May 15, 2021
The friendly animals of the Shape School invite readers to find and explore 10 different shapes. This board book is more than a simple shape seek-and-find or identification book. It goes one step further to engage little readers in fine motor practice. For example, Elijah the elephant encourages readers to trace all of the circle shapes on the page with a finger. On another, readers are asked to tap the three points on the triangles in the picture. Each page features a different shape, which is highlighted on a tab located on the outer edge of the book. Some double-page spreads include a lot of shapes, perhaps more than a toddler or preschooler would have the patience to interact with: more than 20 triangles and 40 hearts, for instance. That said, there is no counting challenge per se, and it does allow for readers to do as much or as little as they would like. Similarly, it includes some less-obvious shapes, like the cabinet with nine square cubbies that is also itself square, and there are two flamingos whose bodies form the shape of a heart. This helps stretch the challenge for slightly older readers. The illustrations are darling and certainly inviting. Riley the narwhal is irresistible in a red-and-white striped shirt and tiny red backpack. None of the animals are gendered with pronouns in the text. Adorable illustrations and an unusually engaging approach to shape recognition. (Board book. 2-4)
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July 1, 2021
Toddler-PreS-This new series of novelty board books finds the perfect balance in developmentally appropriate material that will be entertaining for caregivers and babies alike. Smile, Baby! incorporates interactive text about facial features with an embedded mirror throughout. The simple text is complemented by illustrations of animals using the body part specified. "Where is baby's nose?/ There is baby's nose!" includes illustrations of a fox sniffing a flower. 10 Hugs and Kisses features the same animal friends showing affection to one another as they count to 10. The entire series will be welcome in libraries.
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August 12, 2021
Preschool While following a group of animal students throughout its day, the straightforward text in this inviting board book asks the reader to find examples of nine shapes, each of which is highlighted on a page's tab: "Can you point to the diamonds in the art room?" Plenty of examples of each shape in various sizes and configurations appear in the spreads, and while most are easy to identify, others are a little tricky (an oval-shaped clock, for instance, that's only a few shades different from the white background). The cute animal characters that recur in each cheery scene add to the appeal of this charming concept book.
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