Animals chew their way into view.
Common two-word phrases describe how creatures on the land and in the sea use their mouths to grin and growl. Each character's face occupies the majority of each spread, while its elongated body disappears off the edge. Die-cut openings reveal a set of pearly whites appropriately positioned within each animal's jaws; a pull of the tab allows children to open and shut them. With a turn of the page, the next animal's maw increases in size; on the left-hand page, the previous animals’ hides peek through. Expressions balance between comedy and intimidation for the toddler audience; the teeth remain the focal point as they frame the crocodile's cunning smile and the impressive lion's roar. The thick, easily movable flap allows easy access for little fingers, and depicts both passive activity (the polar bear's yawn) and signs of aggression (the shark's powerful chomp.) The textured cover adds immediate appeal for the young audience.
A playful, toothsome choice. (Board book. 18 mos.-3)
