Big, heavy-duty spinners in this French import invite young naturalists to match creatures and also colors in five different habitats.
In crowded settings created with blocky, geometric shapes Newman packs in stylized but easily recognizable flora, fauna, and physical features associated with either a relatively specific habitat, such as the African savanna, or a more-generic one—such as, for a surprise at the end, a “Big City.” For each, two sturdy, toothed wheels at the side turn to bring one of four named animals or items into view within a die-cut window as well as one of four unnamed colors to spot. That’s not all there is to see in each spread by any stretch, and adults should be ready to help youngsters identify various unnamed animals and items in addition to the seal, the Arctic hare, the owl, and the igloo in the “Ice Field.” Diapered literati on this side of the Atlantic may need some help identifying a “tuk-tuk” in the Indian jungle and elsewhere naming several of the hues that move away from primary colors to in-between shades, but each scene not only offers lots to see and discuss, but is printed on stock heavy enough to weather repeat toddler tests. Human figures visible in the city are all portrayed with various shades of brown skin; many of those that appear earlier are rendered more fancifully, in blue, mustard, pink, and gray.
Bright, busy, and well designed to keep younger eyes and hands involved. (Board book/novelty. 1-3)Pub Date: Feb. 2, 2021
ISBN: 978-2-40801-969-3
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Twirl/Chronicle
Review Posted Online: Jan. 27, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2021
Categories: CHILDREN'S SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS
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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 17, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017
Categories: CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS
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BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Storytime gets a kick in the pants with this jaunty combo of shapes and vehicles.
In this look at basic geometry via high-resolution photographs of construction trucks, the youngest of readers are introduced to nine different shapes. Using a seek-and-find format, the book encourages them to locate each shape as it appears on a vehicle, clearly delineated with thick, colorful lines. A clear, red triangle decorates the bed of a dump truck; a blue oval surrounds the barrel of a concrete mixer. The rhyming text names the featured equipment, each shot with crystal clarity outdoors on a variety of beautiful days. From the jaunty little red forklift sporting a rectangle on its side to the rhombus of a road sign snapped at an angle, small fingers will have no difficulty tracing each of the featured shapes again and again. Similar in its cadences to Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle (1967), this book is ideal for construction storytimes everywhere. “Road roller / Road roller / Coming through! / I spy a circle— / How about you?” Be sure to sing it to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” if you really want to bring down the house. Activities to further engage young children are included at the end of the book.
Clear, crisp, clean, and concise—trucks and shapes have never before looked (or sounded) this good. (Picture book. 1-3)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-77278-134-2
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Pajama Press
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2020
Categories: CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS | CHILDREN'S TRANSPORTATION
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PERSPECTIVES
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