Toddler Story Book: What About Me? - Hardcover

PreSchool-Brief texts printed in large, bold type and familiar situations characterize these titles. Bright colors and basic shapes define the few objects placed on each spread; while most of the items will be recognizable to toddlers, some of the illustrations are confusing. In What about Me?, Charlie, a toy cat, becomes jealous when the other animals play with a new kitten named Arthur until a little girl helps him understand that Arthur needs friends, and that he can be one of them. The placement of the animals in the beginning of the story makes it difficult to determine which creature is Charlie, though eventually it becomes clear. Hide and Sleep is told by a little girl. Knowing it's her bedtime, she hides-in the hamper, in the dog bed, behind the couch, and, finally, in her own bed. In one visually unclear sequence, children see an outline of the girl under her red-and-white checked blanket followed by a picture of legs on top of the bedcovers. The flesh-colored legs appear so flat against the patterned blanket that it is difficult to know what exactly is being viewed. Both books present universal situations and emotions. It's too bad the pictures don't do a better job supporting the texts.
Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This entry in the Toddler Story Book series centers on a common desire: the wish to be the center of attention. Katy introduces a small white kitten named Arthur into a play group of other animals, one of whom is Charlie, a large, orange cat who can ride a scooter. Katy counsels the animals that Arthur is new and needs some friends. All but Charlie rush to welcome the newcomer, leaving the orange cat to wonder how he can turn the tables. He stoops to show-off ploys and refuses invitations to join the others. Katy, by making Charlie feel special, negotiates a way for everyone to play together. Casting a toddler as the adult provides a role model in socialization and leadership for little ones; sturdy pages make the book easy to handle and attractive to its intended audience. (Picture book. 1-4) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.