relatively easy-to-open and sturdy pull-tabs, since they blend into each page. It works as both a biology lesson and potty-training encouragement.  

A fun, new take on droppings. (Novelty board book. 18 mos.-3)

Pub Date: May 11, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-66265-042-0

Page Count: 16

Publisher: minedition

Review Posted Online: May 4, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2021

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BABY'S FIRST BOOK OF BIRDS & COLORS

Useful for toddling birders in need of board books about colors.

Gorgeous birds amid foliage of similar hues introduce eight basic colors.

The two birds presented on each spread not only are of similar coloration, but also live in the same North American habitat. A scarlet tanager and a cardinal, both male, perch in a red maple tree; a male Eastern bluebird and a blue jay appear with morning glories and blueberries. The name of each color is printed in large font, while the name of each bird is in a much smaller one. Whether the bird shown is male or female, or if the male and female have similar coloring, is also indicated. The names of the trees they perch upon are identified in a note on the back cover. These details will be lost on most toddlers, but caregivers will appreciate being able to answer questions knowledgeably. Colors featured are from the standard box of crayons, except that pink is substituted for purple. Black and white share a spread. The cover image, of a cardinal, goldfinch, and bluebird in a birdbath, is not nearly as inviting as the images within. The final spread shows children (one white, one black, one Asian) assembling a puzzle that includes the same birds. This may serve as a reprise but will probably be skipped over. Bird-loving readers will probably feel that the space could have been put to better use by giving white birds their own page or adding a purple martin.

Useful for toddling birders in need of board books about colors. (Board book. 1-3)

Pub Date: May 2, 2017

ISBN: 978-1-58089-742-6

Page Count: 18

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Review Posted Online: April 16, 2017

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017

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