FARM

Little fingers can slide three vertical panels to reveal the black-and-white images of common farm animals.

The simple text provides clues as to the identity of the critter in question: “I lay EGGS. / I like to eat CORN. I Say ‘CLUCK.’ / Who am I?” is printed on verso, while on recto, a hen is revealed after the panels are slid into place to complete the “puzzle.” Sajnani’s bold, chunky, and stylized images, which also include a pig, sheep, and cow, are endearing, and pops of yellow in the form of feathers, flowers, birds, and butterflies add interest. In a nice, literacy-boosting touch, the name of each animal is split over panels, so resolving the picture also resolves the word. Jungle, the companion title, sticks to the formula and features a monkey and a snake, among others, with smatterings of rain-forest–green bugs, butterflies, and leaves. The art is equally playful here, but the inclusion of a tiger and a parrot, so iconic in their bright colors, is odd given the black-and-white representation—literal toddlers might take exception. The sliders are a nice innovation, but little ones may require some adult assistance.

A fun choice to promote dexterity and animal recognition.