Format: Board Book

I Kissed the Baby!

I Kissed the Baby!I Kissed the Baby! by Mary Murphy
Published by Candlewick Press on December 16, 2004
ISBN: 0763624438
Pages: 24
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

This adorable board book is obviously intended for the new baby and its toddler siblings. The illustrations are created in black and white so that young eyes can focus on the pages. A simple storyline takes youngsters through a variety of animals who have already met the baby but it is the last few two-page spreads that light up the book. Readers are offered the opportunity to meet and perhaps kiss the baby bird. Although this is a reissue in board book format it is recommended for public libraries that do not have the title in their collection. I Kissed the Baby! Is an ideal baby shower gift.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

100 Animals

100 Animals100 Animals (lift-the-flap padded board book) by Steve Jenkins
Published by Clarion Books on February 23, 2021
ISBN: 0358105455
Pages: 14
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

This is a board book with 100 animals displayed and named. Each two page spread features a different habitat—underwater, underground, treetop, etc. Each page has one flap that lifts to display a different drawing of the same animal. This book is simply listing and picturing the animals, there is no information about them. As a board book, it is good for babies who love flaps and different colors. Recommended for readers newborn to 2 yrs.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Hello, Tiger! Full of Flaps and Facts!

Hello, Tiger! Full of Flaps and Facts!Hello, Tiger! by Sam Boughton
Series: Animal facts and flaps
Published by Templar Books, Candlewick Press on August 4, 2021
ISBN: 1536217158
Pages: 16
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book, Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Little ones will love greeting a group of friendly jungle animals in this delightful lift-the-flap book. Sam Boughton’s vibrant illustrations bring facts to life with deft humor and memorable comparisons. With big flaps to lift and a fantastic double gatefold on the last spread, this book is sure to please young animal lovers!
Say hello to all your favorite jungle animals in this bright and friendly nonfiction novelty title.

Authentically illustrated animals and caricatures of diverse children interact on the pages of this creative nonfiction board book.  Ten jungle animals are introduced to young toddlers in a colorful and playful way.  Older toddlers and preschool children will enjoy the information provided both under the flaps and within the content of the text.  Simple scientific facts related to eating habits and animal behaviors are covered and explained for the more questioning child.

Illustrations are colorful and the animal expressions are delightful.  The font appears to be the work of a child making the book all the more delightful

As the most recent title of the Lift the Flap series this title will be enjoyed for years.   The series would be well accepted in a public library and equally appreciated in a nursery school.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.

four-stars

Wiggle, Walk, Wash! Baby’s First Animals

Wiggle, Walk, Wash! Baby’s First AnimalsWiggle, Walk, Wash! Baby's First Animals by Elliot Kruszynski
Published by Candlewick Press on September 14, 2021
ISBN: 1536217794
Pages: 18
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

Seven adorable parent child animal pairs are displayed on colorful pages.  The simple text, size of the font, animal sounds and bright backgrounds contribute to the overall desirability of this board book.  Toddlers will want to hug each baby animal as they experience the joy of a variety of active farm, domestic and wild animals.  Most youngsters will be familiar with animal sounds but some may wonder what a wriggle sounds like.  The mirror is sure to entertain little ones for at least a minute while their face is surrounded by giggling characters.

Add this to public libraries who collect board books and gift to toddlers you love.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

Who Needs a Hug?

Who Needs a Hug?Who Needs a Hug? by Dean Hacohen, Sherry Scharschmidt
Published by Candlewick Press on October 26, 2021
ISBN: 9781536212495
Pages: 24
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
five-stars

Everyone needs a hug sometimes, and for the youngest of listeners, this board book offers the chance to discuss feelings and situations when a hug is appropriate. Hippo has a skinned knee. Penguin has dropped its fish. Raccoon doesn’t like loud noises. Gopher is scared. Bear gets stung by a bee. All scenarios provide ample opportunity for discussion and building empathy. Ending with “Do you sometimes need a hug?” to provide another opportunity for a child to relate his feelings and the awareness that the comfort of a hug can make things feel better.

 

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Where’s the chick?

Where’s the chick?Where's the Chick? by Ingela P. Arrhenius
Published by Nosy Crow ISBN: 1536207519
Pages: 10
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

A very sweet, simple board book for very young children. Felt panels cover answers to simple questions with a mirror surprise at the end these panels have lasted better that paper flaps. Standard board book for the very young.

For ages 6 months to 4.

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

four-stars

Where’s Brian’s Bottom?

Where’s Brian’s Bottom?Where's Brian's Bottom? by Rob Jones
Published by Pavilion Childrens GB on February 3, 2021
ISBN: 1843654660
Pages: 12
Genres: Animals, Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

As the cover of this board book says, it’s a veeeeerrrry long fold-out book, and kids will love it. Brian, the wiener dog, has been stretched out over several rooms and amongst many other pets. One side of the accordion is wordless and the reader can just follow Brian’s long, red body; the other side has simple repetitive text and animal names and sounds. Either way, the reader is encouraged to go through each space and interact with each animal in an effort to find Brian’s rear end. Bright and colorful with a palette of primary colors, little readers will be delighted by this book that feels like you’re let in on a secret, first because of the surprising length once opened, and again by the discovery of the location of Brian’s bottom (still in bed). A fun addition to a collection, but one that might not make it through too many circulations.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

What Do You Say Little Blue Truck?

What Do You Say Little Blue Truck?What Do You Say, Little Blue Truck? (sound book) by Alice Schertle, Jill McElmurry
Series: Little Blue Truck #9
Published by Clarion Books on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 9780358561958
Pages: 20
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

A novelty book that is 9th in the Little Blue Truck series. Interactive sounds correspond with the text that includes fairly realistic animal sounds – oink, moo, baa, naa, quack, naa, and neigh – and the beep of the Little Blue Truck. Almost a rebus book so children can match the picture with the sound board on the side. Likely not a good choice for a library but my 18-month old grandson will love it! There is a button on the back so you can turn the sounds off and to preserve the battery.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Prehistoric pets

Prehistoric petsPrehistoric Pets by Dr. Dean Lomax, Mike Love
Published by Templar Books on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 153621714X
Pages: 30
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a pop-up book that explores the relationship between common pets and their prehistoric ancestors. From snakes to guinea pigs to dogs, this book includes many of your favorite pets. Each two page spread begins with information about a common pet, then the pop-up flap opens up another two page spread of information about the prehistoric animal. The digitally rendered illustrations are full of color and are more cartoonish than realistic in nature. The pages are thick like a board book, but this book is so packed with information, it’s recommended for readers 7 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Sun Shines on the Sea

The Sun Shines on the SeaThe Sun Shines on the Sea by Michael Slack
Published by Candlewick Press on September 15, 2021
ISBN: 1536215694
Pages: 20
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

The Sun Shines on the Sea by Michael Slack is an educational board book that introduces the food chain to young children. The book begins with the first line of the title- the sun shines on the sea.  Each page depicts what eats what.  The phytoplankton grows from the sun’s warmth and is the beginning of the food chain. The krill eat the phytoplankton next and then larger fish eat that. The fish gradually keep getting larger and larger until the end when the largest fish of all- the great blue whale eats a cloud of krill. This may be a surprise to children that it does not eat a huge fish!  The ending and the beginning are identical by ending with the same line. The sun shines on the sea and all of the food chain are shown  happily in the sea together.

Children will enjoy opening the various flaps on the fish and seeing what is hiding inside of their stomachs. An enjoyable book that is fun to look at and learn about the different creatures in the sea and their food choices.

 

Reviewed by Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars