Charlie & Trike in the Grand Canyon Adventure

The Grand Canyon has long been a favorite topic among creation scientists (scientists who believe the Bible offers a literal explanation of the world's beginnings); and in Charlie and Trike in the Grand Canyon Adventure, written by Ken Ham and Karen Hansel, a little monkey named Charlie and his friend, a dinosaur named Trike, take their first trip to that magnificent natural wonder.

Charlie is immediately suspicious of their tour guide, a burly man with an eye patch, but soon forgets his worries as he discovers two fossils of sea creatures. How did they end up in the middle of the canyon? Trike talks about Noah's flood, and how this explains why sea creature fossils are found in places far from the ocean. Charlie isn't sure he believes in the flood - then he notices his food is disappearing. Immediately he thinks their pirate-looking tour guide is stealing it...Not long after, their tour guide saves Charlie's life.

Reflecting on how wrong he was about their tour guide, Charlie asks Trike how he knows the Bible is true. "We have to trust the One Who gave people the Bible," he replies. Just like Charlie had to trust their tour guide to help him. And the thief? Turns out it's a little squirrel. Charlie admits to their guide, "I was wrong about you from the start."

Throughout the book are fun features like flaps to lift, envelopes with notes inside, foldable maps, and mini books pasted inside to shed more light on specific topics like fossils, Noah's flood, etc.

What I Like: I really like all the little extras that come with this book; every kid loves lift-the-flaps, and my children are also fascinated by the mini books, maps, and so on. I also appreciate having a book that tries to explain the the Grand Canyon from a biblical perspective.

What I Dislike: I appreciate Ken Ham's work, but he is not a strong writer, especially when it comes to children's books. Among the faults in this book are that sometimes the story jumps oddly. For example, the first page talks about Charlie getting ready for his trip. Then you turn the page and suddenly he's getting into the tour bus. It confused my kids. The authors also don't give a decent explanation about why we should believe the Bible; I know this topic could take a book to thoroughly cover, but surely the authors could have come up with something more compelling than, "just believe." The illustrations by Portland Studios are okay - a sort of computer animation style - but I would have preferred something that could show off the beauty of the Canyon better.

Overall Rating: Because I know of no other children's book for this age group that explains the Grand Canyon as a creation of Noah's flood, I give this book a Good rating. And - especially if you're visiting the Grand Canyon or studying it in school - this book still makes a decent addition to the family bookshelf.

Age Appeal: I'd say 6 to 9 or so.

Publishing Info: New Leaf Publishing; 2010; ISBN: 978-0890515693; hardback, 24 pgs., $15.99.

Special Info: Although this book says it's the first in a series called The Green Notebook, I cannot see that any other series books were actually published. You may also wish to visit Ham's Answers in Genesis for kids website or see the book's trailer at ChristianBook.com.

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Busy Bible Storybook

Looking for an attractive, sturdy, interactive Bible storybook for your toddler? Check out Busy Bible Storybook, by Jill Roman Lord. The book has a thick, padded cover, double heavy inner pages, and durable moving parts. Each two-page spread highlights one story from the Bible: Creation, Noah’s ark, the Exodus, Daniel and the lion’s den, Jonah, and the birth of Christ. Each has a heading, a Scripture reference, and 8 lines of rhyming verse summarizing the story. Every turn of the page provides kids with an opportunity to pull tabs, move a wheel, lift a flap, or enjoy a pop-up image. The illustrations, done by Trace Moroney, are bright and engaging with enough detail to hold the readers interest. The illustrator included people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. I found the pictures darling—cute without being “cute-sie”.
Here is an example of four of the lines from the story of creation: The Lord God created the earth and the seas,/ the plants and the grass, bright flowers and trees./ He placed the sun high in the sky to shine bright,/ and the moon and the stars glow in the night.
What I Like: I loved the feel and look of the book. It is built to withstand toddler-powered wear-and-tear. I think kids familiar with these Bible stories will love reading the book over and over. Parents will appreciate it as a fresh way of introducing or reinforcing these mostly old-testament favorites.
What I Dislike: These are not dislikes as much as things to be aware of. The lift the tab on the whale is the most vulnerable feature of the book. Unlike the other strong movable parts, the paper on the flap is much thinner. However, parents aware of this can ensure youngsters treat this particular page with care. Also, the stories are very much abbreviated, probably to appeal to a young audience. Parents might need to supply more details or background information to explain things like why God sent the flood, who Moses was, and so on. Finally, the rhythms in the verses are not perfect. I stumbled a few times, but still felt like they were well written.
Overall Rating: Excellent as a durable interactive book, and with the understanding that stories are not told in full detail.
Age Appeal: No age is given, but this one is definitely geared for the toddler/ preschool age group.
Publisher Info: Kregel Kidzone, 2006; ISBN: 978-0825455292; Board Book, 12 pgs., $12.99.
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The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas

Arranging the nativity scene is a highlight of the Berenstain Bears' Christmas in Jan and Mike Berenstain's new book The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas.

This is a simple little book showing the Bear family decorating for the holiday. In a box, they find baby Jesus in the manager - but they have to search throughout the house to find other elements of the nativity scene, each found under a lift-the-flap. For example, the "three wise bears" are behind the mantle clock, an angel is behind a vase of flowers, and the sheep are inside a cupboard door.

The book ends:

"Now the Bear family sets up their manager scene.
'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!' says the whole Bear family."

What I Like: I really like the simplicity of this book; it does a good job of introducing or re-familiarizing young children with the basic elements of the Christmas story. And naturally, my 3 year old loved the lift-the-flaps. I'm also sure he'll be much more excited about our own nativity scene this year, due to this book.

What I Dislike: All lift-the-flap books are fragile, but this one has thinner flaps and pages than some others. Still, they seem strong - and so far my son hasn't ripped any of the flaps.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 2 to kindergarten.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz; 2011; ISBN: 978-0310720829; paperback, 12 pgs., $6.99.

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of Berenstain Bear books.

Thank You God from Kids Around the World

Focusing on thankfulness while introducing children to our similarities and wonderful differences is what Thank You, God from Kids Around the World by Allia Zobel Nolan is all about.

Nolan is well known for her well written rhyming children's books, and this, her newest title, is no less well executed. Sometimes she has children thanking God for regionally specific things (like Lady Liberty, Chinese dragon kites, Indian curry, or Egyptian camels) and occasionally for universals (like parents and God's love).

The illustrations by Miki Sakamoto compliment the text beautifully, with bright colors and cute kid faces. Many pages also feature a flap kids can lift.

What I Like: My 6 year old was fascinated to see images of children in other lands. (Her favorite? The illustration of a Chinese family.) She had fun guessing which countries the children were from, and her nearly 3 year old brother loved learning about them, too. The images are colorful, the text is well written, the theme is important. What's not to like?

What I Dislike: Nothing, really, although it would have been nice to have some written indication of which countries were being featured, perhaps with a few bits of factual information to help parents teach their children more about children around the world.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, but I think this book is most appropriate for 2 to 6.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz; 2011; ISBN: 978-0310722649; paperback, 16 pgs., $6.99.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other Allia Zobel Nolan books.

Dragons: Legends & Lore of Dinosaurs

Among creationists (scientists and laymen who believe in a literal biblical account of creation) there is the thought that stories of dragons actually refer to real dinosaurs. That's what Bill Looney's Dragons: Legends and Lore of Dinosaurs is all about.

In this interactive volume, kids explore what truth there might be behind old stories of dragons. First, the author introduces dragon legends from around the globe, including those from Greece, China, North America, the United Kingdom, and South America. Photographs of ancient art depicting creatures who can only be described as dinosaurs is also included. An attached mini book offers eyewitness accounts, including those from Marco Polo, John of Damascus, Alexander the Great, and the biblical book of Job. There is a two page spread on dragons in the Bible. (Did you know the King James version mentions them repeatedly - and not just in reference to Satan?) The authors even speculate on how dinosaurs fit in with Noah's ark. Another section deals with famous dragon slayers, including St. George and St. Margaret of Antioch. Toward the end of the book, the author questions whether accounts of such creatures as the Loch Ness Monster could really be stories of living dinosaurs.

What I Like: There are lift the flaps, attached envelopes with papers inside, attached mini books, and other interactive features all over this book, making it perfect for reluctant readers. The topic is also fascinating - even for adults. All in all, this is a beautifully put together book with engaging and often colorful illustrations and photographs.

What I Dislike: There are some delicate features in this volume. For example, it was tough for me to open the attached envelopes without tearing them. And the papers inside? I can see how they might easily get lost.
Overall Rating: Very good.
Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 9 to 12, although some younger kids will enjoy looking at this book and having it read to them.
Publishing Info: Master Books, 2011; ISBN: 978-0890515587; hardback, 24 pgs., $17.99.

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The Dreamy, Fishy, Happy Bible Storybook

For kids who love lift-the-flap books Allia Zobel Nolan's The Dreamy, Fishy, Happy Bible Storybook is a nice choice. Featuring 6 two-page Bible stories (Noah's ark, Jacob's dream, the plagues of Egypt, Jesus' birth, Jesus feeding 5,000, and the resurrection), most pages feature only one large flap, but Noah's ark has lots of smaller flaps.

The text is in quality rhyme and gives the basic jist of each story, along with a scripture reference so parents can help their kids learn more. Here's an example of the text:

"God told Noah, his friend, 'You must build a big boat,
I am sending some rain, so make sure it can float.
Expect animals too. There will be quite a crowd.
And with that crew, it's bound to get awfully loud.'"

What I Like: This is a cute book, and ideal for kids who love to lift flaps. The illustrations by Nadine Wickenden are detailed and fun (and sometimes funny; my favorite is the image of various plagues hitting an Egyptian dinner table). The text, while basic, has character. Both my kids (ages 2 and 5) are highly attracted to this book.

What I Dislike: Nothing, but if you're looking for a book with more than just a basic outline of famous Bible stories, this one isn't for you.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4 to 8, according to the publisher, but I'd say 2 to 5.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 978-0310717980; board book, 12 pgs., $9.99

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Special Info: The angels in Jacob's dream are shown with halos. In the image of Jesus after the resurrection, he also has a halo. Also, see our review for other books by this author.

Moving Windows Bible Stories

Young children love novelty books, so what better way to introduce some basic Bible stories - or keep your child's interest going in the Bible - than a book like Moving Windows Bible Stories? This book features 3D pictures that appear when you turn the pages, combined with tabs to pull to make certain elements in the pictures move.

For example, a colorful Noah's Ark appears when you open the book. If children move a large flap, they get a view of the animals inside. And if they pull a tab, an elephant and lion move.

Other stories included are David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions den, Jonah in the big fish, and baby Jesus' birth.

Each story is very brief - just one short paragraph. For example, here's the text for David and Goliath:

"'Who will fight me!' roars the giant Goliath. 'You're all too scared!' But David the shepherd boy says, 'I will!' He whirls his sling. A stone flies through the air. WHIZZZZ! It hits Goliath on his head. Pull the tab! CRRRRRAAAASHHHH! The giant Goliath falls with a thud. David keeps his people safe."

What I Like: Both my 4 year old and my 21 month old love this book. The text is just about right for my toddler and both kids love the 3D illustrations and the tabs.
What I Dislike: The story of Noah and the ark isn't given at all. We simply read about animals being safe on a big boat.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but I'd say baby to preschool.

Publishing Info: Candle, 2007; ISBN: 978-0825473463; hardback, $15.99

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The Christmas Baby

The Christmas Baby by Sally Ann Wright tells the story of Jesus' birth in simple, yet beautiful prose. Each page offers a subtitle, beginning with "Mary and the Angel." The text also covers Mary's visit with Elizabeth, her trip to Bethlehem, the lack of room at the inn, the shepherds, the angels, the star and the wise men.

Honor Ayres served as illustrator and filled the pages with soft, pastel watercolors. Readers should note that Jesus is pictured as a baby in the manger and again as a young boy worshiped by wise men. None of the characters wear halos. The final page offers a lovely pop-up illustration of the Nativity scene.

As an added novelty, the book includes an lift-the-flap advent calendar.


What I Like: I like the flow and tone of the book. It doesn't try to rhyme! The text is beautifully written without gimmicks or cutesy-kid language. It doesn't talk down to the readers. It's very sweet in nature, yet full of accurate information. This book includes some details frequently overlooked, like Mary's visit with her aunt Elizabeth who was also pregnant by God's intervention. The pop-up illustration at the end is great.

What I Dislike: My biggest problem with this book is the way the author handled Joseph. He is pictured throughout the book with Mary, but the text fails to explain why. His presence is only acknowledged once. On the page about the census and Mary's journey to Bethlehem it reads: "She went with Joseph, the village carpenter." That's it. The text continues to explain "Many other people were traveling the same road." This makes it sound like Joseph is just some random guy rather than a man chosen by God to help Mary raise Jesus.

My other dislikes are minor. I like the illustrations, but they are very light, almost washed out in some spots. (The cover illustration does not reflect the interior illustrations.) Bolder colors choices and greater contrast would add to the interest, especially for boys within the target age range. Also, the advent calendar seems a last-minute added novelty. It is provided on the first page without any introduction or instructions. There are no prompts explaining what it is or how to use it. The book is obviously not meant for families new to Christianity or unfamiliar with traditional advent practices.

Overall Rating: Very Good. (Even considering my complaints, I still recommend this book. The quality of writing makes up for the book's shortcomings.)

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2008; ISBN: 1400313015; Hardback; $12.99

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Come and See the Baby Jesus!

Come and See Baby Jesus! is part of The Beginner's Bible series.

To encourage interaction, this large Christmas boardbook offers 50 fun lift-and-see flaps. These stretch the reader's education beyond the Christmas story to basic foundations in counting, colors, shapes, animal sounds and animal babies. Each two-page spread focuses on one of these areas of learning, while also providing a short segment of the biblical account of Jesus' birth. It begins with the angel's announcement to Mary, includes her journey with Joseph, the angels' appearance to the shepherds and finally the birth in Bethlehem.

The illustrations by Kelly Pulley follow the same innocent, cartoon style of all the books in this series. They feature distinct outlines, plenty of bold colors and an attractive airbrushed look.

What I Like: My kids love lift-the-flap books. I like that the story prompts kids to discover hidden elements in the illustrations with questions like "What shapes can you find?" or "What sounds do Mary and Joseph hear?" The book format is big and sturdy and should stand up well to toddler love and abuse.

What I Dislike: It offers no biblical references. Also, the text doesn't flow well. It seems stilted and awkward, which gives more focus to the general education aspects than to the biblical teaching.

Overall Rating: For toddlers and preschoolers, I rate this "Very Good." For kindergartners and up, I give it a slightly lower rating: "Good."

Age Appeal: The publisher says "3 and up." I recommend 2-5.

Publisher Info: ZonderKidz, 2009; ISBN: 0310717124; Boardbook; $9.99

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Special Info: There are several books within The Beginner's Bible series. Follow this link to see which of those titles we have reviewed here at CCBR.

God Helps You

God Helps You is a lift-the-flap book written by Julie Clayden and illustrated by Lizzie Finlay. Readers join a young boy named George as he learns about people in the Bible and what their stories can teach him about God. Each two-page spread follows the same format: God can ... (do this) ... even if ... (you face this challenge). When readers lift the flap, they discover how God did just that for someone in the Bible.

For example: "God can give you friends, even if ... you move to a different place. When Ruth moved to a different country, she didn't know anyone. But God gave her new friends, a husband and a family."

The text discusses Ruth, Moses, Gideon, David, Martha, Daniel, and Jonah.

The simple illustrations are bright and colorful, very appealing to young children.

What I Like: The format, the illustrations, the color, the content ... It's a great book! My kids ask for it over and over again. I love that it encourages them to trust God in every circumstance. What a valuable lesson!

What I Dislike: My only complaint is that the text actually starts on the inside cover before the title page. I missed it the first time I read the book. This is a very minor point.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 2-5

Publisher Info: ZonderKidz, 2008; ISBN: 0310716691; Hardback; $9.99

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Favorite Secular Book: Sharing: How Kindness Grows

When Ellie and Zach started struggling with how and why to share, I searched everywhere for a good book to teach them the benefits. I didn't find much in the Christian market, but found an excellent book in the secular market. It is my top pick for this week's theme.

Sharing: How Kindness Grows is a bright, engaging book written by Fran Shaw, Ph.D. It is a board book (The pages are thinner than most board books, but still sturdy enough for toddlers.) with lift-the-flap pages. Each two-page spread tells how sharing is kind, helpful and fun. Children can lift the flaps to see how sharing changes the situation -- those who are sad become happy; a sand castle is built by sharing tools; pictures are made by sharing crayons, etc.

The best part of this book, though, is in the chain reaction. Christopher shares with Nate, so Nate shares with Jennifer. Jennifer then shares Amy and so on. Children learn that sharing makes friendships grow. The last page of the book reveals a beautiful pop-up circle of all the friends who share. "Sharing gives us a happy feeling, and that feeling grows as it gets passed along ... Each time we share with each other, we fill the world with kindness."

The book is illustrated by Miki Sakamato. Each page is filled to the brim with color. Children of several ethnicities are represented in the illustrations and as main characters.

What I Like: Everything. One of my favorite aspects is the versatility shown in sharing. Sharing is not just about toys. This books shows children sharing toys, but also sharing food, drinks, crayons, a swing and even a hug. My kids love this book. I usually add to the beginning or end "This is why God likes it when we share!"

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent!

Age Appeal: Baby-Preschool

Publisher Info: Reader's Digest, 2006; ISBN: 0794411436; board book; $14.99

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Top 15 Favorites of Tanya's Children

Yesterday Kristina shared her daughter's top 15 favorite books of all time. Today it's my turn!

Choosing just fifteen favorite books was difficult for me because I have two children: one very girlie-girl who is 3, and one rough-and-tumble boy who is 20 months. Some of these are Zach's favorites and some are Isabel's favorites. Most of them are favorites to both -- just to greater degrees at different ages and stages. Without further ado, and in no particular order ...

I Love You, Stinky Face, written by Lisa McCourt and illustrated by Cyd Moore, is definitely the all-time favorite in our house! Similar to the children's classic Runaway Bunny, this board book follows a child questioning the depths of a mother's love. "What if I were a big, scary ape? Would you still love me then?" The child's mother repeatedly offers creative solutions and ways to show she loves him even then. My kids love travelling through the child's imaginations, pretending to be a smelly skunk or a slimey swap monster and eating yummy bugs like a green alien from Mars. And the illustrations are delightful. Bon appetit!

Toes are to Tickle was written by Shen Roddie and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. I was given this book at my baby shower for Isabel. Now, three years later, we are on our second copy. We have read this book nearly every night and every morning forever! It is a delightful tale of family and life with simple, warm illustrations. Definitely a favorite -- and one I now give as shower gifts!

Inside Noah's Ark by Charles Reasoner takes much longer to read than you might think. It has very little text, but my kids love playing a 'Where's Waldo' type game with all the animals pictured! This is the strongest board book I've found. It's fantastic. See my full review of this book here at CCBR.

Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? is by Dr. Suess. My mother got this board book for Isabel when she was first learning her animal noises. It quickly became a favorite! It's small, a perfect size for keeping in the diaper bag for emergency 'calm downs'. My kids love trying to make all the sounds Mr. Brown can do ... from crowing like a rooster to whispering like a butterfly.

Cars, Trucks, Planes and Trains is by Fisher Price and features the 'Little People' characters. It is a sturdy lift-the-flap book that both my kids 'read' almost every day. Each two-page spread focuses on a different area of learning -- shapes, colors, counting and matching. It's a wonderful, interactive teaching tool.

bright baby trucks is one book that is just Zach's. He won't let his sister touch it! It doesn't have any text -- just names and photographs of different kinds of trucks, but he LOVES this book. You can find him several times a day looking through it and imitating the sounds of each truck. The bright colors are fabulous.

Izzy the Lizzy by Renee Riva is not just one of my kids' favorites; it's one of mine, too! This book teaches children about mercy by following a lizard, a spider and a bee. Isabel loves the gently dangerous tale and the whimsical illustrations. (Her grandfather occassionally calls her "Izzy", so that adds to the attraction.) See my full review of this book and another by this creative author.

Peekaboo Kisses by Barney Saltzberg is a touch-and-feel book with full-page flaps for infants to open. Kids can feel the wool of a sheep, squeek a mouse's belly and more. Each page reads "Peekaboo, I see ..." and then names the animal and the kisses. It's so sweet and colorful! It ends with a non-breakable mirror. What kid doesn't love that?

The Circus Alphabet by Linda Bronson is a delight to read. My kids love the pictures and the easy rhymes. Isabel has the book memorized and now "reads" it to Zach! Each page of this book features one or two letters of the alphabet with full-page photographs of claymation-type characters from the circus. It's bright and colorful.

My Many Colored Days by Dr. Suess is terrific for teaching colors and emotions. In this vivid board book, children learn it's okay to feel different ways. Somedays we're happy and pink and somedays we feel down and brown ... Another great addition to any toddler collection.

My Bible Storybook is part of the God Counts! series. It features 3D pieces and shaped cut-outs. Of all the children's Bibles we have (and we have many!) this one is the favorite. It's not a whole Bible, but covers some major stories in short rhymes. The pictures are bright and inviting. Check out the full review here on CCBR.

My kids adore every book in the Cow Adventure Series by Todd A. Smith. Each one follows Cow and her farm animal friends as they learn about God. See my full review of Cow in the Rain, an adaptation of The Good Samaritan parable found in Luke 10. Cow at the Circus relates to children the story of The Prodigal Son. Each book is filled with comic book type illustrations, colorful and bold.

Angelina Ballerina , written by Katharine Holabird and illustrated by Helen Craig, is a must-have for every little girl's library. Angelina is a sweet, little mouse who loves to dance. It's filled endearing illustrations. My daughter loves this book! (And the series of corresponding videos!)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar has seen better days in this house. We've worn it out! Kids love counting and naming all the foods this growing catapillar devours. Filled with vivid colors and small cut-outs perfectly sized for tiny fingers, it is with good reason this book is Eric Carle's most popular.

I'd Be Your Princess is the newest addition to our list of favorites. Isabel has insisted we read it every day (sometimes several times in succession) since we got it! Every girl dreams of being a princess. This book by Kathryn O'Brien (illustrated by Michael Garland) encourages that dream while reminding readers there is more to being royalty than just priviledges. The author teaches godly character and responsibility throughout the book's adventures. Scripture is sprinkled throughout. It's a wonderful book! Stay tuned for a full review coming soon.

My Child's Top 15 Favorite Books

A well rounded bookshelf should contain both Christian and secular books. But there are plenty of places to read reviews for secular picture books, so why would we choose to post about them at Christian Children's Book Review? Well, we thought it might be fun - and helpful - for you to know what books our kids love the best. So, without further ado, here are my 20 month old daughter's all-time favorite books:

Lift & Look Colors by Soft Play. My daughter has adored this book since she was two months old. It's a foam, and loaded with bright colors and lots of animals. Every other page also has two foam puzzle pieces that my daughter loves taking out and trying to put back in. Just be sure that children who still love to put things in their mouth are supervised with this book, as they could chew off the foam.

Little One, God Made You by Amy Warren Hilliker. My daughter chooses to have me read this book at least three times every day. She smiles at the babies and toddlers pictured in it, and I love the great message. Click here to see my full review of this title.

Busy Kitties by John Schindel. This little board book gets read several times each day, too. It contains a simple ryhme and lots of photos of real-life kitties.

Little One's Bible Verses by Stephen Elkins. My daughter has recently take a strong shine to this book, which is fabulous, since each page contains one Bible verse. Click here to read my full review of this title.

First Songs with illustrations by Jane Swift. Of all the nursery ryhme books we have, this is the one my daughter loves best. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and the book includes favorite Mother Goose rhymes (like "Jack and Jill" and "Hickory Dickory Dock"), as well as traditional childhood songs like "Yankee Doodle" and "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush." (It doesn't matter if you don't know the music to these songs; just read the rhymes!)

Baby Says Peek A Boo by Dorling Kindersley. When my daughter was too young to lift the flaps on more delicate books, she delighted in this book with strong, nearly full-page flaps. Plus the book has great photos of babies and a shatter-proof mirror for your child to see herself in, too.

Touch and Feel Pets, Baby Animals, and Farm Animals by DK Publishing. No baby or toddler should be without these three books. Each page has photographs of real animals, plus cut outs with fabrics simulating a sheep's coat, an elephant's ear, etc.

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt. This is the original "touch and feel" book, and it's great for the many stages of babyhood. At first, my daughter only enjoyed hearing me read it, then she liked looking at herself in the included shatterproof mirror, then she learned to "play peek a boo with Paul," touch "daddy's scratch face" (made of sandpaper), and put her finger through "mummy's ring" (a hole in the book).

What Do You Do? by Mandy Stanley. Each pages features a colorful drawing of an animal, with text explaining what the animal does. (Example: "Hen hen, what do you do? I lay eggs!") As you read, make appropriate animal noises, and you'll have a big hit.

Windows to Color by Julie Aigner-Clark. I am not a big fan of Baby Einstein products; I think, generally, they are only so-so in quality. However, this book is great. It has cut-out shapes (something my daughter loves), and photographs of animals, a fire truck, lemons, etc., to help teach color. My favorite part is that each color is also represented by a piece of artwork (including works by van Gogh, Chagall, Degas, and O'Keeffe).

Whose Nose and Toes? by John Butler. One page features the nose and toes of a baby animal, while the following page tells which animal they belong to. This book is of endless amusement to my tot.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. This classic book teaches animal names and colors. I like to add appropriate animal noises, too; if it were up to my daughter, I'd read this to her all day long!

Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr. Seuss. This may be the longest single book my daughter can sit through...and she loves every moment. This volume is all about fun rhymes and great sounds.

Moo, Ba, La La La by Sandra Boynton. From her infancy, my daughter has loved this simple book with cartoon-like illustrations of animals and rhyming text about the sounds they make.