Step by Step by Loreen Leedy
Published by Holiday House on May 8th 2018
ISBN: 0823439399
Pages: 32
Goodreads

“Who walks in the mud? A puppy.” Loren Leedy’s Step by Step leads the youngest of readers on a journey to learn who makes what footprint. Each of the animal’s footprints cascade across the pages with a question and clue along with it.  The answer is revealed when they turn the page and find the animal in question. Leedy’s illustrations are quite realistic although the background colors are slightly on the muted side. highlighting the featured animal. 

Not only will the reader benefit from learning the shape of the footprint, the correct term for each animal as a newborn is presented. For example, the reader learns “fawn”, sea turtle “hatchling”, rabbit “kitten”, and so forth. At the book’s conclusion, more in-depth information is given about each of the animals from birth to “toddler.”

This is a wonderful title to read for an animal storytime. Parents and caregivers will be asked to read it over-and-over again. Step by Step is certain to become one of any toddler’s favorite books.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library