Format: Board Book

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

Gigantosaurus: The Scary Cave

Gigantosaurus: The Scary CaveGigantosaurus: The Scary Cave by Cyber Group Studios
Published by Candlewick Entertainment on July 13, 2021
ISBN: 1536219223
Pages: 14
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

This is a board book based on the Gigantosaurus TV show. The characters from the show decide to explore the the spookiest place they know—the scary cave! Once there, they encounter a number of potentially scary beasts until they realize they’re all harmless dinosaur friends. Everything is harmless until Giganto appears in the cave. The young dinos are chased out of the cave and they realize there is one thing even spookier than the cave, and that’s Giganto! This is a silly and fun board book for fans of the show or of dinosaurs in general. It has a fair number of words on each page so it’s better for a bit older crowd.

Recommended for readers 3 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

A B C Cats

A B C CatsABC Cats: An Alpha-Cat Book by Isabella Kung, Lesléa Newman
Published by Candlewick on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 1536209945
Pages: 26
Genres: Animals, Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the perfect companion board book to Newman’s 1 2 3 Cats.  The talented author/illustrator team have created another enticing book for toddlers and those who read aloud to the younger set.  Each page reveals one adorable cat lounging or playing on a letter in the alphabet.  Individual cats may be adored with jewels, be playing with yarn or in one case swimming.  While unique in size and breed the cats each enjoy their special letter.   The background is white while the letters are large and painted using watercolors in a variety of colors.

As attractive as this board book is the words seem to be somewhat of a stretch for the toddler set.  The rhyme and text will appeal to pre-K children who find words compelling.  Add this to public libraries where board books are collected and gift to nursery and day care programs.   Like 1 2 3 Cats, this title is a good baby shower or first birthday gift.

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

four-stars

1 2 3 Cats

1 2 3 Cats1 2 3 Cats: A Cat Counting Book by Isabella Kung, Lesléa Newman
Published by Candlewick Press on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 1536209953
Pages: 26
Genres: Animals, Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
five-stars

 

Perfect board book that is sure to find its way into public library collections as well as be gifted as a baby present.  1 2 3 Cats is presented in the perfect size for toddler hands.  The dark shades of the cats and the amount of white space make the board book just right for babies to focus on the illustrations.  Readers, both adult and child will appreciate the rhyming text and simple concepts.  Best of all are the mannerisms of individual cats as they play and interact.  The numbers are large and bold while the background is minimal.

Be sure to include this title where board books are collected and use for baby story times.   This playful rhyming board book is sure to be a success with all audiences.  Cat owners will be on the lookout for a look alike to their own cat while they enjoy a baker’s dozen of the cuddly creatures.

 

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

Cream of the Crop

five-stars