FICTION

Bears Are Big

by Douglas FLORIAN
9781499803662. ea vol: illus. by Barbara Bakos. 18p. (Animals Play). little bee. Feb. 2017. Board $6.99.
COPY ISBN
Toddler-PreS—Simple, charming rhymes; vivid colors; and gentle, friendly animals make these selections a delight for babies and young toddlers. In Bears Are Big, readers are treated to a variety of creatures, presented in contrasting pairs, such as a bear and bees, shrews and giraffes, and hippos and butterflies. There are two incongruous pairs of animals smack in the middle of the tale that do not seem to be opposites: "Rhinos have horns. Tigers have tails. Turtles have hard shells. So do snails." Although babies will not notice this inconsistency, their parents may wonder at its inclusion. Although odd, it does not ultimately take away from the pleasure of the story. Flamingos Fly highlights the many ways that animals move, told in a calming, singsong rhythm: "Prairie dogs dig. Lizards lunge. Into the water pelicans plunge."
VERDICT With inviting illustrations and skillful prose, these are worthy additions to board book collections.
Reviewed by Kristy Pasquariello, Wellesley Free Library, MA , Dec 01, 2016

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