Better to buy simpler (and cheaper) books and purchase puzzles separately.
Brief riddles offer hints to solving puzzles embedded in extra-thick board pages.
Each double-page spread consists of a riddle on one page and a puzzle with sliding pieces on the other. When the slotted pieces are moved up and down and arranged in the right order, the animal described on the facing page is revealed. Black-and-white illustrations include just a spot of color on each page (blue in the case of this title; orange for Safari, published simultaneously). Notches indicate where little fingers should be placed, but the task may still challenge young children. Inquisitive youngsters may use the notch to rip out the inserted pieces. There is very little variation in the puzzles. Each book includes just four animals, and each page has only three slides to manipulate. The third puzzle piece must always be slid down to show the name of the animal, written in cursive on the bottom-right corner. After just a few uses, some sliders may become too loose to stay in place, while others may become stuck. Yes, children can learn how to move the sliders, but young readers who are just learning how a book works don't need these complications.
Better to buy simpler (and cheaper) books and purchase puzzles separately. (Board book. 1-2)Pub Date: March 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-60992-915-2
Page Count: 8
Publisher: QEB Publishing
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2016
In this board book designed for the littlest llama lovers, adorable-as-ever Llama Llama (Llama Llama Red Pajama, 2005, etc.) gets ready for some Halloween fun.
Dewdney’s characteristic spare, apt rhymes convey a lot of action in effortlessly readable fashion. A charming and simple introduction to Halloween and its associated activities, this title finds little Llama Llama choosing and carving a pumpkin, pouring candy into bowls, picking out a costume and, finally, trick-or-treating. The costume Llama Llama decides to don—pointy teeth and a black mask and cape—is enough to frighten and fool his friends but not readers, who will immediately recognize and smile at the silly little mini-Dracula. With Dewdney’s characters as expressive as ever, young readers will be drawn right into the holiday fun, eagerly anticipating which costume Llama Llama will choose and excited to see him scare his friends and score some candy at trick-or-treat. In the equally appealing companion title, Llama Llama Jingle Bells,the little fellow gets ready for Christmas, baking and decorating some cookies in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. This simple holiday title will win Llama Llama new fans, and old friends will want to add it and its companion to their collections. (Board book. 1-2)
Pub Date: Aug. 19, 2014
ISBN: 978-0451469786
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A lovely, simple lift-the-flap book that will stand the test of many a mighty tot.
Little ones learn about bugs.
The world of insects and like small creatures is the focus of this sturdy board book. Each turn of the page gives readers a close view of a particular habitat. The text asks, “Where’s the ladybug?” or “Where’s the snail?” and little ones are encouraged to find the creatures under shaped felt flaps. A caterpillar poses under a leaf with a few bites taken out of it; a bumblebee flies behind a pink tulip. The flaps are made of a reasonably strong material, secured tightly within the book’s pages. Extremely determined readers may figure out a way to pull the flaps out, but most will enjoy flipping them up and over with ease. The last page of the book contains a mirror hidden behind a bush-shaped flap, and readers are asked “And where are you?” The insects smile with big eyes and are composed of large, circular, clean-edged shapes. The color palette is dulled, making the neon flaps pop effectively for little readers. Concurrently publishing companion Where’s the Giraffe? explores the world of jungle animals.
A lovely, simple lift-the-flap book that will stand the test of many a mighty tot. (Board book. 1-2)Pub Date: March 28, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7636-9335-0
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: June 18, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017
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