WHO'S IN THE FOREST?
By Phillis Gershator , Jill McDonald
Age Range: 2 - 4
A brightly collaged forest presents itself for young explorers in a question-and-answer format enhanced by die-cut peepholes and repeated onomatopoeia. "Who's in the forest, dark and deep?" There's a lot to look at: In the opening spread, readers will see owls, woodpeckers, a deer, a porcupine, a beaver, a rabbit, a raccoon—and, framed in the peephole, a cardinal. Turn the page, and readers will find out what else: "Birds in the treetops—cheep, cheep, cheep." Squirrels, foxes, bear cubs and owls ("fast asleep") appear through the peephole, but the novelty of the page turn is blunted by the crowd that populates each spread. That said, it's a friendly, beckoning crowd, and there's lots for parents and readers to exclaim over and point out, even if the gimmick is a bit of a bust. All in all, a pleasant outing. (Board book. 2-4)