An adequately crafted sound book that doesn’t last very long (or, perhaps, just long enough).
Little animals make all kinds of sounds.
“The cat meows,” and “the dog barks” in this board book, and a guinea pig, a parrot, and a canary also each make their signature noises. Each turn of the page presents a new scene involving a different household pet. The illustrations are labeled here and there with such words as “cage,” “basket,” and “perch” for little readers to learn. The largest animal in each spread has a speaker icon next to it that little ones can press to hear the sound the animal makes. The final two pages of the book present photographs of the animals with their illustrated counterparts next to them. A similar title, Baby Animals, is concurrently published and highlights puppies, kittens, foals, seal pups, and bear cubs. The books' speakers are in the back cover, which will muffle the sound for readers who hold the books in their laps or read them on a surface. The sound quality is otherwise fair, but the books' batteries don’t last too long. After three or four reads the sounds grow noticeably quieter. The illustrations are serviceable, composed of the usual rounded, big-eyed critters and warm colors that currently permeate board books.
An adequately crafted sound book that doesn’t last very long (or, perhaps, just long enough). (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: July 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-2-7338-4611-7
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Auzou Publishing
Review Posted Online: Aug. 6, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2018
This well-executed, toddler-friendly board book is a great introduction to fall and a perfect choice for one-on-one or small...
Broach’s eager toddler is back (Seashore Baby, 2010; Snowflake Baby, 2011) to explore another season—this time, fall on the farm.
Spare, poetic text describes a toddler’s busy autumn day, beginning with: “Barnyard baby / Autumn day / Sweater baby / Let’s go play.” The sweet, dynamic illustrations depict an exuberant toddler decked out in overalls, sweater and hat cheerfully pulling a wagon toward a barn door. For extra fun, the red barn door is a flap that lifts to reveal a cow and calf. The second double-page spread presents “Wagon baby / Marching legs / Henhouse baby / Finding eggs.” The henhouse door is the flap here, revealing a hen and three little chicks. Baby proceeds to feed the sheep, jump into a leaf pile, pick apples, sip cider and chase a cat. Finally, the tot dons flannel pajamas and cuddles up to sleep with the little puppy that’s been a faithful companion all day long. Children will enjoy following the baby’s journey through the busy fall day and discovering the animals hidden beneath the large, easy-to-grab flaps located on each right-hand page. The endearing rhymes scan well and read quickly, a great combination for keeping little ones interested.
This well-executed, toddler-friendly board book is a great introduction to fall and a perfect choice for one-on-one or small group sharing. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-316-21203-8
Page Count: 14
Publisher: LB Kids/Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Aug. 13, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2014
Toddlers and young preschoolers, both independently and in groups, will enjoy both the guessing game and the simple,...
An engaging, lift-the-flap riddle book that will keep little ones guessing.
The left side of each double-page spread offers a short, rhyming couplet describing a certain type of animal’s movement. For instance, the book begins with: “When we move, we are pretty slow. / Waddling keeps us warm in snow.” On the right side of the page is the question “Who are we?” printed atop a flap. On the edge of each flap is a tab with an arrow as well as a clue to the riddle’s answer. In this case, readers see orange, webbed feet and a white body. Simply lifting the flap reveals the word “Penguins” and three penguins who appear to be waddling across the page, but pulling on the tab in the direction indicated by the arrow reveals a hidden gatefold with another penguin scene and a fun fact: “We penguins have feathers to keep us dry and warm!” In addition to the penguins, readers see giraffes, snakes, arctic foxes and leopards. The rhyming riddles are amusing but not easy; children will need help from the clue on the tab to guess the answers. The appealing illustrations feature frolicking animals and uncluttered, skillfully rendered landscapes.
Toddlers and young preschoolers, both independently and in groups, will enjoy both the guessing game and the simple, interesting animal facts this offering provides. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: June 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-545-46762-9
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2013
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