15. A FROG IN THE BOG
By Karma Wilson
Illustrated by Joan Rankin
McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, $16.95, ISBN: 0689840810
Chipper rhymes with repeating phrases that also teach numbers 1 through 5 tell the story of a frog who eats what happens by while sitting on a log. A look inside his belly shows expressive fleas, ticks, slugs, and more awaiting escape. When to the frog's utter surprise he finds ... well, you'll just have to read it yourself to find out. A pleasure!
16. THE RACECAR ALPHABET
Written and illustrated by Brian Floca
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, $15.95, ISBN: 0689850913
A hundred years of racecars are detailed and described using the alphabet as a roadway. The alliteration makes for a riotous romp of rollicking, read-aloud recreation. Ample, lively watercolors fill up the large pages wonderfully, capturing the imagination with surprise at times.
17. WE ALL WENT ON SAFARI: A COUNTING JOURNEY THROUGH TANZANIA
By Laurie Krebs
Illustrated by Julia Cairns
Barefoot Books, $15.99, ISBN: 1841484784
Along a counting journey, a group of Maasai wander the plains past ancient craters near the Serengeti gate and discover animals with effortless rhymes and repeating phrases. Gorgeous, vibrant paintings honor the beauty of Tanzania while enticing readers to learn to count in English and Swahili. Outstanding.
