Spring Board Book Round-up, Part I
New Series Board Books
Arrhenius, Ingela. Where’s the Bunny? Candlewick, 01/2024. [10p.] $9.99. 978-1536232004.
The 28th book in this series doesn’t really add anything new, and continues the standard format. There are five spreads, each with a felt flap that reveals an item to answer “Where is?” except in the final page which contains a mylar mirror. The full color block-style artwork is pleasant but the Easter theme limits this entry.
Lin, Grace. “Storytelling Math” series. Charlesbridge, 05/2024. [16p.] $7.99 each.
Donde Estan Los Huevos? Where Are the Eggs? 978-1-62354-404-1.
Una Hermosa Casa Para Pajaros/a Beautiful House for Birds. 978-1-62354-405-8.
Nuestras Manzanas Favoritas/Our Favorite Apples. 978-1-62354-406-5.
Quien Salta Mas? Who Jumps More? 978-1-62354-407-2.
Four new entries in the bilingual Spanish/English versions of the “Storytelling Math” series use the same full color cartoon-like illustrations and English text as the originals, just adding the Spanish text. Each also contains a note for parents on how to use the books to reinforce the concepts that are described. The simple stories demonstrate size comparisons, counting, patterns, sorting, and positioning. The also describe colors and encourage the child to look for things in the pictures. Sure to be useful as well as popular.
Spiro, Ruth. “Baby Loves Science” series. Illus. by Irene Chan. Charlesbridge, 06/2024. [20p.] $8.99 each.
Baby Loves Automotive Engineering! 978-1-62354-398-3.
Baby Loves Paleontology! 978-1-62354-397-6.
Although these topics may seem too complex for toddlers, these board books explain the scientific concepts clearly and simply. Paleontology talks about fossils and dinosaurs, and would be a great book before a visit to a children’s science museum. Automotive Engineering begins with how a stroller rolls using force to resist friction, then moves onto how cars use engines for the force. Because the examples use items a toddler knows, the concepts can be understood by the target audience. The colorful cartoon illustrations show babies from various racial groups, too.
Penny Peck, SJSU iSchool
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